Richard Virt Barney

Richard Virt Barney March 16, 1944 - October 31, 2023 Richard Virt Barney was born to Gordon and Doreen Barney in Martinez, California, on March 16, 1944. At that time, Gordon was serving overseas in the South Pacific during World War II. He wasn’t able to see his new son until Rich was over a year old. Rich passed away at his home in Walnut Creek on October 31, 2023, with his wife, Holly, and his son Derek by his side, after a three-year battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Rich grew up in Martinez, living next door to his maternal grandparents, Oscar and Afton Hipwell, who were an important influence in his life. In 1962 he graduated from Alhambra High School, in Martinez, where he ran track and was voted the “Best All-Around.” As a college freshman, he attended the University of California at Berkeley. Rich served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to the French East Mission. Upon returning, he completed his undergraduate degree in Political Science and International Relations, and a Master's in Public Administration from Brigham Young University. He later completed a Master’s in Business Administration from Pepperdine University. Rich also earned various professional designations, related to his career in Financial Planning, and served as President of the BYU Management Society of the East Bay. Rich enjoyed reading and looked forward to the daily newspaper, fly-fishing, family camping trips to Burney Falls, CA, and watching sports ~ especially cheering for the BYU Cougars. Rich was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served throughout his life in a variety of callings: Seminary Teacher, Young Men’s Leader, Stake Missionary, Stake Mission President, Elder’s Quorum Counselor, and along with Holly, as a Church Service Missionary for the BYU-Idaho Pathway Worldwide Program. He enjoyed researching Family History, writing a history of Barney family ancestors, and relating stories of his early Church history pioneers. He was blessed with many life-long friendships, which were a great source of comfort in his final days. He’s survived by his wife, Holly, and their four children: David, of Orem, UT–Brooke, Blake, and Brittany; Derek of Walnut Creek, CA–Belen, Brock, Drake, Halle and Kegan; Sean (Lindsay) of Mesa, AZ –Ethan, Malia, Travis and CJ; Kristi Christensen (Trent) of Queen Creek, AZ–Kami, Tanner, Kade, Truman and Tessa. He is also survived by his sister, Janet Sylvester (Mark) of Hayward, CA. Friends and family are invited to attend a Viewing at 9:15am to 9:45am and Funeral at 10:00am on Friday, November 10, 2023, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 100 North Gate Road, Walnut Creek, CA. Internment will be at Greenwood Memorial Park in San Diego, CA. Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/96574187977?pwd=MHFkR1RGYmsyVUlJVytaZGlRcGxDdz09 Meeting ID: 965 7418 7977 Passcode: 547700 --- One tap mobile+16699006833,,96574187977#,,,,*547700# US (San Jose)+16694449171,,96574187977#,,,,*547700# USWhenFriday Nov 10, 2023 ⋅ 9:50am – 11:30am (Pacific Time - Los Angeles)