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BORN
1947
DIED
2024
Barry Bank Obituary
1947-2024
Salt Lake City, UT-Barry Robert Bank, born on May 22, 1947, in Seattle, Washington, to Neisen R. Bank and Muriel L. Bank, died on August 12, 2024, leaving a profound sense of loss in the hearts of all who knew him.
Barry moved with his family to Salt Lake City in 1949 when Neisen R. Bank Jeweler was established in Sugar House. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He attended Westminster College, where he later served on the Board of the College of Business. In 1969, Barry pursued his passion for jewelry by attending Paris Jewelry College and subsequently joined his father in the family business.
Barry was deeply involved in the Sugar House community. He served two terms as president of the Sugar House Chamber of Commerce, holding numerous other offices and committee positions throughout his life. His dedication to his community extended to the Sugar House Rotary Club, where he was most proud of chairing the Annual Chili Open for 25 years, helping to raise millions of dollars for various charities.
In his work at his jewelry store, Barry loved his customers, many of whom became good friends. He had a quick wit and a big heart, always advocating for the underdog and making sure his daughters knew they could achieve anything they set their minds to. His love for his grandkids was profound, and he treasured every moment with them.
Barry was larger than life and commanded the room with his sense of humor and big smile. An avid sports fan, he was out on his patio every night of the year with a cigar and a blanket watching whatever game was on. He was completely loyal to the Utes, and was overwhelmingly excited by the Utah Hockey Club coming to town, anxiously awaiting the home opener.
A passionate bowler, Barry served as president of the Salt Lake City Bowling Association and participated in many leagues. He valued the friendships he made through the sport and looked forward to his yearly adventures at the National Tournament.
Above all, Barry was a devoted family man. He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara, in 1969 and together they built a life full of love and joy. Barry is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Barbara, and his daughters, Elys Bank, Stacey Bank (Ryan Van Voast), and Stephanie Bank, and five deeply loved grandchildren: Nathan Mond, Max Olson, Mia Olson, Nessa Van Voast, and Cora Van Voast. He leaves behind countless friends who will also miss him dearly, as well as his kitties Mo and Otis.
Family graveside services will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 1:00 at B'nai Israel Cemetery (1021 4th Avenue). All are welcome, as Barry felt everyone was his family. However, more importantly, please join us afterwards for a Celebration of Barry's Life at the Ken Garff Scholarship Club at Rice-Eccles Stadium at 3:00 pm. Hawaiian shirts, bowling shirts, or Utes gear encouraged.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barry Bank
John McNaughton
April 6, 2025
Barry was a great friend and fellow student at Westminster College.
When Laura and I got engaged, Barry fashioned our rings which we wear today. That was fifty-three years ago. Remembering Barry with fondness. A great friend.
Carly Ferrin
March 1, 2025
Unforgettable and inimitable. A true gem of a man.
Leo
August 21, 2024
Elys,
I wish you and your family peace and comfort in these difficult times.
Ann Harrison
August 17, 2024
Elys, Stacey and Stephanie,
I was saddened to read about your dad´s passing. I have such fond memories of all of you! You are extraordinary women! I think of you often.
Love,
Ann Diamond Harrison
CHS
Dennis Cox
August 17, 2024
Rest in peace Barry
Bob Omer
August 16, 2024
I was privileged to attend high school with Barry, and he was a loyal Olympus Titan. A friend to all he met, and a contributing citizen in his community and circles of influence.
Warm regards to all the family.
Eric Passey
August 15, 2024
So sorry to hear of Barry´s passing. He was always so kind to me making me feel valued in every interaction. I know my dad and family will greatly miss him. Our lives were better because of his and your families association.
Louie Cononelos
August 15, 2024
Barbara and family: I was saddened to learn about Barry's passing and regretfully unable to attend his burial and celebration of life. Upon graduating from college Barry and I became close friends. With rare exception all the quality jewelry I purchased was from Neisen and Barry. On numerous Saturdays I dropped by their Sugar House store to exchange stories and jokes. Barry and a small group of our friends played softball for many years and on several occasions we flew to Denver to catch Bronco games and collegiate games in nearby Boulder or Fort Collins. My wife and I were invited to the Bank family's Seder Passover Dinner and in turn his family joined us for Greek Easter celebrations. Barry and his family also attended our annual back yard party celebrating Mormon Halloween (Pioneer Day). His burial was an important part of Barry's Jewish faith and his celebration of life, with attendees encouraged to wear bowling or Hawaiian shirts, was characteristic of his sense of fun and humor. Over past 15 years, we only saw each other on rare occasion but our conversations were like those of earlier years. Rest in Peace Old Friend.
Louie Cononelos, Las Vegas NV
Craig E. Graf
August 15, 2024
Barry will be sadly missed. I've been bowling since I was in jr. high school, and the first tournament I went to in Salt Lake, Barry was there. Every one I went to he was a larger than life presence.
Always had a smile and would chat with you for a few minutes and let you know that he appreciated you being in the tournament or whatever event it was.
I'll miss his smile and laughter.
Now you can keep bowling those 300's that all we bowlers seek.
Christine Hooper Hill
August 14, 2024
Barbara,
I am so sorry to hear of Barry´s passing. I send my condolences to you and all of the Bank family.
Maggie Aloia
August 14, 2024
Sending my warm regards to the Bank Family - from a Westminster alum &
Sugar House resident.
Lane C
August 13, 2024
Barry was a fixture around the Salt Lake bowling community. Those of us who knew Barry will miss his genuine heart and sense of humor. Thanks Barry for everything.
Brent S
August 13, 2024
Truly one of a kind, he will be missed.... Worked many bowling functions with Barry back in the day.. you always knew when Barry was in the room.. RIP my friend..
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