Brendan Keith Barker

Brendan Keith Barker passed away unexpectedly in his sleep June 12, 2025 at just 51 years young.

Known for his friendly smile, kind heart, and eagerness to help, Brendan had a way of making everyone feel seen and appreciated. If you knew him, you were his friend.

Born and raised in Orinda, CA, the sixth of seven siblings, Brendan was a 1993 graduate of Miramonte High School. A natural athlete, he played on baseball, wrestling and bowling teams and also enjoyed fishing, golf, skiing, and was a fierce ping pong competitor.

From an early age, Brendan was drawn to building, fixing, and understanding how things worked. School shop classes and an ROP construction program helped nurture that passion, giving him the foundation to become the skilled handyman, repairman, and all-around problem solver he was known as throughout his life.

Brendan's great passion, was baseball-especially umpiring. He began with the Orinda Baseball Association and later attended the Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring in Florida. Eventually, he made his home in Alameda, where he became a beloved figure in Alameda Little League.

For 15 years, Brendan was a constant presence on the Alameda fields-rain or shine, every single day. He umpired countless games, mentored many and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure every child had the best possible experience. He took immense pride in the fields because he took pride in the kids. Whether he was calling balls and strikes, preparing the fields, or giving a nervous player a few kind words, Brendan was always there-with heart, humility, and purpose. He made a positive difference in the lives of thousands of players, families, and fellow volunteers.

Beyond baseball, Brendan wore many hats: handyman, installer, repairman, delivery driver, limo chauffeur, computer tech, and moving company hauler. Earlier in life, he spent years as Head Golf Cart and Deck Operator at the Orinda Country Club, where he was known for remembering over 500 members by name and always greeting them with a smile.

Brendan was the kind of person who saw what needed doing-and simply did it. Whether it was fixing broken equipment, helping someone move, or asking how your day was really going, he showed up. His easygoing nature, thoughtful questions, and sincere warmth made people feel genuinely cared for.

Perhaps his own words from his Facebook profile describe what a kind and selfless gem he was:

"I am who I am. I try to be honest with everyone I talk to out there. I am a people person compared to most. Once they meet me they'll say, 'Wow, awesome and nice to meet you too.' I can pretty much be anyone's friend no matter who it is because I always got an awesome heart. I'm easy to get along with and I always have lots to say and do."

Brendan's generous, joyful spirit will live on through The Brendan Barker Foundation, Inc., which will support Alameda Little League and the fields he so lovingly helped care for-ensuring his legacy continues to shape the lives of young players for generations to come.

Brendan is preceded in heaven by his father, Bud Barker (2008), and younger brother, Kevin Barker (2022). He is survived by his partner, Jessica Daly and her kids Cormac and Declan, his mother, Patti Barker, siblings Bryan Barker, Laura Barker, Jeff Barker, Steve (Sara) Barker, and Kristen (JD) Dykstra, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Alameda Little League will host a public Celebration of his Life on Sat. July 19th at 4pm at Majors Field in Alameda. https://forms.gle/pRYuamVteVPZt8pm9

A private family memorial will follow at a later date to be announced.