Archie Bard
Archie Bard Oct. 29, 1923 – May 7, 2009
Born in Port Hueneme and a 3rd generation Californian, Archie was part of a pioneering family with a distinguished history in Ventura County. He attended Port Hueneme grammar school, graduated from the Thacher School in 1940, and was at Princeton when he enlisted with the Army Air Corp in 1942. After serving, Archie attended U.C. Berkeley where, on a blind date, he met Carla Marise Henny and married her in 1948. The newlyweds moved to Ventura County, where Archie joined the family business, Berylwood Investment Company. The birth of their four children, Gregory, Victoria, Thomas, and Jennifer, followed soon thereafter.
Answering an inner calling to make his own mark, in 1958 Archie moved the family to Hollywood Beach (Oxnard) and founded his mushroom business, Del Norte Foods, Inc., which thrived for nearly 30 years. But it was in “retirement” when Archie’s creative talents manifested themselves in his unique multi-media sculptures that are now constant testaments to his appreciation of the bizarre and speak to his outlook on life and humanity. Carla, his wife of 49 years died in a car accident in 1997, and in the following years, Archie focused his talents and energies on his life long passion for green waste recycling, composting, and sustainable greenhouse food production.
Archie’s marriage to Else (Leinie) Schilling in 2001 began a new chapter in his life in Montecito as they immersed themselves in art and culture, travel, and philosophical explorations. Archie’s concern for the environment and for the future of mankind was evident in his insatiable thirst for knowledge and understanding. Even as cancer consumed his body, Archie’s explorations into the depths of the internet, his lively and informed debates on wide-ranging topics, and his infectious humor, continued to provide enrichment to all those around him. Archie’s unique ability to engage both young and old alike, has given us all great cause to be thankful, blessed, and honored for his presence in our lives. We love you Dad.
Archie is survived by his wife of eight years, Leinie Schilling Bard, his four children Gregory (Santa Rosa, CA), Victoria (Santa Maria, CA), Thomas (Danville, CA), and Jennifer (Santa Rosa, CA), brother Richard (Murray WA.), sisters Jana (Montecito, CA) and Margaret (San Francisco, CA), and seven wonderful grand children.
A private family service will be held. In recognition of Archie’s memory and in lieu of flowers, please send donations to Environmental Defense Center (906 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA. 93101).