Barry Balamuth, 73, died Saturday, May 4, 2019 at his home surrounded by loved ones following long-term, cascading illnesses.
He leaves his high school sweetheart and wife of 51 years, Kath (Siefert) Balamuth; his daughter Kelly Balamuth and her husband, Bryan Kemler; his daughter Brett Anne Balamuth; his sister Barbara Andrews, her husband Lyle, two children Heather and Brian; three grandchildren; and many friends.
Barry grew up in Berkeley, attending Thousand Oaks, Garfield, and Berkeley High. He was an alumnus of UC Davis and UC Berkeley. He earned scholastic honors, including the Order of the Coif and The Thursten Honors Society, during his attendance at UC Hastings School of the Law, from which he received his J.D. degree in 1971.
Barry had a passion for justice and practiced trial law as a consumer attorney for 48 years. Over the course of his career, he helped thousands of clients with tenacity, grace, and a high level of success. He served on the board of directors of the Alameda-Contra Costa Trial Lawyers Association for 25 years and was a proud member of the Consumer Attorneys of California. He was also a bar member of the U.S. Supreme Court. The latter quarter of his career, he formed a law firm with his daughter Kelly, which continues under her stewardship.
Barry was a member of the Orinda Country Club for over 20 years, serving on numerous committees and as chairperson for the Seniors for two years. He was an avid softball player, tennis player, golfer, and gambler. Barry loved "the action."
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Barry's favorite charity, the Contra Costa County Food Bank. A celebration of life will be held on July 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Orinda Community Center. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to ksiefert1946@gmail.com. |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA