Earl 'Blaine' Barrick, Jr

It is with heavy hearts, that the Barrick and van Loben Sels families share with family and friends that Blaine Barrick passed away on November 23, 2024, at the age of 66.  After a long illness with Bladder Cancer, Blaine passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones. 

Blaine was a devoted spouse, son, brother, uncle, and friend who was deeply loved by many and will be remembered for the strong, meaningful connections he nurtured throughout his life.  A respected educator and valued community member, Blaine was highly regarded as a brilliant linguist and admired for his eloquence in both speech and writing, effortlessly conveying his thoughts with clarity and grace.  Blaine will also be remembered for his infectious sense of humor, whether in lighthearted banter or thoughtful conversation, as well as his deep appreciation for art, music, and history.

Blaine was born on December 9, 1957, in Atwater, CA to Joyce and Earl Blaine Barrick, Sr. He grew up in the Atwater/Merced area and graduated from Merced High School in 1975, fondly remembering his time as a member of the school’s first water polo team in 1974.  After graduating from Merced High School, he coached and played water polo while pursuing his education at Merced Community College and later at the University of California, Davis. Blaine completed his higher education at the University of California, Santa Barbara, in 1979.  With his degree in hand, Blaine joined the U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers from 1979-1981, where he taught English to French-speaking children in Gabon, Equatorial West Africa. It was after his Peace Corps service, traveling in Europe, and some work and studying, that Blaine chose to pursue a career in education. In 1988, Blaine began his career as a teacher, which proved to be his true passion. He went on to teach for 28 years, spending the majority of his career teaching French in the Merced Union High School District, primarily at Merced High School and Atwater High School.  He enjoyed introducing students to the French language and culture, and took great pride in mentoring them while supporting their activities and organizations.  During his time in the Merced Union High School District, Blaine greatly valued his colleagues and was honored to represent them at both the district and state levels.

In 1994, Blaine married his spouse, Ken, and together they shared a life filled with love and happiness. Blaine took immense pleasure in cooking and hosting with Ken in their home, and regardless of the occasion, their guests were sure to share a meal filled with music, love, laughter, and lasting memories. Blaine also had a love for travel, and together with Ken, they shared fond memories of time spent visiting friends in Paris, France during a number of summers and holidays. Blaine was fortunate to have many friends, mentors, and colleagues in his life, including Leslie Finch of Bellingham, WA, Pam Bennett, Mickey Barry & Bud Dolan, and too many others to recognize. These friends were very close to him during his final weeks, and their love and companionship helped him through that difficult period. Blaine’s longtime friend, Professor Gary Brown, of the University of California, Santa Barbara, must also be thanked for his love and support. Blaine had great love for all of his friends and family, and he knew he was loved in return. 

Blaine is survived by his brother, Brent (Marcie) of Atwater, CA; his nephew, Matt (Jen), and great-niece, Daphne, of San Francisco, CA; his niece, Brittany, and her fiancée, John Schneider, of Arvada, CO; as well as cousins and aunts in Southern, CA, Utah, Sonora, CA, Sacramento, CA and Alabama.  He was loved and supported by Ken’s sons, Michael (Sarah) of Los Banos, CA; Thomas (Sarah Gray) of Menlo Park, CA; and Ken’s 7 grandchildren: Emma, Owen, Jared, Bailee, Sophie, Kate, and Jillian.   Blaine was preceded in death by his spouse of 30 years, Ken Van Loben Sels; his mother, Joyce Ann Barrick; and his father, Earl Blaine Barrick, Sr.

Blaine’s brother, Brent, and family would like to express their love and appreciation to those who visited Blaine in his final days and sent messages of their love and support. Each visitor and message received from friends and family were welcomed by Blaine, and they truly touched his heart. A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful Hinds Hospice team, especially Jaime, for your kindness and unwavering commitment to Blaine’s comfort and dignity over the past 2 years, and to Hilda for your care in his final days.  You made it possible for his brother, Brent, and family to honor Blaine’s final wishes.     

Blaine requested a visitation and chapel service at the Wilson’s Family Funeral Chapel, 1290 Winton Way, Atwater, CA, 95301.  Services will be held at this location on Monday, December 16, 2024.  The visitation will begin at 11:00 am in the Funeral Chapel followed with a chapel service beginning at 11:30 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation, in Blaine’s name, to a charity of your choice.

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