Barryzona's Southwest Magic
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Sleep well, dear friends, and may you walk with the angels and take care of us

Jacqui Parent

January 16, 2005
The Founding Director of
Barryzona Southwest Magic

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:

Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

A Eulogy For Jacqui
Donna Chapman
I met Jacqui 7 years ago, and we bonded immediately. Where did we meet, in a chat room, but please understand, I don't go to chat rooms. Before I knew it, we were on a 5-day trip together bound for San Diego. Little did I realize that it would be the first of many wonderful, wonderful vacations that I would be fortunate enough to share with her.

Have you ever taken a vacation with Jacqui? Believe me, you would never forget it. It was comparable to a teenagers slumber party. The all night stories, practical jokes, pillow fights, laughing, crying, throwing food, loud music, and no sleep.

She was my best friend. But I think many considered her their best friend. That is evident by just looking around this chapel today.

Jacqui had friends from all over the country, and the world. Many of these "best friends" got on planes, hopped in their car, got to hotel rooms, whatever it took to get here today.

Last August (2004) we gave a party for our friend, Jacqui. It wasn't her birthday, nor her anniversary, not a holiday or a special occasion. Her friends just decided to give a surprise party for her. And you know what? Everybody came. They came from the four corners of the country; Seattle, New York City, Florida, Chicago, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Arizona. Those who couldn't come sent along a personal Video of their wishes, gratitude, and thanks for her continued friendship. The party was not for one afternoon. It was a never ending three day event.

I will never forget looking around the room and thinking how wonderful to be loved by so many. It was a party that won't be forgotten. Jacqui will always be remembered for her loyalty to her friends, her zest for life, her passion for music, her continuous charity support, her spunky attitude, and her gift of gab. She was unique, a one-of-a-kind.

She picked the perfect husband, Del. Or did he pick her? It's funny because you would get a different story of "who got who", depending on which one you asked. When speaking of Jacqui, we always referred to her as "Jacqui & Del". Del loved all her friends as much as we all loved him. They were a perfect duet.

I will miss our vacations, shopping trips, lunches, her phone calls that always started with "Hello, Miss Donna", with an East Coast Accent that never left her. But I will be forever grateful for the 7 wonderful years that I was blessed to have her in my life. For that, I thank you, Jacqui.

Dear Jacqui, May you rest in peace knowing that because of your efforts, many people have come to know a friendship uniquely Barrytized.

Your creation of the Barryzona Southwest Magic Fan Club re-defined the term "friendship". Barryzona members across the USA, and in Japan, England, and Germany welcome each other, and share their home and their family lifestyles with one another.

Your enthusiasm for charity work in the name of Barry Manilow is an inspiration for all.
Your leadership in the club is commended by your many members.
This legacy will continue for a long time to come, and will burn in the memory of members long after they leave the club.
I am proud to be your husband and to be associated with Barryzona Southwest Magic. An officially sanctioned Barry Manilow Fan Club

Cathy Bierne

November 28, 2002

Cathy Bierne was the sweetest person I have met in a long time. I met her at a Barry concert in New Jersey, along with CarolAnn Sturmer.

We had so many laughs, and enjoyed each other tremendously. She was so genuine, and just loved life. I am going to miss her very much, but will always remember the good times we had together.

Peggy Bennett

In Memory of CATHY...A Barryzona Angel I have never met you personally, but it seems like yesterday when I sent you the traditional Barryzona greetings to our family. During the time you shared with all of us, I had the opportunity to be the one who sent you your birthday wishes....and for that reason...you will have a special place in my heart.

Susanne Jackowiak

Bud Stephens

September 30, 1999

"You'll Have A Place In Our Hearts"
"Forever and a Day."

On September 30, 1999, Barryzona lost a very dear friend. Bud (Harold) Stephens passed away due to complications following heart surgery. But he has given our Barryzona members wonderful gifts like humor, sincerity, unselfishness, dedication and love. Our members will miss him very, very much. Barryzona was fortunate enough to have shared a lot with Bud and even though our time together was much too short, we have been touched by his goodness, and big heart. Bud had a wonderful outlook on life, and was a super Dad to his daughter Allison. He has left all of us with a legacy of love, friendship, and compassion, and he will always hold a very special place in our hearts.

Good-bye, dear friend, and "until we meet again, may the Lord hold you in the palm of his hands."

The members of Barryzona's Southwest Magic, in memory of Bud Stephens, has purchased the name rights to a star. Our star is called, "Bud Stephens, Barryzona's Angel." The star is located in the Ursa Major constellation, and thus will shine brightly all year. This star will continue to be tracked and charted by NASA. We know that "our Bud" will shine on us every night, and he will be watching from above, and he will take care of us.

The confirmation of the star name has been beautifully framed, and along with all the identifying paperwork, has been sent to Allison, with all our love.

Barryzona's Star

Twinkle, Twinkle, Barryzona's Star
Our Dearest Bud, You'll Never Be Far
Up Above Our World So High
You're Our Angel In The Sky
Twinkle, Twinkle, Barryzona's Star
You'll Gently Watch Over Us From Where You Are

Thank you my dear Bud for what you gave to me!

Debi Allison


Pictures displayed give us the details on the star name, and its location.

