November 20, 1925 - November 5, 2015
Los Angeles, California
We first met George 30 years ago in April 1997 when we had traveled from Florida to meet him at his shop and to see the original Batmobile. Although George was busy he took the time to chat with us at length and autograph several photos and a book for us. We were there at his shop for about two hours taking photos and talking with some of the fellows in the shop. It was a real pleasure for both of us to meet and talk with him, one we will never forget.
I ran into George a few more times over the years and last saw him in May 2011 again at his shop. He was always friendly and loved to talk with his fans. It was at that time I met Joji and found her to be as delightful to talk with as her dad.
George was one who set high standards for the kustomizing of various vehicles in the automotive industry for many years. There have been a lot of kustomizers over the years but there will only ever be one George Barris, "King of the Kustomizers."
AS a kid growing up in the San Fernando valley in the 1950 it always great to go to the hot rod shops and BARRIS was the high point as kid and I was at his shop 1 year ago and talked to him for some time, he was always kind to me as a kid and easy to talk to.
I have may friends that knew him more close then me, but he inspired me to this day. Many say there will never be a man as great as him, I hope he will be a starting point for the young to see they to can some day be a high point to some kid as i was.
The world has lost a great man, I will never forget the times I talked to him one on one. Thanks George
DAVID PAKCYK
To the Barris Family,
I had the honor of first meeting George when in April 1997, I stopped by his shop to visit, and of course, check out his most famous creation the Batmobile. We had the chance to chat and he allowed me to walk around his shop for quite some time snapping photos. For that, I will forever be grateful.
I met him again in 2003 at the close of the Klassix Auto Museum in Daytona Beach and was able to get together for some photos again. That was just one of the great things about him, he always made the time to share time with people who wanted to see him.
I cannot think of another who has led the kind of life George has. Designer, builder, photographer, entrepreneur, showman and so much more. He has left all of us with a legacy that will be talked about for generations.
Thank you, George, for all you have done in the world of custom cars hot rods and especially to this 10-year-old in 1966, the one and only Batmobile!
Prayers and blessings to the Barris family as you celebrate the life of this extraordinary remarkable man. George and Shirley are together again.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert A. Dea
DeLand, FL
George,
As a car guy and car family, my wife Terry Petrillo, daughter Natalie Petrillo, and I have honored the relationship that we have had with you and your family. Our visits with you and your family have always been filled with respect to everyone, love of life and fun and enjoyment.
Hearing your stories about your career and imagining how you changed the lives of many through the utilization of your imagination and the execution of your designs, was always exciting to us.
Unfortunately, we have no way of measuring the enjoyment you brought to all including the movie industry, their viewers, the car industry and the public that viewed your unbelievable vehicle creations. We have no way of identifying the careers that you self started through your talent for those who said "I want to be like George Barris and express my talent."
George, you have a wonderful family that along with your friends will never forget you. This is one way to identify our love and respect for you, your talent and kindness you brought to others through your personal and business relationships.
It has been an honor knowing you and the time you spent with me sharing your stories especially about the Rat Pack and Elvis, who I have always admired their ability to attract others through their talent and mostly their kindness to others. Just like you George.
God Bless you George Barris, we will miss you and your smile.
Joe Petrillo
We love you George. We will miss you. You and Shirley made our times together with you always loads of fun. All our vacations, trips, parties, boating, waterskiing, snowskiing, tennis and all our card and board games were the best.
We were so lucky to have you in our lives.
We are sure there is a big party in heaven going on now.
George give Shirley a big kiss and hug for us.
You are in our hearts and will be forever. ( also in our garage )
All our love and prayers to Joji, Brett and Jared at this time. Your memories of George are endless.
Lov you,
The Frank Monteleone family
goodbye to an amazing man George barres the king of kustoms who was well none for his outlandish kustom cars he built i only got to met him once in my life time. and that was on Dec 11 2014 at his north Hollywood California shop sense the 1950's.after waiting for all most 45 min they finely came.rollen in a custom Toyota pries i then walked around to the back door and there he was sitting at his desk he sed come on in. he was the nicest person you could ever meet. he spent 1/12 hrs with me and showed me all of his stuff and we talked about cars and other things it was like a dream come true. i felt just like a little kid in a candy shop. i got to go in to all of his shops and look at some of his master peaces he had made and it was all there and thin his daughter took a few a photos of Mr barres and me and lots Moore wear taken and thin he gave me his autograph on the last full cover magazine that my car was in.wot a blessing i never tout this wold happen. my god be with you George barres the king of kustoms the real thing my your legon live on. thanks for the specail time peter abbatello oregon
I was deeply saddened to here of George's passing.......I will always treasure the times we toured together at many shows from 2002 until now, most of all we traveled together to Japan for the Mooneyes show
In 2012 where they made action figures of George to match the ones they did of Ed Big Daddy Roth & myself Larry Speedo' Henley...
,but one other show stands out in my mind at the Detroit Autorama where they featured many of Georges cars, and besides him inviting me to sit in some of the most iconic cars ,including the original TV series Bat Mobile, and of course when there I was privileged to interview George for one of our greatest oldies stations back home in Monterey, Calif..
George you will always have a special place in my heart and memories, your Friend and admirer,
Love , Larry Speedo 'Henley
met Mr. G. Barris numerous times at car shows he attended in parts of Ontario Canada.
Cities such as Toronto, Mississauga & London to name a few.
he always treated his 'fan's' with respect...positivity...& go the extra 'mile' to CHAT with you!!
us Canadian's LOVE George...he'll be 'missed'!!
Rest Well my 'friend'!
truly
robert yee brantford, ontario .Canada.
n3s-7g3
