Bruce F Barr's Obituary
Bruce F. Barr was born in Kokomo, Indiana on August 30,1921. His father was a High School Principal and an Assistant Superintendent. His mother earned a Master’s Degree in Education and taught at the college level. Both of his parents were passionate about education. That passion was transferred to Bruce. Even so, school was challenging. Bruce wrote,”
Realized something about myself. I can relate to the dyslexic because I have Sensory Auditory Neuro Processing Deficit. I don’t hear all the phonemes. Sound Blind versus Word Blind. In Elementary School when the teacher spoke or gave directions I didn’t understand. I had to watch what other children were doing. I still make mistakes. Pronounce words incorrectly and spelling, terrible. After college I searched for understanding why. That’s why I dedicated much of my life to children who have difficulty learning. Paul felt blessed by The Thorn in his flesh because it made him focus on his mentor, Jesus. My thorn made me aware of children’s problems. Just beginning to learn how to help them.”
Bruce joined the Navy during World War II and was stationed in London during the blitz. After the war, he finished his Bachelor’s degree at Occidental College in LA. Bruce work at the Optimus Home for Boys. Bruce could see how their learning disabilities had contributed to their current situation and Bruce felt drawn to help.
After graduation, he worked for the YMCA in charge of youth camps in Beverly Hills. It was at this point that he met Thalia at a young adult group at the Presbyterian Church of Beverly Hills. Thalia was working as an Elementary School teacher and did community theater for fun. They were both very active in the young adult group and friendship grew into something more. They were married October13, 1957 and moved to San Diego.
Bruce worked as a YMCA Secretary for Young Adults. Bruce co-founded the Don Diego Ski Club and tied this in with his YMCA work. He was overjoyed with the marriages that came out of the club. He thought that skiing was a wonderful way for young adults to get to know each other.
After 9 years of hoping for a family, Bruce and Thalia were thrilled with the birth of their daughter, Erin. They hoped for second child soon, but it wasn’t until six years later, that their family was complete with the birth of their son John. Family was important to Bruce. Things like family meals, family trips, and going to church as a family were foundational.
After Bruce left the YMCA, he worked at Mesa Community College teaching a class in career counseling. Bruce loved helping his students find their passionate path and calling in life.
Bruce decided to revisit his own passion for helping students with learning disabilities. Even though he was in his 60’s, Bruce completed work on a PhD in Psychology with Jack Gibb.
Bruce realized that his life was a gift. He had almost died as a child with a mastoid infection. He was also hit by a car and dragged down the street as a child. He was moments away from being in a restaurant that was bombed during the war. Bruce
wanted to spend his life well. He wanted to help others make connections and above all… he wanted to make a difference.
What’s your fondest memory of Bruce?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bruce?
Share a story where Bruce's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bruce you’ll never forget.
How did Bruce make you smile?
