Barry Stephen Spector

• 

Spector, Barry Stephen age 78, a lifelong Minnea-politan and travel professional, died unexpectedly at home on May 22, 2017. Fluent in French, Spanish and Italian, with a smattering of Russian and Japanese, Barry was a world traveler who also loved his hometown. He passed away in the home where he had lived in for almost 70 years. Barry adored his Lake Calhoun neighborhood and was a dedicated gardener, posting a sign in his front lawn inviting passers-by to "please stop and smell the roses." Another of his great pleasures was preparing gourmet meals for friends and family, choosing recipes from the more than 50 countries he had visited. Barry graduated from Southwest High School and attended Reed College in Oregon before graduating from the University of Minnesota, where he subsequently received a master's degree in French. A lifelong lover of all things French, Barry also studied at the Sorbonne. One of his first jobs was as the Paris representative of a student travel company, organizing summer tours. He also taught English to native French speakers. Starting in the 1970s, Barry owned two retail stores in downtown Minneapolis: The Buckskin Leather Shop and Street Wear, but travel was his passion, and one day in 1985, paging through the want ads in the Star-Tribune, he saw a large ad for "trip directors" at a company called BI Worldwide, which arranges incentive trips for corporate clients. After many interviews, they saw how valuable he would be. Barry worked for BI for 28 years, leading approximately 500 trips to all corners of the world, for groups as large as 3,500. Fascinated by foreign cultures, Barry took photos and made friends wherever he went. His last position was teaching English as a second language to professionals over the Internet, a job he loved. Barry is survived by his sister, Jill Evan Spector of New York City, and his longtime partner, Sara Ann Fagin. He also leaves behind his wonderful extended family. He was predeceased by his parents, Reuben and Mary, and by his beloved sister Paula. Services 12 Noon FRIDAY, May 26, at UNITED HEBREW BROTHERHOOD CEMETERY CHAPEL, 2605 W. 70 1/2 St. Richfield, followed by a gathering of family and friends at 3720 Zenith Ave. South in Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the charity of your choice. Hodroff-Epstein 612 871-1234 hodroffepstein.com

Published on May 25, 2017