John Bardacos

John Bardacos, longtime Del Mar resident, died on April 2, 2003, at the Veterans Hospital in La Jolla, California, with his wife, Masha, and daughter, Jacquetta, by

his side. John was born in San Francisco and raised in Vallejo. He attended Vallejo High School, College of the Pacific, University of California at Berkeley, and Hastings

Law School. He served in World War II in the army, Central Intelligence Agency, and was wounded in the line of duty.

With the G.I. bill, he.played bridge to put himself through college. He was Western States Bridge Doubles Champion, along with his partner, Alma Spreckles. Later, with his family, John was the owner of the Colonial Gaming & Casino Club'at South Shore, Lake Tahoe. Then he opened the Ritz & Swing Clubs in Vallejo, where jazz and blues greats appeared.

Later, John turned to land development. He started State Construction in San Francisco and Sacramento. He worked for Boise Cascade and Dillingham Development Company, in their land development programs as their Southern California Regional Manager, as well as Auburn Lake Trails. John became a real estate broker and developer in the San Diego area. He built spec and luxury homes and condominiums in North County.

John was a strong believer in helping people. He donated a parcel of land to the city of Del Mar located at the southern end of the city adjacent to Torrey Pines State Beach, which is one of the most precious viewing areas in Southern California. It is now called the Del Mar Canyon Preserve. John dedicated this land to the citizens of Del Mar, on behalf of his daughter. The dedication plaque dated November 10, 1979 reads: "for the benefit and appreciation of present and future generations." Also, he volunteered

3,500 hours with the Veterans Hospital.

Friends are invited to light a candle and remember the warmth and humanity of this Golden Greek.