Known as one of Northern California’s Best Instructors
San Ramon, CA- Throughout his entire life Ernest "Ernie" Barbour touched the lives of numerous human beings through the game of golf. Barbour departed this life on November 9, 2007 after a two-year battle with an inoperable brain tumor. He was 54. At the time of passing Barbour was resting peacefully at home (San Ramon, CA) with his loving wife, Rose DeGrazia-Barbour at his side, and other family members close by.
Barbour was a dedicated PGA club professional and a highly-respected member of the Northern California PGA since 1989. An exceptional golf instructor, in 1998 Barbour was named Northern California PGA Teacher of the Year.
His early years in golf were spent in Atlanta, Georgia, where he competed on the Southern Tour. He left the game for a few years when he accepted a management position with Eastern Airlines and was transferred to the San Francisco Bay Area which would become his permanent home.
Returning to the game of golf in the late 1980’s, Barbour served as head golf professional at Castlewood Country Club (Pleasanton, CA) and in 1995 took a similar assignment at Deep Cliff Golf Course (Cupertino, CA). Due to a deep passion for teaching, he also served as director of instruction at Pleasanton Golf Academy (Pleasanton, CA), taught at San Ramon Golf Club (San Ramon, CA) and at The Bridges Golf Club (San Ramon, CA). His last days in golf were spent as a mentor and coach at San Ramon Golf Club.
Barbour believed that today’s youth were the future of golf, evidenced by his long tenure as a local high school golf coach. In 1994, he and a colleague accompanied juniors to Russia for a USA/Moscow Golf Exchange. During his tenure with the Northern California PGA he served on the junior golf, membership, and election committees, and was co-chairman of the physically challenged committee. For several years he conducted clinics for golfers with disabilities in association with Guardian Rehabilitation Hospital in San Ramon, CA.
Barbour is survived by his wife Rose, sister Eleanor Barbour-Dahlin, in-laws Tony and Mary DeGrazia, sister-in-law Debbie and brother-in-law Jerry Ajlouny. He is also survived by his aunt Mary Jewel, nieces Veronica Johnston and Jessica Johnston, and other extended family members.
Because Ernie Barbour was all about living, "A Celebration of Life" ceremony will take place on Tues., November 20, 2007 at Diablo Country Club, 1700 Clubhouse Road, Diablo, CA, 94528. The memorial will begin with a gathering of family and friends from 9:30 a.m-10:30 a.m., with a formal service commencing at 10:30 a.m. Donations in the loving memory of Ernie Barbour can be directed to Hope Hospice, 6500 Dublin Blvd, Suite 100, Dublin, CA, 94568-3151.
Contact:
Emmy
E-Mail: EmmyPGA@aol.com
Phone: (530) 902-8181
