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BORN

1934

DIED

2015

FUNERAL HOME

Rose-Neath Funeral Home - Shreveport

1815 Marshall Street

Shreveport, Louisiana

Barrie Richardson Obituary

Dr. Barrie Richardson

A memorial service for Barrie Richardson were held Friday, Nov. 20, 2015 at First Presbyterian Church, 900 Jordan St., Shreveport, LA. Officiated by Rev. Dr. Chris Currie. Barrie died Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015 at his home after a brief illness.

Barrie was born April 10, 1934 in Chicago. He earned a B.A. from Carleton College, and an MBA from Indiana University, where he also earned his doctorate degree in marketing, business and government, applied economics, business history and philosophy. He served in the U.S. Army Transportation Corp, Industrial Engineering, before starting a distinguished 43-year career in teaching and administration.

Barrie touched the lives of thousands of students as a professor, speaker and writer. He taught at Bethany College, Arizona State University, Indiana University, Hope College and at Centenary College of Louisiana. He was a sought-after motivational speaker and led workshops throughout the country on leadership and teamwork. His unique presentations always included metaphors, parables, and "Magic in the Message."

While at Bethany College in the late 1960s, he taught economics and served as one of the youngest ever Dean of Faculty. He brought future Nobel Prize winner Milton Friedman and other academic luminaries on campus, in what would be one of the nation's finest speaker series in decades. At Hope College in the 1970s, he chaired the economics department and took students to England for a unique study abroad program. Students still recall a treasure hunt that propelled them through the streets of London, giving them the confidence to explore on their own.

In 1983, Barrie came to Centenary College as Dean of the Frost School of Business, in order to re-design the MBA program, where it flourished under his leadership. He was appointed the Samuel Guy Sample Professor of Business Administration, a prestigious endowed chair that allowed him to continue to improve the Centenary program. In his last year of teaching in 2001, he was awarded the Outstanding Teacher Award, a testament to his ongoing love of students and passion for economics.

After his family, the love of Barrie's life was magic. His first performances were as a youth in the veteran's hospitals in his native Chicago. As a young professor, he began to invent and publish new effects, and after his retirement from teaching, renewed his zest for magic and mentalism. Through the years, he became one of the most creative magicians in the world, developing hundreds of new effects and new twists for others. One of his most memorable events was performing for President and Mrs. George H.W. Bush at their home in Kennebunkport, Maine.

For over 10 years, he lectured on magic and mentalism to magicians all over the world. He was a member of the Inner Circle of The Magic Circle in London; The International Brotherhood of Magicians; The Psychic Entertainer's Society; The Sark Secret Magic Society; and The Buenos Aires Magic Society in Argentina.

Barrie is the author of three internationally acclaimed books on magic - now considered classics - and has been recognized with top awards for his creativity, sly innovations, and his approach to presentation.

Barrie's homemade bread and Krumkake rolled cookies were favorites among his friends. He was a voracious reader and loved traveling to special and unusual destinations. Everywhere he went, he loved meeting people and asking questions about their lives, with a never-abiding curiosity to learn from others.

More than anything else, Barrie will be remembered for his generosity of kindness, encouragement and wisdom. As one of his students so beautifully said, "You taught me well, inspired me in so many ways, and your work and memory will live on forever in me and in countless others. More importantly, I would not be the same person without your friendship, your constant example of gentlemanly kindness, your honesty, your integrity and your love."

Barrie was predeceased by his parents, Tyrrell and Rose Foreman Richardson; his sister Jessica Richardson Phillips, and her husband John; and his beloved dog, Happy.

He is survived by his wife, Janie; his children Craig Richardson and wife Cathy of Winston-Salem, NC; Jan Richert and husband Allen of Ridgeland, MS; Pam Rivers and husband Henry, David Richardson and wife elin, and his first wife, Lucy Richardson all of Chapel Hill, NC; his step-daughter, Millie Hamilton and husband Jeffrey of Boquete, Panama; and his sister, Laurel Richardson and her husband Ernest Lockridge of Worthington, OH. Grandchildren surviving him are Madeleine, Anna, Currin, Guthrie and Harper Richardson; Juliette, Claire, and Allen Richert; and Gray Hamilton.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Carl Goodman, Dr. Dayne Hassell, Dr. David Hoaas, Bill LeMay, Ed Markovich, Stephen Minch, Dr. Chuck Moffet, and Hon. Don Walter.

