Barbara Bruce Bolt

Barbara Bruce Bolt was born at a Naval Hospital in Long Beach, California. She was the daughter of Lt. Col. John F. "Jack" Bolt, USMC, a fighter ace in both World War II and Korea, and his wife, Dorothy Wiggins Bolt, a fourth-generation member of the pioneer Leffler family of Sanford, Florida. During Barb's childhood, the family moved from station to station before settling in Sanford, when she was thirteen.

Her father, an accomplished hunter and skin diver, introduced Barbara and her older brother to life on the water and in the woods and, during the family's three years in Hawaii, to mountains and jungles. She developed a love of nature and adventure that would remain with her throughout her life. By age eight she was an accomplished water skier, by age nine a strong swimmer and open-ocean diver, and by age ten she was climbing mountains and was as comfortable on horseback as she was in the water.

Because recreational SCUBA diving was still in its infancy, Barbara received her training from Navy frogmen attached to Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay. For her final qualification, at age nine she completed a mile-and-a-half open-ocean swim without mask or fins, a feat that some of her fellow students, adult Marines, were unable to accomplish. Those early experiences and the family's sink-or-swim mentality helped shape a woman of uncommon courage, self-confidence, and self-sufficiency. There was very little Barbara feared and very little she was unwilling to attempt.

After returning to Sanford, Barbara distinguished herself as a competitive swimmer. According to a former principal, her backstroke record remained on the high school gymnasium record board for decades.

Barbara attended the University of Florida and graduated from the University of West Florida. In 1976 she moved to Tampa and began a distinguished career in financial services. Long before private wealth management became fashionable, she embraced hourly financial planning and advocated low-cost Vanguard mutual funds for her clients. They knew that their interests always came first, and many became lifelong friends.

One of those clients was Karen Clarke. Their first meeting changed both of their lives. It was love at first sight. Barbara and Karen shared thirty-six wonderful years together and were married at the earliest opportunity afforded by law. They spent many happy summers and autumns near Brevard, North Carolina, where they eventually built a beautiful home overlooking a lake. Yet their deepest roots remained in South Tampa, where Karen's family had lived for four generations and where they chose to spend their final years.

Together they designed and built their dream home in Parkland Estates. Barbara tended her unconventional garden, rich with native plants, and they enjoyed frequent family gatherings, close friendships, and regular visits to North Carolina.

Then tragedy struck. Karen suffered a sudden stroke on February 14 of this year and died two days later. Barbara was devastated by the loss of her beloved wife and soulmate. Despite the love and constant support of family, friends, and neighbors, the grief proved overwhelming. On May 29, 2026, three months and thirteen days after Karen's death, Barbara passed away unexpectedly.

Barbara was remarkably brave and independent, but those who knew her best will remember most her consideration for the well-being of others, her generosity, and her capacity for deep and lasting love. She leaves behind devoted family members and friends, and memories of a life lived on her own terms.

A celebration of Barbara's life will be held on Saturday, June 20, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the home of her brother, Bob Bolt, 213 Blanca Avenue on Davis Islands in Tampa. Heavy hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be provided. If you loved Barbara, or loved Barbara and Karen together, please come. Please let Bob know if you expect to attend at [email protected].

Teddy, their beloved Papillon, will preside over the proceedings, although all who loved Barbara are encouraged to share stories and feelings.

God bless you, Barbara.

You were loved, and you will be missed.