Obituary of Harry Hyman Barbach

Harry Hyman Barbach, age 81, of Las Vegas, died Thursday, November 17, 2011. Harry was born April 24, 1930 in New York, NY to the late Max and the late Sadie (Spector) Barbach. Harry moved from New York to Los Angeles with his family when he was 15 years old. Shortly thereafter he met his future wife, Eleanor in their high school Spanish class. Harry served in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He and Eleanor had two children in Los Angeles, before they moved to St. Louis in 1960. Harry had a 47-year career at Edison Brothers Shoe Stores. He began working for EBS while in high school as a part-time shoe salesman and was promoted up through the ranks, eventually serving as Buyer for Bakers, Burts and Leeds women's shoe chains, and as an Executive Vice President. After retiring from EBS, he formed his own consulting business advising manufacturers of women's shoes, in the areas of design, manufacturing and sales. He was considered by many to be a "Builder of Men" creating an atmosphere that mentored others, helping to expand their careers and supporting their professional development. Harry was an avid golfer and had a passion for collecting clocks. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Shaare Emeth in St. Louis, where he and Eleanor endowed the temple with a baseball field, the Barbach Field. He was president of the Men's "Niners" Golf Club and Pan Club in Sun City Summerlin and a member of Bet Knesset Bamidbar. Harry loved to travel and his greatest happiness was bringing his entire family together for travel vacations. Harry is survived by his wife of 63 years, Eleanor Barbach; children Robert (Nancy) Barbach of Great Neck, NY and Vicki (Brian Schaff) Pierce of St. Louis MO; grandchildren Heather (John) Messex and Evan Pierce of St. Louis MO and Erin and Jordan Barbach of Great Neck NY; and great, grandson Cameron Messex of St. Louis MO. Contributions in Harry's memory may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. A memorial service will be held 10:00 am on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at Kraft-Sussman Funeral Services, 3975 S. Durango Drive, Suite 104, Las Vegas, NV