Special thanks to Dr. Michael Moore and the staff at Willis-Knighton; Dr. Stephen Kornblau and his staff at M.D. Anderson; Willis-Knighton Hospice, and his other loving caregivers.

The family suggests memorials be made to The Community Foundation, 401 Edwards, Suite 105, Shreveport, LA 71101 or to the charity of the donor's choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Shreveport Times from Nov. 19 to Nov. 21, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Barrie Richardson

Not sure what to say?





Kirby VanBurch

May 31, 2025

I am sorry to learn that Barrie Richardson is no longer with us. I have studied several of his books. He was a true master. He invited me over to his house and I was honored to receive his enchanting and charming advice.
Kirby VanBurch

Ian Webb

January 20, 2021

Sorry to be so late responding - I have just been told of the passing of Dr Barrie Richardson.
It was 1964 and my first year at Bethany College and it might have been Dr. Richardson's first job. I signed up for his economics 101 class. His class was the best and most well taught course I can remember in my 8 years of university education. I can still see Dr. Richardson standing up on the desk talking about economic principles in a way which really appealed to me and many others. I know my friend and classmate Michael Ewing felt the same way. Dr. Richardson was mesmerizing. Looking at his birth date, he was 30 years of age when he taught us, very young and probably not many years past receiving his PhD when he so impressed us. He had that god-given talent of being able to connect with anyone in the room who wanted the connection. I was one of them and I carried on after that year at Bethany to take 12 more economics courses. Looking at the dates for his life, it looks like he carried on for more than 50 years more after our first year at Bethany - obviously thousands of students benefited from his way of teaching and connecting. I wish I had kept in touch with him.
Ian Webb,
Bethany College ’68, [email protected]

Marky Trinkle

April 19, 2016

I will never forget Dr. Richardson. I was one of his students at Hope College back in the 1970's, as well as working for him as a student assistant. His excellent (and fun!) teaching methods made Economics easy and interesting, and inspired me to major in Econ and Business. I remember one day he made me promise him that I would not get married until I was 30, because he said he saw a great career for me and did not want me to get distracted. I always wanted to tell him that I took his advice and he was right.

He touched and inspired many young lives and minds, and he will live on in our hearts. My sincere condolences to your entire family.

Marky Klapthor Trinkle

Adonis Barbar

November 29, 2015

A beautiful soul is shining among the stars. Your work , your books, your humble genious,your kindness, will always be breathing inside my heart. Thank you . RIP Sir.

Hollie Madden

November 26, 2015

He was such a wonderful, caring man. I am honored to have known him. God bless you. He will be missed.

Henry Hanisee

November 24, 2015

Janie, and family. My prayers and condolences with the passing of Barrie; may he rest in peace.

Carol Mckenzie

November 23, 2015

When I was an MBA student at Centenary College, Barrie made a huge impact on my life. He focused on what I could do and encouraged me to do my best. In his book, the 10% principle, he opened my mind even more. Barrie's magic was amazing but his gift Of encouraging others was even more amazing. The world was blessed by him. I know I was.

Frances Flournoy

November 21, 2015

Love yall

Looch

November 21, 2015

I met Barrie once in the UK a few years back, he was warm, gentle and generous with his time and advice. A true gentleman and great teacher of magic. I will miss you and cherish your books Barrie. Sleep well

Tony Piloseno

November 21, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss. My mother Rose, Uncle Ed and Taeko held a special place for him in their hearts. He made a difference in their lives. A genuine light in this world! God Bless you and eternal peace for Barrie.

Robert Killian

November 21, 2015

How grateful I am for getting to know Barrie through the Psychic entertainers. His great performing skills were only exceeded by his warmth and kindness. We will all miss him. Bob Killian, treasurer PEA, and one of Barrie's legion of admirers

Mark Paulson

November 20, 2015

You'll forever be remembered every time I pick up one of your books. Thank you, Barrie, for giving so much of yourself to the magic community. My sincerest condolences to your family.

