Barbara Walter

Barbara Walter Died Sun, Oct 31, 2010 at Santa Rosa's Memorial Hospital after a long bout with lung disease. She was 79. Barbara was re-introduced to horseman and polo player, Bob Walter, at the Grand National Rodeo in San Francisco and they were married in 1974. Together they created a first class thoroughbred ranch in Sebastopol, where their best known gelding - 1996 Kentucky Derby runner-up, Cavonnier, was foaled. While her husband worked as the hands-on horseman at the ranch, Barbara pored over horse histories, putting together beautifully bred stallions with sturdy mares to create a stable of award-winning thoroughbreds. When her husband died in 2003, she took on the challenge of running the horse farm by herself. In February, 2010, she was inducted into the California Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Hall of Fame. A supporter of the arts and education, Walter was a patron of the San Francisco Symphony and the San Francisco Ballet. She was a Founding Member of the Firehouse 5 who purchased an old firehouse and established the Oakes Children Center in San Francisco. She was a supporter of the Community Foundation of Sonoma County and Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. She also served on the advisory board of the Green Music Center and was a member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Sebastopol. She is survived by her daughter, Cathy Vicini, son-in-law, John Vicini, grandson David Vicini and great-grandson, Gabriel Vicini. We all will miss our Baby Baba, who was meticulous about her home and horses, was always impeccably dressed, and made sure language was used correctly. She had great joy in seeing her grandson and great grandson. She will always be fondly remembered by her family and friends. A Mass will be held on November 16th at 11a.m., at St. Sebastian's Catholic Church, 7983 Covert Lane, Sebastopol. There was a private interment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Santa Rosa. Memorial donations may be made to GEVA, Inc., Equine Retirement Foundation, PO Box 2101, Glen Ellen, CA 95442.