Barker Pacific Founder Michael Barker Passes Away, Age 80

Privately held national real estate firm Barker Pacific Group (BPG) announced the unexpected passing of CEO Michael Barker, who founded the company in 1983. Barker, 80, died suddenly last month, after falling while visiting Texas.

“We’ve lost a leader, an innovator, and a long-time legend in the commercial real estate industry,” said Mark Handin, BPG’s managing principal. “I am incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from Michael over the last 16 years. We will honor his spirit and memory by continuing his legacy of success at BPG.”

Barker founded Los Angeles-based BPG in 1983. As CEO and managing partner, he focused on acquiring, developing and managing pre-leased residential and commercial projects. For BPG, he directed the development of more than $3.5 billion In commercial projects in California, Arizona, Texas and Florida.

Before starting BPG, Barker was an officer at Hines Interests, where he led the development of more than four million square feet of office space in Tulsa, Houston and San Antonio. In 1970, he also co-founded asset management firm First Houston Trust Company. From 1968 to 1970, he served as a lending officer
in the energy department of Citibank, New York.

Barker was dedicated to the success of the John Tracy Center, which serves hearing-impaired children, and served as chairman of the board. He was an active member of the Urban Land Institute (UNMUC Silver Council since 2013), the Lincoln Club, Lambda Alpha International, the Pacific Union Club, and the El Dorado Country Club. He was also a member of The California Club, Jonathan Club and The Confrérie des
Chevaliers du Tastevin for many years.