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BORN
1924
DIED
2012
Barry Townley Obituary
April 6, 1924 - February 28, 2012
The accomplished musician and respected businessman slipped away peacefully in sleep at his home in Indian Wells, Calif. with his wife, Petrina (neé Puma) by his side. The couple loved to entertain, to build and decorate custom homes and to travel, but they always returned to the desert. Born in Toronto to Frank and Mae Townley, Barry was the youngest pianist to graduate (at 16-years-old) from The Royal Conservatory of Music with degrees in Music Theory & Classical Piano Composition. He was honorably discharged in 1946 as a sergeant with the Royal Canadian Army Shows and receiving accolades for safely leading his talented troops through combat regions of Europe during WWII. Returning home, he earned a Master's degree in History from the University of Toronto. His lifelong music career included international success as a solo artist, composer & leader of his own orchestras & jazz groups in Canada, the UK and in Los Angeles, New York, Reno and Las Vegas. An intuitive musical director, he worked with Betty Hutton, Gracie Fields, Jo Stafford, Gisele MacKenzie and Robert Goulet, among other popular performers. He was a proud member of Local 47 (L.A.) and Local 149 (Toronto) of the American Federation of Musicians. Based on eclectic capabilities and uncanny business sense, he also enjoyed acclaim in senior executive positions with Hevenor & Co. brokerage firm and with luxury residence builders Heritage Homes, Fidelity Bank, Cal Fed Commercial Lending and Fred Sands Estates. Over the years, he held various positions with the California Board of Realtors. His passing is preceded by that of his parents, brother-in-law (and favorite percussionist) Harold Ginsberg and stepson Charles Lutz. Barry's keyboard genius, his wit and his wisdom will be missed. His presence remains strong for Petrina, his beloved sister Myrna Ginsberg & her children Adam, Mark and Melissa of Toronto, his son & daughter-in-law Sean & Maura Townley of Altadena, Calif, his daughter & son-in-law April & Barry James of Sunbury, Penn., as well as his only grandchild Catherine and only great-grandchild & budding musician Robert (RJ) of Santa Barbara, Calif. and Puma family members, including Sam and Susan Puma of Winchester, Calif. and others in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area of Pennsylvania. A private celebration of Barry's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 15, 2012, at Holy Cross Cemetery, 5835 W. Slauson Ave., Culver City (310) 836-5500. A contingent from the Royal Canadian Legion will be on hand to honor his military service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Barry Townley's memory to Disabled American Veterans (www.DAV.org) or to viable animal rescue and protection groups. Contact the family via [email protected] or [email protected]
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barry Townley
April
March 5, 2023
Dad. Funny how things happen ... just a week ago or so, a third cousin in Canada sent a message about your album, which he found, played and loved. Other "relatives" thought it was 'so cool' and the weird part is that I had just played the vinyl on my old record player a few days prior. So, you are always near and I am always here to receive your otherworldly messages. Miss you, A.
April
March 8, 2022
Funny how time (and an old photo or two) helps generate questions and then repaints memories to make everything more shiny and bright. Unwrapping gifts set aside for so long and creating realities based on the dialogues and events brought forth in dreams and meditations. Miss the 'for real' conversations we were able to share as adults with nothing to prove. Love and respect and the joy of your authentic smile as we fully embraced our second or third or fifth chance to set the records straight. See you sooner than later!!! A.
April
March 10, 2020
Dad, your presence is consistently with me - an article you sent that pops up in a file, a few bars of Clair De Lune when least expected (always brings a tear), conversations in lucid dreams - wish we had had more time, but I'm happy for every words we shared especially during the 2000s. Miss you always. Love, April
April James
March 17, 2019
Still and always miss you, Dad, but thank goodness for lucid dreaming! April
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March 17, 2012
To Uncle Barry,
I will always remember your passion for music, business and living your life to the fullest. Love Melissa Karin
March 15, 2012
To all our American family & friends,
sending much love and fondest memories to one of our dearest relatives, Uncle Barry.
He was a constant source of guidance, wisdom, humour and, of course, talent.
We will miss him and carry his memory in our hearts, always.
Swing on, Uncle!
Love,
Nephew Adam & Niece Cathy, xo
Toronto, Canada.
Adam & Cathy Ginsberg-Wendt
March 15, 2012
To all our American family & friends,
sending much love and fondest memories to one of our dearest relatives, Uncle Barry.
He was a constant source of guidance, wisdom, humour and, of course, talent.
We will miss him and carry his memory in our hearts, always.
Swing on, Uncle!
Love,
Nephew Adam & Niece Cathy, xo
Toronto, Canada.
March 15, 2012
To my big brother Barry---love you always Myrna
March 15, 2012
The heavens are playing a wonderful tune now that they have their pianist! Although our times were few because of geography I carry memories that remain....the white caddy model you sent...the cutouts of LA newspaper articles on sports...and the epitomy of what i picture when i think of you, "tickling the ivories" with a drink at the side! :)
Yanu'akh beshalom al mishkavo ... May you rest in peace !
Love your nephew Mark along with Eden and Logan
Barry Townley, renaissance man
April james
March 14, 2012
We all miss you, DAD, and look forward to seeing you shine in the skies tomorrow night (03/15/2012) as Venus & Jupiter align on the evening following the wonderful celebration of your spectacular life. Love, your kid April, your other kid Sean, our adorable spouses Barry & Maura, your granddaughter Catherine and, especially, your great-grandson RJ who idolizes everything about you and will be that carrier of the musical flame ............
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