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Carl Barlow Obituary

Barlow Carl Leland (Lee) Barlow was born August 30, 1913 in Tucumcari, New Mexico and passed away on June 15 in Eureka, CA at the age of 96. Lee had always planned to become a medical doctor but received many awards and a scholarship to Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio. He received a Masters Degree at the University of Iowa. Lee married Kathryn Coates in 1942. He enlisted in the Navy and became the director of the Blue Jacket Choir in Lake Forest, Illinois. During his time in the Navy his daughter Kit was born. When Lee was discharged in 1946 he had the choice of teaching at the University of Louisville or Humboldt State. Having not visited either school, Lee always said he was so happy that he had chosen to live in Humboldt County. During Lee's early years at Humboldt he organized a community chorus, the Arcata Community Christmas Concert. He and Charles Fulkerson organized the original Lumberjack Marching Band. In 1966 Lee received his Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Southern California. From 1954-1967 he was the chairman of the Division of Fine and Applied Arts at Humboldt. In 1976 Lee organized the California Redwoods Chorale which toured different countries in Europe, 1998 he made his 12th concert tour. In 1982 Lee married Merle Smith who had been his accompanist for his many choral groups. Lee reluctantly retired from HSU in 1983 at the age of 70. Community service included 35 years as president of the Humboldt Community Concert Association, 8 years as president of the Humboldt Arts Council and participation in several Humboldt Light Opera productions. Throughout his career Lee received numerous service awards and recognition for his contribution to the arts in Humboldt County. He was preceded in death by Kathryn in 1979 and Merle in 2008. Lee is survived by his daughter Kit Brambani (Rob), Eureka; nephew Randy and family from Riverside; stepdaughter Jacquie Cooper (Al), Arcata; stepson Jere Smith, Seattle; and 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. His family would like to thank the wonderful people at Mycroft Assisted Living facility who gave Lee such loving care for the last 3 years of his life. Services will be held at St. Alban's Church, 1675 Chester Avenue, Arcata (Sunnybrae) at 2:00 PM June 22, 2010 with a celebration of life to follow at the Elks lodge in Eureka. Please make donations to the C.L. Barlow Scholarship Fund at Humboldt State University or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the care of Pierce Mortuary Chapel, Eureka, CA 707-442-375, www.piercemortu arychapels.com. Please sign the online guestbook at www.Times-Standard.com. Click on obits.

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Published by Times-Standard from Jun. 19 to Jun. 22, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Carl Barlow

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Richard Caldwell

November 15, 2020

I had the privilege to study with him at Humboldt 1967-70. I was in his choir and studied voice under him.

Stephen Peithman

July 9, 2010

Kit--

I hadn't heard about your father's passing, but the strangest thing happened a few days ago. I was in Arcata (visiting my own father), in a used book store, and while looking through the books on music, I spied an old copy of "The English Hymn Book." Out of curiosity, I opened it, and there was an inscription on the inside front cover: "Please return to Leland Barlow."

Instantly, memories of your dad came flooding in--and your mother, and you, and your family home on Plaza Ave. It was a very special time in my life, and your dad and mother continued to play a central role into my college years, with music classes from your dad, and French classes from your mother.

Somehow, I think finding that book was not entirely accidental. I got home yesterday, and today something told me to look up your father on Google. And that's how I found out the news.

I think what was remarkable about Lee was that he loved music so much, and helped people like me love it as much as he did.

July 1, 2010

Dear Barlow family,

There are years of wonderful memories which would fill volumes and we will always treasure. Rehearsals in local theatres and living rooms, groups singing around the piano in your parent's home and the barber shop quartet! Among all of these special memories are Kay's smiles, Lee's enjoyment in being the host, and Merle's toe-tapping piano playing.
Our family has been greatly influenced by Lee's enthusiasm, expertise and love of music. With his generosity, he has influenced four generations of music lovers and aspiring singers in our family. Thank you for sharing your family with ours and may God bless yours.

