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George Barbar Obituary

George Barbar, a bold entrepreneur and investor who, although his fortune once rose and fell with a fickle South Florida real estate market, still left a lasting impression on development in Boca Raton, died of cancer Wednesday. He was 74.

Mr. Barbar, who was born in Furn-El-Shuback, Lebanon, brought his signature brand of energy and optimism to Boca Raton in 1974 after spending 20 years as merchant, car salesman and aluminum industry founder in Jamaica.

Once in South Florida, Mr. Barbar, who as a boy in Lebanon sold school supplies out of his desk to other students, started a family business and eventually pitched a commercial development project intended to transform downtown Boca Raton into a vital retail center.

Public outcry, stoked by changes to city height restrictions, among other things, ultimately led to a 1985 referendum that doomed the idea. But Mr. Barbar had other projects in the works.

At the peak of his career in the mid-80s, Mr. Barbar took a chance to build one exclusive neighborhood, Woodfield Hunt Club, and made plans for a second, even more ambitious project, Woodfield Country Club.

But Mr. Barbar would never see the country club's completion, which he had come to envision as the crowning achievement of his investment career.

As was the case with Woodfield Hunt Club, the country club project demanded millions of dollars, which Mr. Barbar borrowed from two thrifts just as the savings-and-loan crisis began in the late '80s.

As the real estate market soured, the Resolution Trust Corp., the federal agency founded to rescue lending institutions from insolvency, took over the S&Ls that had backed Mr. Barbar's investment.

Unable to pay $78 million in overdue loans, Mr. Barbar filed for bankruptcy in 1991, and the federal government sold Woodfield Country Club at auction.

Despite the blow, Mr. Barbar and his family continued on in other business ventures. Most recently Mr. Barbar teamed with his oldest son, Anthony, to start a successful real estate consulting firm.

In his lifetime Mr. Barbar received several honors, including the Spirit of America award given by the U.S. Olympic Committee, the Ellis Island Award and the National Conference of Christians and Jews' Silver Medallion Brotherhood.

He also served on the boards of Lynn University and the Florida Atlantic University Foundation, and in 1985 he was appointed by Gov. Bob Graham to the Florida High-Speed Rail Commission.

But it was as "dean of Boca Raton real estate" that most will remember him, developer Skip Stoltz said.

"He was a real gentleman, and he had the foresight for downtown Boca, which led to many of the things that we see in the downtown area today," Stoltz said. "It was his dream."

Published by The Palm Beach Post from Nov. 23 to Nov. 28, 2007.
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Memories and Condolences
for George Barbar

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Valenda Newell

January 1, 2017

I met Mr. Barbar in 1986 on my first international flight outside of the Caribbean. I was a 22 year old travel agent who was on a flight from Barbados to Miami en route to London for an international air tariff training course. I sat in first class beside Mr. Barbar. We struck up a conversation instantly. He was very gracious. The stewardess knew who he was but I didn't. His wealth did not matter to him. He was very humble. When the meal was served, he ask me if I wanted to join him in prayer for the meal. I said yes and he bowed his head in prayer. He told me of his early beginnings and his Syrian heritage, his love for his family, God and his commitment to helping young people to get an education. He gave me his card when our flight arrived. We never met again but he made a positive impact on me. Our world has lost a man of character. Condolence to the family. May his soul RIP.

Juliet Graham-Thornhill

October 12, 2016

Joyce Wong-Galliani

June 15, 2012

Dear Alice and Family,
George was indeed a very special man to all of us. The Woodfield days were very special to me and to my sons, getting to know and love George and his family. I can only imagine how much he will be missed. Our deepest sympathies for all of you.
Sincerely,
Heidi, Arthur and Chris Levy

Heidi Levy

November 30, 2007

George Barber meant a lot to many people. What is more important he was a man of God.

James Halabi

November 28, 2007

Mr Barbar was a giant . His kindness, compassion and dedication are forever etched in our hearts and minds. He never hesitated to offer a helping hand;to friends and strangers. May we remember him well by following his example in life.

Grace Halabi

November 28, 2007

Dear Alice and Family:
You and George were very special to both of us and all our family.
George will always be missed .We all love you and your family.

Giora and Debbie Matzkin

November 27, 2007

Although it has been some time since I have visited with George or his family, I recall fond memories of his kindness and support during my public career. Martha and I would like Alice and the entire Barbar family to know that our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

Daniel A. Mica

November 27, 2007

Working for The Barbar Group, and briefly directly for George Barbar himself, back in the late 80's was an incredible learning experience, one I have always appreciated.

Your family's great love for each other and familial strength was always an inspiration and I hope you will carry his wisest and best qualities within all of you. It was clear to everyone who knew him how proud he was of his family.

It seems fitting to end this note to all of you - his beloved family - with the complimentary close he placed on all his letters. I am sure you can each picture his smile as he wished it to everyone, applying it equally to their professional and personal lives --

I wish you all the success in the world!

