Barry Jan Obituary

Barry Jan

At sunrise on Tuesday, May 28h, Barry Jan passed away at the age of ninety. He is survived by his wife, Eva Jan and son Gerald Jan, sister Mignon, brother Lyle, along with many cousins, nephews and nieces.
Barry was born in Fresno, California and later moved to San Francisco Chinatown. Barry attended Commodore Stockton in Chinatown, Francisco Junior High, Galileo High and UC Berkeley. At Berkeley, he earned a degree in chemistry. Soon after he was hired as a chemical engineer at the Mare Island Navy Shipyard with a career that spanned 42 years in the field of rubber science working on submarines. Known as the "Quiet Man" Barry headed the Quality Assurance Rubber Engineering Laboratory and received numerous awards and recognition for his work in research and development.
Barry was also a wine maker and organic farmer. Using the Jan family Zinfandel grapes, the St. Helena, Merryvale Winery developed a bottle of Zinfandel wine and named it "Jan Vineyard."
Barry was a regular volunteer photographer for the ZAP/Zinfandel Wine Tasting Festival, the CUESA/Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture, Macy's Cellar cooking demonstrations, and the annual SF Chefs Tour at the SF Presidio.
"Carefree" is how Barry chooses to describe his life. "I had a full life. I'm very happy. In my career and life I did what I wanted. I had space. I'm happy."
Together for over 72 years, Barry enjoyed the love and support of his life long partner Eva. His life was also bolstered by the support and love of his son, Gerald.
As requested by Barry, there will be no formal service. Contributions to celebrate Barry's life can be made in this name to the Chinatown YMCA, 855 Sacramento St. SF, 94108 and the SF SPCA, 250 Florida St, SF, 94103.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jun. 7 to Jun. 16, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Barry Jan

5 Entries

felice data

June 1, 2020

one of those rare people we forever remember with wonderful thoughts. a kind, generous, happy man; world was fortunate to have him on it.

June 18, 2019

such a kind, intelligent, friendly, creative friend to our family and especially to bart and grace data, my parents; dad worked for years with him at mare island along with frank caggegi; what a trio. i have such wonderful memories of your beautiful family: eva, gerry, and mom. my deepest sympathy, and apprecition to all of you. I read this today and thought of barry: "why do we cry when our dear ones die? because we sorrow for our own loss. if our loved ones leave us for training in better schools of life, we should rejoice instead of being sad. yogananda

thank you barry for making this world a better place.

felice data

June 18, 2019

such a kind, intelligent, friendly, creative friend to our family and especially to bart and grace data, my parents; dad worked for years with barry at mare island along with frank caggegi. what a trio. and as we grew up...all of us....we celebrated too: at the barn in vallejo; making wine. holiday greetings. i have such wonderful memories of your beautiful family: barry, eva, gerry, and, mom. my deepest sympathy, and appreciation to all of you.

I read this today and thought of barry: "why do we cry when our dear ones die? because we sorrow for our own loss. if our loved ones leave us for training in better schools of life, we should rejoice instead of being sad."paramahansa yogananda

thank you for making our lives better.

felice data

June 14, 2019

My deepest condolences to your family for the loss of your love one. May your cherished memories created, brighten your days and help sustain you at this time. John 6:40 gives much comfort by looking forward to Jesus promise of seeing your love one again

Shelia

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B. Gardner

June 12, 2019

To the family of Mr. Barry Jan. I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Jan was blessed with 90 years of being especially strong. (Psalm 90:10) May your hearts be filled with joyful memories of time spent with him as you remember a life well-lived.

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