November 20, 2015

Truly one of the most beautiful people I was lucky enough to know. When I remember our many conversations and meals I smile and know the lives he touched were always greatly enriched for the experience.

Greg Edmonds

November 20, 2015

Janie and Kids. My sincerest sympathy not only for you, but for those throughout world, who were honored to know Barrie. He left so many of us better for having met him. There will never be another like him, and it was my deepest privilege to call him friend.

Don Wiberg

November 20, 2015

I spoke with Barrie a few times as he was undergoing treatment. He was always optimistic and cheerful. His legacy will live on among the multitude who have access to his most informative writings. Among an effect that I learned from Barrie was his Spooky Key. Like an American Express Card, I never leave home without it.

His spirit will live on and always be with me.
Don Wiberg, Past International President of the I.B.M.

Luis Sirgado

November 20, 2015

My condolences to the family!

David Gibson

November 20, 2015

Barrie was very kind and generous, thanks for helping a young magician get started some 30 years ago.

Meg Willett

November 20, 2015

Janie,

I am so sorry for your loss. Barrie was certainly an impressive man. You are in my thoughts & prayers.

Ken Paulovich

November 20, 2015

Sorry to hear of Barrie's death. His wit and personality will surely be missed at the WK Wellness Centers. It was my personal pleasure to know him over the years.
Ken Paulovich R.N.
Director

Janet and Robert Angelo

November 20, 2015

We are very sorry for your loss and are thinking of you all.

Carol Johnson

November 19, 2015

Condolences and prayers to Mrs. Janie and the family. Thank you, Mr. Richardson for your service in the U.S. Army and to Centenary College.

David Langston

November 19, 2015

The Chinese Eye... Thank you Barry.

Tim and Julie Moermond

November 19, 2015

So blessed to be your Delaware neighbor for two years. We will always remember with smiles your homemade bread and sharing our common ties to the RCA/Hope College.

Mary Duncan

November 19, 2015

Dr Richardson, he was solid chocolate

Barrie performing at Magic in the Rockies 2006

Ed Hurtubis

November 19, 2015

The International Brotherhood of Magicians, Ring 250, The Presto-Digitators, Fort Collins, CO wish to express our condolences to the family of Barrie Richardson. Although Barrie was not a member of our Ring, he was our friend and teacher; he attended eleven Magic in the Rockies conventions.

Ed Hurtubis
IBM Ring 250 Treasurer

Doug Thornton

November 19, 2015

My condolences to Barrie's family. It was a joy to meet Barrie in Las Vegas years ago at Mindvention. He took his time to talk with me and was gentle and kind. I learned a lot - not just about magic - but about being a caring person. Thanks, Barrie.

Jon Racherbaumer

November 19, 2015

Barrie has physically left us, but his exemplary presence remains. All those from the world of magic, myself included, have Barrie's written legacy to consult and inspire us. Barrie added spin and incentive, power and promise to these works. When he was writing the third book of his trilogy, I asked if it was going to be his Final Curtain. However, he wisely chose a more exacting title: Curtain Call. This was his subtle way of acknowledged us because he truly appreciated other magicians and readers. He considered them connecting links in an endless chain of recognition and perpetuity.

On the last page of Curtain Call the last two sentences are questions:

Can there be a magician's heaven on earth? What do you think?

How apropos!

Rather than ending his book, he provided incentive, if not the obligation to ask the kind of questions he asked all his life. He thought they were more important than answers. After all, questions urge us to investigate, think, and dream about the sweet mysteries of life. Instead of giving us an ending, he encouraged us to believe in the same kind of earthly heaven he was privileged to experience. Our task then is to find, celebrate, and carry forward such a heaven.

Thank you, Barrie. Thanks for everything!

(excerpted from a longer tribute)

Barbara Davis

November 19, 2015

It was such an honor for me to be a faculty member under Barrie's deanship at Centenary. I will never forget the first meeting we had after I applied for a teaching position at Centenary. Barrie was such a great boss, leader, colleague, mentor, and friend. He inspired so many students and faculty over his academic career. He will be missed! I am so very thankful that I knew him!

