Barry Weiss Saint Teresa of Calcutta once said, “Spread love everywhere you go and let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” I read those words and think of Barry Weiss. Mr. Weiss died of a heart attack July 2, 2016 while camping with his family at the Russian River. He was 67.
The responses were universal, almost every single person thought that it was a horrible idea. When we told them those words were directly from the Declaration of Independence, they were incensed, angry and told us we were wrong. It was a fascinating exercise on so many levels.
Mr. Weiss taught history and government at Moreau Catholic from 1974-1983. The impact on his students is immeasurable. I had the pleasure of having Mr. Weiss for several classes during my time at Moreau Catholic and continued to stay in touch throughout the years. He was an amazing teacher and person who always went out of his way to make sure that you were engaged and learning. He introduced his students to the bigger world. During the 1980 presidential election, Mr. Weiss had us work on political campaigns as part of our assignment. He made us read the newspaper every day to stay up to date on current events that shaped the world – our world. I remember having to do a street survey in Hayward. We asked people if they agreed with the quote, “That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to affect their safety and happiness…”
difference in our world. I know I am speaking for many who had the amazing experience of having such an impactful teacher as Mr. Weiss. Although it seems like a lifetime ago, when we all sat in our desks facing each other and debating the crisis in El Salvador or Nicaragua, those memories continue to shape how we conduct ourselves in this world today. Mr. Weiss left Moreau Catholic to pursue a career in Parks and Recreation. In typical Barry Weiss fashion, he mentored countless professionals, served as President of the California Park & Recreation Society, and was selected as a member of the prestigious American Academy for Recreation Administration.
Barry Weiss teaching at Moreau Catholic in 1984.
Mr. Weiss lived and breathed his work as a teacher and his enthusiasm was contagious. He chaperoned a large group of us on the Close Up trip to Washington DC in November, 1981. He was even able to get our class invited to the White House to meet Ed Meese, Chief of Staff for President Reagan. We sat in the Red Room and Mr. Meese spoke about his role and his work with the president. It was a life-changing trip. I knew from that moment I wanted to be involved in serving others and making a
In Memorium
In December 2008, he retired to travel and enjoy life, including being a grandpa to four grandchildren, but still remained active in the world of parks and recreation as a consultant. Mr. Weiss led and inspired us to think, reflect and discover. He made his mark on the world in so many ways and indeed lived up to the words of Saint Teresa of Calcutta every day with everyone he knew and encountered – what an incredible legacy he leaves. by Jill Brusco Fox ‘82L
We hold these departed, and their families, in our thoughts and prayers: Louis Bega Richard L’Heureux ‘12 Dominic Monterosso ‘13 Jim Sanders Barry Weiss Fall 2016 43