Charles Emmet Barkis III, known by all (except telemarketers) as Skip was born March 25, 1949 in San Francisco, California. Skip passed away September 8, 2022 in Santa Clara, California surrounded by his family. Skip is survived by his wife Gloria Jean Barkis of 48 years, his eldest daughter Verity Anne Foster of Happy Valley, California and her husband Jeramie Keith Foster, daughter Laurel Elizabeth Deshpande of San Jose, California and her husband Saurabh Deshpande, and son Elliot Charles Barkis of San Jose, California. Skip leaves four loving grandchildren Quinton Moreira, Takara Foster, Avani Deshpande and Ayan Deshpande. Skip is preceded in death by his parents Charles Emmet Barkis Jr. and Avilla Alice Barkis. Skip also leaves his sister Susan Barkis and her wife Cynthia Clinkingbeard of Boise, Idaho.
Skip was a long-time resident of San Jose, California. He attended local schools and was a graduate of Leigh High School. He graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a BS in Mathematics and a minor in Computer Science. Building a computer for his Senior Project gave him a good understanding of hardware, and his education gave him a good understanding of software. He started his professional career as a computer programmer and teaching computer languages part-time at West Valley College. He helped many of his students get their computers set up both professionally and personally. He worked at many Silicon Valley companies from start ups to Fortune 500 companies as a consultant or employee. Skip had an entrepreneurial spirit, in the 80s he started his own software company with his partner, Wayne Beavers. Together they successfully developed a software product. He also developed another successful software product in the mid 90s with his partner Barry Sprajc, which led him to consulting in Silicon Valley full-time.
Skip was a lifelong Boy Scout. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Skip supported the Boy Scouts and was a Scout Master for his son’s troop. He also supported his daughters taking on various leadership positions in the YMCA’s Indian Princesses program (now known as Adventure Guides) and Santa Clara County 4-H programs. He especially enjoyed the Junior Livestock Auction at the Santa Clara County Fair.
Skip was an active member of Transfiguration Catholic Community. He stepped up to help in many ministries and general work that needed to be done. He found his calling in lecturing at liturgies. He received many compliments on how he proclaimed scripture. He would always respond with a simple, “Thank You” and never elaborated. Skip graduated from the ILM Program of the Dioceses of San Jose. Along with his son and another parishioner, Andy Maurer, they set up the office computer network.
Whether networking the church office, building personal computers for others, or troubleshooting computer issues, Skip was always ready to help with anything computer related for his family and friends. During the pandemic shutdown he helped many people get their computers configured to participate on Zoom. He helped many people become computer savvy, and in the process, he made more friends.
Skip was a Ham Radio Operator, a beekeeper, and an avid/insatiable book collector. He amassed a very extensive professional book collection. A trip to the bookstores was always on his list of things to do.
The world is a different place without Skip Barkis, family, friends, and colleagues mourn the loss of a very special soul.
A visitation for Skip will be held Sunday, October 9, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with Rosary service beginning at 6:00 PM at Lima Family Santa Clara, 466 North Winchester Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95050.
A memorial mass will be held on Monday, October 10, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Church of the Transfiguration, 4325 Jarvis Ave, San Jose, CA 95118. Inurnment to follow at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.limafamilysantaclara.com for the Barkis family.
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