Michael Barker

1944 - 2024

Michael Barker
11/23/1944 - 12/07/2024
Michael Barker, 80, died suddenly on Saturday, December 7, 2024, after falling while visiting Texas. In a testament to his well-lived life, he leaves behind a loving family and countless devoted staff, friends, and colleagues worldwide.
Michael was born November 23, 1944, in Mangum, Oklahoma, to Grace and Lloyd Barker. He graduated from Mangum High School and earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Abilene Christian University and an MBA in finance from the University of Texas at Austin.
Michael, a man of elegance, honor, and compassion, met Janice Haws, the love of his life, while in college in Abilene, TX. They were happily married for 57 years and had a wonderful, adventurous life.
Michael played baseball and golf and loved studying American history. He also enjoyed country music, hiking, traveling, and great food and wine. He was a voracious reader and a collector of old American Southwest maps. Michael was patriotic and supported the Wounded Warrior Project.
While he relished preparing and sharing gourmet meals paired with fine wines with friends and family, he was dedicated to growing Barker Pacific Group over the last 41 years, the real estate development and investment company he founded in 1983. He directed the development of more than $3.5 billion in commercial projects, touching on many award-winning projects in California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida, as well as decidedly more employees, business partners, and friends. As CEO and managing partner, he focused on acquiring, developing, and managing pre-leased residential and commercial projects.
Michael had been involved exclusively in real estate since 1968. Since 1973, Michael has overseen the development of significant projects in such cities as Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, Phoenix, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.
Before starting Barker Pacific Group, Michael was an officer at Hines Interests, where he headed up the development of more than four million square feet of office space in Tulsa, Houston, and San Antonio. In 1970, he also co-founded the asset management firm First Houston Trust Company. From 1968 to 1970, he served as a lending officer in the Energy Department of Citibank, New York.
Michael was deeply engaged and impactful while giving back to his community. He was dedicated to the success of the John Tracy Center, which serves hearing-impaired children, and served as chairman of the board. He was an active member of the Urban Land Institute (UNMUC Silver Council since 2013), the Lincoln Club, Lambda Alpha International, the Pacific Union Club, and the El Dorado Country Club. He has also been a member of The California Club, Jonathan Club, and The Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin for many years.
Michael is survived by his wife, Janice, and daughter, Gracie Marie Barker. He was predeceased by his son Brandon and his parents. Donations in Michael's memory may be made to John Tracy Center (https://www.jtc.org/) or Re:MIND (https://www.remindsupport.org/).