With a heavy heart, we announce the tragic and unexpected passing of Barry Weddington Becker on Monday, October 30th, 2023, at the age of 78. Barry was born on April 15th, 1945 in Los Angeles, CA, to the late Ernie and Betty Becker.
A proud graduate of North Hollywood High School, he went on to Pierce College in Woodland Hills, CA later to honorably serve his country in the US Marines from 1969 - 1971. In 1968, Barry wed his sweetheart Susan (DuPlante) Becker. Married for 55 years they lovingly raised three sons: Barry Jr., known fondly as “New” B, Danny and Randy.
Barry had been a Las Vegas resident since 1971 where he joined his father’s home- building and development business. In 1973, he founded Becker Realty Corp., a company that originated to sell new track homes but then went on to buy and sell land. Barry was a partner in Becker Enterprises, a company that develops, owns and operates shopping centers, office buildings, multi-family residential and industrial properties in the Las Vegas Valley. Along with his family he founded Becker Gaming and launched Arizona Charlie's Casino and Charlie’s Bars. One of his latest projects, in partnership with his sons, was the development of an affordable housing complex in North Las Vegas, continuing the Becker family's tradition of real estate development.
Being part of the community was always important to Barry and for more than 50 years he lived here, he was involved with countless organizations on both a professional and personal level.
His leadership roles included serving as past president of the Southern Nevada Homebuilders Association, Life member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Nevada. He served as area vice president for the NAHB where he was responsible for six western states and served two years on the NAHB’s Executive Committee and was a national representative for the state of Nevada.
Barry was Chairman of the Land Use Planning Committee for Project 2000 and was appointed by both Governor’s O’Callahan and List for six years on the State Environmental Commission as a general contracting industry representative. He also lobbied for the Nevada Revised Statute Owner/Developer Law which was passed in the 1970’s.
He served on multiple Board of Directors including 4 years each on Las Vegas Rotary Club, Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Boy Scouts of America, and was a past president of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Clark Country. Barry served 10 years on the Nevada Development Authority. He served on the Fee Dispute Arbitration Board of the Nevada Bar Association. He was part of the Citizen’s Advisory Board to the Clark County Regional Planning Commission, President of New Horizon’s Academy (a non-profit school for children with learning challenges), Board of Directors of the Catholic Welfare, Foundation Board member of Opportunity Village (providing work for the mentally challenged.) Barry was also a member of the UNLV Foundation Board of Directors and on the board of The Las Vegas Country Club.
On a personal level, Barry was everything to all of us. The nucleus of our family. The straw that stirred the drink, more or less the martini. Family and friends were of the utmost importance to Barry, especially after the tragic loss of his beloved son “New” B. The most important thing to him was to keep his family close and do everything in his power to allow his family to heal.
He taught us that a good life was not complicated and should be well lived. His love for boating created countless trips to Catalina at the Tuna Club and Lake Tahoe with his family. His love for Laguna Beach and a good cigar led to countless late nights around the fire with good music and his peppered words of wisdom. His life was a montage of meaningful collections from classic cars to antique stoves. He loved his ranch in the mountains, golfing, skiing and always a zip around the dance floor with Sue. Despite all he did, he was never too busy for his beloved children, grandchildren, and wife.
With his family and friends by his side, Barry always set the stage for a great time, and he did it with ease. Obstacles were minuscule, arguments were minimized, so the experience could be memorable.
A man of strength whose heart knew no bounds in generosity. Barry quietly took the highroad in any situation. He influenced us to our core by doing the right thing and working for the greater good - for his family, his friends and his community. The true epitome of a man who walked quietly but carried a big stick.
He was our pillar, our foundation and a subtle yet solid influence who was always there. Barry’s presence will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.
Barry is survived by his loving wife Susan; sons Danny Becker, Randy Becker and his wife Nicole Becker, his late son “New” B’s widow Shannon Becker, and four grandchildren Blair, Alivia, Daniel and Weston; his brothers, Ernie, Randy and Bruce. Preceding him in death is his son "New" B and his parents Betty and Ernie Becker.
Funeral services for Barry W. Becker will be held on Wednesday, November 15th at Our Lady of Las Vegas 3050 Alta Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89107 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New Horizons Academy.
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