Pete & Shirley Haynes
Vicki & George Cabalzar & Families
Tim Haynes & Families

Lynn McKenna

June 29, 2010

KIt, Rob and Family,
I was sorry to read about your loss. Dr. Barlow was a great asset to our musical community. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and performed with him. May all your fond memories keep him close to your heart. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Connie Wolfe, RN

June 25, 2010

When I moved to this area, to go to Humboldt State in 1968, I decided to take a choir class and was blessed to have Dr. Barlow as our choirmaster. I repeated the class in the Fall of 1969, & was in charge of robes, and maybe the books we used. It was a long time ago, but I have a fond memory of Dr. Barlow.
It was always a joy to see him in the community over the years, and he always remembered my name! My son was a music student at HSU in the 1990's, and attending musical performances, there was a good chance to see Dr. Barlow most of the time.
He was a very memorable gentleman, and truly loved music and the people around him. I have been very happy to have known him.

God bless you and your families.

Douglas Moorehead

June 23, 2010

I did not know Lee nor did I have a chance to work with him until the later years in his life, but I just want to say that I admired him for his numerous contributions to the North Coast music community throughout the years. He blessed us all with his music knowledge and performances, and he has helped establish a strong presence of great music appreciation and performance in this area. All of us who are involved in classical music owe him gratitude for all his fine work. Thank you, Lee!

Douglas Moorehead, DMA
Director of Music
Christ Church, Eureka

Laura Middlemiss

June 21, 2010

Dear Kit and family,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your father. I have many memories of hanging around the music department as a child, in my dad's office, running through the hallways- your dad always had a kind word, a gentle smile and tolerance for another faculty kid. As a music student, it was a privilege to have worked with him. It is hard to see them go, after such full and generous lives.
A passing of an era.
Warm regards,
Laura [Wagner] Middlemiss

Lora Canzoneri

June 21, 2010

With Dr. Barlow's passing comes the end of a great era. Several generations of this community, that did not know Dr. Barlow personally, definitely knew that his great reputation preceded him when it came to the thousands of students that he influenced through his great career at HSU. Although I was never his student, I was thrilled to get to know him when I worked on Humboldt Light Opera Company's production of "Pirates of Penzance" in the 1970's. My deepest sympathy to his loved ones at this sad time.

W/R Mccarthy

June 21, 2010

Kit and Rob,
Royal and I just returned from WA and read about Lee. We are so sorry for your loss even though it ended his suffering. There are just so many memories of Lee we could share. Our fondest is when we traveled with the Redwood Chorale with he and Merle to Scotland and England on their honeymoon. We arrived earlier at the hotel than they and we bribed the bellhop with a glass of scotch to let us in their suite to short sheet their bed.
Personally, I would never have seen the places that we sang in Europe, nor would I have developed the confidence in my vocal ability had it not been for your dad.
Lee was the sweetest man we have ever known and we have really missed his presents in our lives for many years. Heaven will be a happier place now that he will be directing choirs.
Lovingly, Willie and Royal McCarthy

June 20, 2010

Kit Please know that we are thinking of you and your family Bill&Shirley Pinches

Halimah Collingwood

June 19, 2010

Kit and family, I first met Lee at the Humboldt Chorale, later traveled with him to Europe with the California Redwoods Chorale in 1988 and 1990. He was a welcomed task-master. At his suggestion, after singing alto all my life, I became a soprano and still am. So many memories with dear Lee. Blessings on your soul, dear friend. God be with you!

Vee Sorenson

June 19, 2010

After witnessing the gentleness of Dr. Barlow for several years, I wrote a note to him following the death of his first wife. In the note I let him know how I admired him. I told him I felt there would be a special place in heaven for such men as he. I was privileged to sit under his conducting and sing and travel to Europe with the California Redwoods Chorale on several occasions. A true loss, but I can picture him in a special place in heaven with his beautiful smile.

Frank Jones

June 19, 2010

God Speed Dr. Barlow, I have fond memories of being in the men's choral group at HSC in 1947 led by you. I still hum the many songs we sang thanks to you. You left a real mark on Humboldt County. Thank you.

June 19, 2010

Kit, please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your father. You and your family are in my prayers at this time of sorrow.

Erin Lincoln

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