David Lee Barge

David Lee Barge peacefully passed away on August 16, 2023 surrounded by his loving family in Torrance, California at the age of 81. Dave is survived by his wife Lea Sands and children Julie and Steve Tarantino, David and Belinda Barge, Kelli and Bill Bowden, Denny and Brynn Barge, Donald and Svetlana Barge, Shari Barge, Sam Gundel, Luther and Jennifer Barge, and Emily Thompson. Dave was a father of 8 children, grandfather of 12, and great-grandfather of 13. He also had a large extended, though unrelated, family he cared for and mentored as a loving parent. Dave loved his family fiercely and his biggest regret was that he wished he could have been more present for them.

Dave began his journey in Detroit, Michigan on February 10, 1942 as the son of Helen Louise Hendricks (Barge) and Robert E. Lee. David was raised by Helen and James Peter Barge. Helen was Dave's primary caregiver and they remained close until her death in 2021 at the age of 97.

Dave lived a storied life in several parts of the country including Michigan, North Carolina, and Illinois, but spent most of his time around the South Bay of Southern California including Redondo Beach, Gardena and Torrance.

Dave worked in several trades related to construction for companies including Service Master and Circle M Construction. Later in life, Dave dedicated himself to helping the less fortunate and the recovery community. As an ordained minister, Dave performed countless marriages, performed couples counseling, and oversaw many memorial services. David served many non-profit organizations over the years primarily focused on creating places to serve the homeless and helping people recover from alcoholism. He was at times a board member, a volunteer, and a philanthropic fundraiser raising millions of dollars for his causes, and a humble servant known to lead from the middle. Some of these organizations include House of Hope, The LA Mission, The South Bay Alano Club (where he most recently was caretaker), and Miriam's House LA. Dave was very involved with Miriam's House as it transitioned from a convent to a self-sustaining public charity housing women in recovery who have children or are reuniting from foster care. Dave served as Secretary for over 10 years for the Promises Foundation which operates Miriam's House. He had a special place in his heart for helping kids through breaking the hereditary cycle of addiction and creating safe spaces. He loved spending Thanksgiving serving the homeless a three-course meal and lots of candy and hugs in LA's notorious Skid Row. An incredible legacy to his dedicated life of service includes the founding of the South Bay Roundup, which to date has had 39 years of conventions supporting families healing from the effects of alcoholism and addiction. The annual event is world-renowned and serves thousands of people each year. Some of his favorite days were when he was asked to speak at conventions, and he dearly treasured his time on spiritual retreats.

Dave was just as comfortable with senior government leaders, elite intellectuals, A-list celebrities, the clerk at the convenience store, and the most downtrodden, hopeless alcoholics on Skid Row. His approach to people was simple and consistent. He was quick to smile, had a great sense of humor, showed love, kindness, compassion and respect to all. Dave had the uncanny ability to make people feel good about themselves, and that they were the most important person in the world. Dave was present and always made people believe that there is hope even in their darkest days. Dave was a giver. He relentlessly showed up for others. He dedicated his life to service and said "yes" when people asked for help. With over 50 years in recovery, he humbly remained teachable and routinely reminded us all that he had plenty of years but never enough days. Dave looked forward to seeing his predeceased friends in "the big meeting in the sky." May he rest in peace knowing he left many ongoing legacies that will keep him and his work alive forever.

Services will be held to celebrate Dave's life on September 24, 2023 at Roxbury Memorial Park at 11 am. 471 S Roxbury Dr. Beverly Hills, CA 90212. All are welcome to join us for cake and hope. Please plan to carpool as parking is limited.

In lieu of flowers, a Go Fund Me has been set up in his name to support Dave's favorite charities including Miriam's House, South Bay Alano Club, South Bay Roundup, and Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. https://gofund.me/14631a06