Nicholas Phillip Barron

1932 - 2017

February 1, 1932 - March 2, 2017 Nick Barron passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family on March 2nd at the City of Hope Hospital after an 18 month battle with mantle cell lymphoma cancer. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of 48 years, four children, Tom, Jerry, Doug and Darla, sisters Caroline Norman and Fritzie Slavin and brother Thomas Barron. He also leaves behind six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Although born in Los Angeles, shortly thereafter his mother and father moved to Pasadena where he spent the remainder of his youth. As a teenager, Nick's natural mechanical ability showed when he developed a keen interest working on hot rods and motor bikes. After graduating from Cathedral High School he worked for his father, Nicholas P. Barron Sr., in his sheet metal contracting business. Nick continued his love of mechanics by installing engines in wood ski boats at nights and on weekends. Nick's entrepreneurship and love of boats led to the acquisition of the Rich Hallett wood boat design for fiberglass production of custom ski boats. In 1955, borrowing $3,000 from a friend, Nick started Hallett Boats. His vision and business acumen has led to Hallett Boats becoming an industry leader in the manufacturing of custom ski and pleasure boats. Nick and Shirley enjoyed many years of boating on Lake Mead, and sponsored numerous regattas for Hallett boat owners. Each summer Nick and many of his friends gather what has become unofficially known as Hallett Cove on Lake Mead. Nick has served on the board of the Southern California Marine Association and received numerous awards for boat design and quality. He has also been inducted into the Marine Association Hall of Fame and the Water Ski Association Hall of Fame in 2017. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 740 So. Shamrock Ave. in Monrovia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010 (where he received excellent care) or the Carmelite Sisters at Santa Teresita, 819 Buena Vista St., Duarte, CA 91010.