Olin Barrett

March 1, 1938 - October 28, 2021 Olin Barrett passed away very unexpectedly from natural causes on Thursday, October 28, 2021. Born in Hollywood on March 1, 1938, he was the only child of Amytis and Vernon Barrett. The family moved to South Pasadena so that he could attend public schools. Ironically, he later attended Polytechnic School where he made many lifelong friends. He then attended and graduated from Phillips Academy Andover, Stanford University, and Harvard Business School. In 1961, he returned to Los Angeles and began his career as an investment counselor with Willis and Christy which became Scudder, Stevens & Clark. He remained with the firm for 37 years, retiring in 1998 as a Managing Director and head of the LA office. Olin enjoyed being in his twenties in the sixties in LA. He gave dinner parties at 815 South Euclid and actually cooked. Chicken Baja was a favorite. He was a member of the Bachelors and relished all the costume balls, especially when he was President and the theme was "A Walk in the Wild World." Next thing he knew he was walking down the aisle with Ann Dobson whom he married in 1969. They settled in Pasadena on lovely Bellmore Way where they raised their daughters Carolyn and Amanda. Olin loved music and was introduced to opera in San Francisco when he was on leave from Coast Guard Reserve boot camp. He was in uniform and someone gave him wonderful tickets. That love grew to include the LA Opera, LA Philharmonic, Coleman Chamber Music, Camerata Pacifica, and organ concerts at Disney Hall. He was a positive force in the musical life of Southern California proven in part by his instrumental involvement in the transformation of the Pasadena Conservatory of Music from a grassroots organization into a nationally regarded community music school. He served on the Board and was also President for many years. Barrett Hall was named in his honor. Most recently in 2021, he went on the Board of the Ojai Music Festival which focuses on experimental new music, a genre Olin embraced with enthusiasm. His community involvements were varied and broad. He was the first President of the Polytechnic School Alumnae Association, served on the Board of Pacific Oaks College and Children's School longer than even he could remember, was on the Board of the Catalina Island Museum for several years, was President of the Men's Garden Club of Los Angeles, and served on the Huntington Library Board of Governors from 2005 to the present. There he was Chairman of the Art Committee for seven years and also served on the Fellows, Membership, and Advancement and Gift Planning committees. He believed strongly in the life-changing power of the Arts and raising money to support them. In 2014, he was named the Outstanding Volunteer of the year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Olin was known for his subtle sense of humor, calm demeanor, ability to listen, eloquent way with words, and dapper style which often featured a bowtie. He was also an incredibly kind person and a true gentleman: gracious, courteous, respectful, compassionate. His life's work was anchored by his deep commitment to serving others: family, friends, clients, and the community. He was vital and productive to the end. He is survived by his wife Ann and daughters Carolyn and Amanda. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Pasadena Conservatory of Music at https:pasadenaconservatory.org/donate, the Huntington Library at https://www.huntington.org/donate, the Ojai Music Festival at http://www.ojaifestival.org/, or a charity of your choice.