Barbara Channing Walz

1945 - 2023

September 23, 1945 - May 6, 2023 It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Barbara Channing Walz on May 6, 2023 in Newport Beach, California, her home for the last 39 years. Barbara could never comprehend or appreciate the impact, influence, and importance that she had on the lives of others.
Born in Brandon, Manitoba Canada, her first 16 years of life were spent in Winnipeg. Her family moved to Vancouver in the summer of 1962, where she attended high school. Tragically, her father died in 1963, leaving Barbara to support her mother and siblings. After moving, with her family, to Southern California, the travel bug first hit her as she spent the next few years adventuring around Europe and Canada. She then returned to California and met the love of her life, John Walz.
They met in 1968, married in 1969, and were attached at the hip till her passing. Their magical partnership built a fantasy life together. She was an executive secretary, part-time model, and small business owner. Over 40 years, John and Barbara started and operated a chain of La-Z-Boy retail stores from Ventura County to the Mexican border. Most importantly, Barbara was also a mother to two sons: J.R. and Josh. Her family blossomed when her boys married two wonderful girls: Amy Lesley and Stacey Fitz. Six precious grandchildren resulted, whom "Gigi" spoiled daily. As Gigi, the word "no" was not in her vocabulary. Aven, Owen, Lark, Colt, Kiper and her namesake Channing were the focus and eternal loves of her life.
Her father Jack, mother Doris, sisters Merle, Pamela, Gail, and brother Jack all preceded Barbara in death. Even though her family was spread across North America, from Newport Beach to Vancouver Island, and Minneapolis to Blacksburg, Virginia, she loved, supported, and kept them all together.
Rarely does one have a real second family; but in 1968, Barbara was adopted into the Walz family during her first Christmas, of many, in South Bend, Indiana. Her second father and mother (they didn't use the term in-law), John and Tiny Walz, and their children, Jim, Tom, Julie and Kelley, gave her unconditional caring and love. Barbara never felt she could adequately express how much they meant to her.
Seldom was there a girl that could walk in and light up a room like Barbara. Her inimitable style, bright clothes, perfect hair, matching nails, and "oh those high heels" turned heads without fail. She was, in her words, "just so."
Above all else was the love she shared with her husband and partner John... that would be me. Our relationship was unique. We trusted, we shared, and we loved unequivocally. We did most everything together. We visited 6 continents, 58 countries, and hundreds of beaches all over the world. She was a dream wife, and the life we shared could not be more complete.
A celebration of life will be held at the BALBOA PAVILION BALLROOM in Newport Beach on May 22nd beginning at 11:30 am, with a presentation at 12:30. Dress is casual, but Barbara had only one request,
NO ONE WEARS BLACK!