November 19, 2015

Janie - I am so sorry for your loss. Barrie was such a great person and a true friend. I will miss him always. Shelly Willey

Matthew Field

November 19, 2015

The world of magic was immeasurably enriched by the many creations of this wonderful and warm man. Condolences to Janie and the family.

Alfred Dowaliby

November 19, 2015

Thank you Barrie for all you have brought to the world of magic and mentalism. We will miss you!

Alfred Dowaliby
Magic by Alfred

Robert Dunlap

November 19, 2015

I did not know Dr. Richardson personally, but years ago I read an article he wrote for a local paper dealing with how we lead our lives basically asking if we live life with pleasure and enjoyment or seeking to avoid pain and discomfort; basically that the opposite of pleasure was not pain, but lack of pleasure and encouraged people to take chances with life; not avoid discomfort. I copied that article and shared with with many friends and still read it as a reminder that life is to be lived. Thank you Dr. Richardson!

Todd Simmons, MBA

November 19, 2015

Honor to know him and participate in the MBA program at Centenary. Brilliant man, great speaker, wonderful teacher. Tremendous loss. RIP Dr. Richardson and thanks for sharing your talents at Centenary College

Charlotte Webb

November 19, 2015

I remember Barrie as a magician and professor emeritus of economics. I had seen him and his wife in various events. I send my condolences to his wife.

For the Commanders, Carroll R. Michaud

November 19, 2015

The Final Salute

Brothers in Arms, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged Hand Salutes as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This Hand Salute is the last that we shall render to Barrie Richardson our Brother-in-Arms. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Barrie. And to Barrie it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country while serving in the U.S. Army. Barrie, we commend you for your honorable service. You are a true patriot, who served with honor and distinction. You upheld the finest qualities of an American patriot warrior: courage, commitment, generosity, sacrifice, love and devotion to family and country. You were a true friend. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,061 military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion and the 233 veterans of VFW Post 2238 in Shreveport, Louisiana, we extend our sympathies and our condolences to Barrie's family and loved ones.

Edward L. Lamb, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 South Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

James Mazariz, Commander, VFW Post 2238
1245 Gary Street, Shreveport, LA 71101

Lucy Rivero

November 19, 2015

I was so saddened to learn that Barrie had left this world. He was such a kind and inspirational man. He truly gave me the confidence to attain my MBA at Centenary. He will certainly be missed by all. My prayers go out to Janie and the family.

Keith Stillwell

November 19, 2015

So sorry for your loss, fam and friends of Dr. Richardson! He was a splendid man whose caring, talents, and brilliance affected the lives of so many. Love and hugs for all y'all from the Stillwells.

Cherie Spalding Somerson

November 19, 2015

I have thought of you often as I achieved my goals in life. You were a true inspiration and your homemade bread was the best. You will be missed.

Betsy Rankin

November 19, 2015

Barrie was very special leader to the Frost School of Business at Centenary College and to me personally as a friend and mentor. I will miss seeing his smile. He and Happy used to walk by our house and whenever I saw him he was eager to hear about me and Harold but it was hard to get him to talk about himself. What a humble man with so much to be proud of! My thoughts go out to Janie and Craig and the rest of his family of whom he was very proud!

Steve Aiken

November 19, 2015

He was and is a man who brought a smile to my day. Barrie, you will indeed be missed.

ok cleaners

November 19, 2015

Janie and family,
We are sorry for your loss. He was one of a kind.
Ernest Demopulos and Evangeline Phelan
OK Cleaners staff

J Peyton LaBorde

November 19, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Janie and the family. Barrie was one of the finest men I have ever known. A scholar, a teacher, a friend, and a gentle soul.

Marcy Frantom

November 19, 2015

Our thoughts are with you Janie and all who loved this remarkable man. Marcy and Max

Showing 1 - 43 of 43 results

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Memorial Events
for Barrie Richardson

Nov

20

Memorial service

3:00 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church

900 Jordan St, Shreveport, LA

Funeral services provided by:

Rose-Neath Funeral Home - Shreveport

1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport, LA 71101

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