Kindest regards,
Desiree McKim (nee Granrose)

Desiree McKim

November 27, 2007

Dear Allice and Family
Please accept our deepest sympathies
on your great loss. George will always live in our hearts. We considered him part of our extended family. I'm glad that I had the chance to spend some time with him a few weeks ago.
Our prayers are with You and your family.
God Bless
Sandra and Steven Mintz anf family.

Steven Mintz

November 27, 2007

To My Fellow Realtors Anthony and Andrew and their Family,

I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I just lost my sister and although we hate to see them ill, we are never ready when God decides to take our loved ones home. As a believer, I wear an inner smile when I think of family members who have passed as I know that there is a wonderful place for their spirits to soar to where their is joy and love unending.

Your father can also rest for awhile, as I know he did a wonderful job in raising his boys. Anthony is a kind gentle man and Andrew is my patient teacher and mentor in the arena of real estate governmental affairs. Surely your father is a proud Papa.

Let us continue on life's path showing those that have gone before us that we shine every day for all that is loving and good.

Nancy Hogan

November 27, 2007

Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Ed and Dana Kessner

November 27, 2007

My sincere condolances to the family

Esther

November 26, 2007

He will be missed , The Hatem family offer sincere condolances to all the family and may God's bleesing be with them

Salim Hatem

November 26, 2007

Dear Alice & Family:
I was so sorry to hear of George's passing. I remember with fondness of my family's time in Kingston and the true friendship and help given so generously by George and all of you.On behalf myself and all of my family I wish to extend the sincerest condolences and sympathy. As George was a very good Christian in thought as well as in action and I am certain of that he has been welcomed in Heaven and is having a wonderful Lebanese feast with all the angels and his friends who have gone before!!

Michael W. Hedges

November 26, 2007

Dear Alice, Anthony, Philip, Vicky, Johnny and Andrew,
I was very surprised to hear of George's sickness a few weeks ago and then to hear on Sunday of his going home to be with his Lord was a surprise. It was a stark reminder of my own dad's passing at the same age of 74. I know the deep sorrow you are feeling at this time. God's grace will prove to be sufficient today and the days ahead. As Christians you will experience the peace and comfort only He can give at this crucial time. Remember to trust in the Lord and not yourselves. He will care for you. Take comfort knowing He will hold you in the palm of his hand. I remember with fondness working with the family on the 6th floor. It was wonderful to get to know and love all of you. I have some precious memories of those days. Our love, prayers and sympathy are with you at this time.
God bless all of you,
Linda and Bob Hafler
Brevard, North Carolina

Linda Hafler

November 26, 2007

Joseph and Samira Ajlouny of West Bloomfield, Michigan and snowbirds to southern Florida offer their deepest condolences to the family. George was a gracious man and we will not soon forget his kindness and hospitality to us, and indeed, to the entire Melikite Christian community. We will remember him and his surviving family members in our prayers. May his memory be eternal.

Joseph & Samira Ajlouny

November 25, 2007

Your entire family is on my heart and in my prayers during this difficult time. Yet, I cannot help but smile imagining Mr. Barbar's contagious smile in Heaven-enjoying the many who have gone before him.
May the God of all compassion give you His peace.

Berdjette Barker

November 25, 2007

Dear Family,
We were so saddened by this terrible news. We have many memories and my family sends their love. You will be missed alot. Your father was a wonderful and caring man.

With love,

ROBERT AND VIRGINIA VERRILLI

ROBERT VERRILLI

November 24, 2007

In 1981 I met George and for watched him shape the future of Boca Raton. A visionary with a profound feeling for family and a life of integrity. One of the last of a special group who cared about their adopted Country and fellow human beings.

Robert Wyner

November 24, 2007

My entire family wishes sincere sympathy to the family of George Barbar. My personal experience with the Barbar Family has always been one of absolute integrity. George was a great leader and an asset to Boca Raton community.

Gary and Vinnie Gordon, Rob and Gail Gordon, Merri and Ian Koolik, and all of the Gordon family, as well as the entire Gordon Homes organization wish our sincere condolence to The Barbar Family

Gary Gordon

November 24, 2007

Carol and I were saddened to learn of George's death. We have enjoyed his and his family's friendship since they came to Boca Raton in 1974 and have shared many happy occasions. His gentlemanly manner and generosity, whether evidenced by building a demonstration project in downtown Boca, or taking the Boca Raton Community Church choir Christmas carolling on the "Lady Alice", are but a few of the ways he left his mark in Boca Raton. We are privileged to have had George, Alice, and their family as our friends-and extend to them our deepest sympathy.

Dick and Carol Simmons

November 24, 2007

So sorry to hear of Mr Barbar passing. I lived in Boca from 1983-1990. I met him several times and he always had time to talk and kind words. When I travel to Boca and see downtown and play at Woodfield I will think of him. He will be missed.

Rob Clarke

November 24, 2007

Rob Clarke

November 24, 2007

We met thru business associates in
Kingston, Ja. during 1960's. You
kept your word. The Hedges family
left Ja. after selling Ariguanabo
Textile Mills. We lost sight of
you, as we dispersed. WE pray that God opens the doors to his Kingdom
for you. Further, that you live in Glory under his eternal reign.

Dayton Hedges

November 24, 2007

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