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Barry Tuchfeld
1947 - 2017
Barry Tuchfeld
1947 - 2017
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Barry Tuchfeld Obituary
Mar 26, 1947 - Jan 10, 2017
Barry Tuchfeld, beloved father, husband, mentor, teacher, Sensei, and connector par excellence, passed away peacefully in Sarasota, Florida on January 10, 2017.
Barry earned his Ph.D. in Sociology at the University of Tennessee in 1974. At Texas Christian University, he became a tenured professor at the young age of 31, founded a national research center, and met his soulmate Susan Marcus. After a stint as Research Director at Shepard Pratt Hospital, he and his free-spirited wife set sail for the Bahamas & Caribbean for three years. In 1989, they moved to Northern California, lived on an organic farm, and started the Health Information Network. They married in 1993 and Barry did consulting and teaching at the University of San Francisco. Barry discovered Aikido, a Japanese martial art, which became central to his personal and professional evolution. In 1996, Barry and Sue were blessed with a beautiful son, Elliot. The family moved to Sarasota, in 2003, where Barry continued to consult and teach. Barry Sensei founded Traditional Aikido of Sarasota in 2004 in the Iwama lineage, and built a thriving community of 70 practicing students of all ages, including 12 black belts. He is survived by his beloved wife Sue, remarkable son Elliot, and a legion of friends and students.
Donations to honor Barry's love, life and legacy can be made to Traditional Aikido of Sarasota. A memorial service will be held at the Dojo (date and time TBA). Please contact [email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Donald Zunner
December 4, 2017
I will never forget this man and everything he has passed on to me. The world has lost a real treasure.
Paul Landrum
June 19, 2017
Barry was a friend of mine since we both met in Santa Rosa, California at the Traditional Aikido of Sonoma. I knew Barry was sick but he never fully disclosed how sick he was so when he no longer answered my phone calls or emails I researched and found the obituary of his passing online. I am sadden because this was a very kind man, with integrity and always an upbeat attitude. I and my wife Dena will miss this one of a kind man. May he rest in peace as he did much good for many people before he left the stage of life. Love to Barry
Paul & Dena Landrum
Barbara Taylor-Hairrell
February 6, 2017
So sorry to hear of Barry's passing. His sister (Nan)was my best friend. We all grew up together. His family was my family also. My love and prayers are with his family.
Gail Grimes
February 5, 2017
I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Barry's passing. This seems impossible. He was so full of vitality, as if lit from within. A presence like his doesn't fade quickly. I doubt it ever will.
Sue and Elliot -- Claude and I both send our condolences and thoughts of love.
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Robin Groelle
January 26, 2017
Barry has been a guiding light for many - through thought and deed. A man of vision, insight, generosity and enthusiasm for life. Sending peace to his family.
Video Renaissance
January 22, 2017
What a wonderful guy!
Smart, witty, friendly, easy-going.
And always with that great smile.
My condolences to Susan, Elliot and all Barry's loved ones.
Bill Wooldridge
January 17, 2017
Sorry to hear of Barry's passing. I grew up with him in Jackson, TN. We both played football at Tigrett Jr Hi and Jackson High. We were both in the high school fraternity TKO or locally known as the Tekes. Barry was the Grand Master of TKO his senior year. Unfortunately I lost track of him after we both left Big J.
David Phillips, Carmel, IN
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