Marjorie Barrick

MARJORIE BARRICK Marjorie Ann Barrick, 89, passed away April 29, 2007. She was born Oct. 9, 1917 to Clarence J. and Mary Faurschou Jacobsen in Harlan, Iowa. She graduated in 1940 with a bachelors degree in economics from Creighton University. Marjorie and her husband, Edward J. Barrick, moved to Las Vegas in 1951, from Omaha, Neb. Her husband, Edward, passed away in 1979. A well known philanthropist and community leader, Marge, as she was called by those close to her, was involved with a variety of community and educational organizations. She was extremely well read and was known, at one time, to read a book a day as well as reading a variety of newspapers and magazines to keep her current on the latest local and national events. Her many contributions to UNLV throughout her life in Las Vegas, where she also frequently enrolled in classes, has made a lasting impression on not only the University but also on the citizens of Southern Nevada. In 1980, in memory of her husband, she established an endowment at UNLV for The Barrick Lecture Series, which achieved a national reputation with a list of renowned speakers from the U.S. and around the world. In addition to the lecture series, the UNLV endowment created, and continues to support, the Barrick Graduate Fellowships, the Barrick Faculty Development and Travel Fund, and the Barrick Research Scholars Fund. UNLV's natural history museum was renamed in her honor in 1989. Other UNLV honors include a 1982 Distinguished Nevadan Award, recognition in 1992 as a member of UNLV Foundation Palladium Society and an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters in 1995. Her contributions did not stop at the University but extended to the entire community. A lover of all animals, particularly her two dogs, Jetze and Kelly, which were her constant companions until her passing, Marge was honored by the Animal Protection Institute of America. She was recognized for her tireless efforts and service on numerous community boards including an appointment as a member of the academic honors society Phi Kappa Phi, a 1988 citation on behalf of The State of Nevada presented by Governor Richard Brian. The City of Hope National Medical Center, Catholic Community Services, KLVX Channel 10, Clark County Commission, Boys and Girls Clubs and more honored her. She was a member of Variety Club International and was presented a Presidential Citation by that organization. Also a patron of the arts, Marge supported many arts organizations. As a close friend of the Master Series founder, the late Charles Vanda, she was influential in the building of the first successful performing arts series in Las Vegas. She adored the Nevada Ballet Theatre and was honored by that organization as "Woman of the Year". She is survived by her stepdaughter, Sallie Sweeny of Omaha, Neb. Her Nevada family consisted of many friends she made over the years. Especially close to her were her friends and companions for many years, Bob and Sherrie Breen, their children and grandchildren who became her extended family over the years. A memorial service will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 22, at UNLV's Artemus Ham Hall. The service is open to the public.