His writing was evident in each post and his article in our last Newsletter was superbly written. He brought wonderful Allison into our lives and gave us the gift of himself. I know you are gazing into the face of God and dancing on streets of gold! You will be our Barryzona Bud, "Forever and a Day!" Love and miss you, Bud.

Beverly Garrisi

His way with words is what made him so special. He was a very sweet and caring man and I will miss him. I know he is sleeping with the angels!
With Love

Mary Ellen Reyes

Our Friend Who's Gone Away

We really didn't have him long - Our friend whose gone away
And if things could be different, I confess I'd have him stay
With us and bless us with his friendship and his smile,
He grew so very dear to us in such a little while.
Now we all are lonesome - Each heart has an empty space -
That wants to feel his hand again, and see his smiling face -
And hear him speak so gently, and just be with us each day.
We miss him and we're grieving for - Our Friend who's gone away.
But I am very thankful - There is peace within my soul-
For I know he's with Jesus - I know He has made him whole
And I know too I'll see him when He calls me from this place,
And when I go to live with Him - I know I'll see his face.

So as I write these words and I remember our Dear Friend.
I am thankful that he loaned him to us at the very end.
How precious are His thoughts toward us -
How wondrous are His ways -
He sent us such a lovely soul to bless and fill our days.
m.garren orig. 3/29/95 Susanne Haggberg

My dearest friend, Bud,

We will miss you terribly, but we know as our Barryzona angel, you will help us to find strength. Though our time together was short, you have made my life very rich by the friendship we shared together. Thank you for your gifts of friendship and your humorous ways, and know that I will carry you in my heart always.
Jacqui Parent

My Dearest Bud,

I would like to thank you for walking into my life, even if it was only for a very short time. I feel truly blessed that I was able to meet you in person during that magical June weekend. It's a weekend I will never forget. You willl always have a special place in my heart. I will miss your awesome sense of humor, for it was one of the best I have ever seen. You always had a great comeback for just about everything. I would like to say thank you to you, so I would like to dedicate the following poem in your memory.

A Reminiscence

Author: Anne Bronte
YES, thou art gone! and never more
Thy sunny smile shall gladden me;
But I may pass the old church door,
And pace the floor that covers thee.
May stand upon the cold, damp stone,
And think that, frozen, lies below
The lightest heart that I have known,
The kindest I shall ever know.
Yet, though I cannot see thee more,
Tis still a comfort o have seen;
And though thy transient life is o'er,
Tis sweet to think that thou hast been;

To think a soul so near divine,
Within a form so angel fair,
United to a heart like thine,
Has gladdened once our humble sphere.
Bud, you will be deeply missed; may you rest in peace.

To Allison,

I would like to say thank you to you as well. Thank you for sharing your Dad with us, and letting us get to know him. We only read his words of love and wisdom, but you were extremely fortunate to live within them. You were truly blessed to have had such a wonderful man as your father. Many people only dream to have had a Dad like yours. So again, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing him with all of us.

All my love to you both.

Janice Jastowski

I will miss such a wonderful man that always had a moment to speak with you if you needed him. Bud, Barryzona has lost a brother and you will always be in our hearts. Heaven just received a true angel!

We love you and will miss you.
Martha Ruiz

At times like these, I remember a poem.

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there…I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints of snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there. I did not die.

Rest in Peace, Bud

Josie Smith

My heart, prayers and thoughts go out to Allison, Bud's family and all his friends. May he rest in peace and may God give us all some peace.
Bud was a very special man, his humor and caring made us love him. I wish I could have met him in person, but I feel lucky to have known him if only on line. I am so sorry.

With Love,
Kerry Wright

I'm deeply saddened by the passing of Bud. I didn't even know him, but yesterday I was reading an article he wrote for the club's newsletter, and I could feel his warmth and kindness and humor shine through every word he wrote. He sounds like an extraordinary human being and this world is certainly at a loss with his passing. May he rest in eternal peace in the loving arms of our Lord.

Kim Ivey

I've never had the opportunity to meet Bud, but I felt as though I knew him through the newsletters and e-mails. I am so sad, and I just hope that Allison will be all right. My thoughts and prayers go out to Allison. I just wish I could've been there with all of you this summer.
With Love,

Peggy Bennet

I have never met Bud in person, but I cannot tell you how very sad his passing has made me feel. I did get to "meet" Bud over the computer. He always had an encouraging word to say, and you could tell he really cared.

He was a very special person indeed. I pray that God will give Allison the strength she needs at this tragic time. God has received a special Angel into heaven.
Barbara Polidoro

I am so very sad at Bud's passing and I am crying while writing this. I have not met Bud, but I saw the pictures that were scanned to us from the Barryzona Bash last summer. I have enjoyed Bud's messages through Barryzona, and I have imagined him to be a nice, funny, wonderful, and very caring person. We will all miss Bud. We have to make Allison feel that we care a lot about her. Barryzona is her extended family.

May you rest in God's heavenly peace, Bud. We know that you are happy to see your beloved wife again.
Lulu Lange

I've never had the pleasure of meeting Bud and Allison, but over the computer we talked and we've gotten to know each other a little better. He sounded like a wonderful person who deeply loved and miss his wife. His whole world was Allison, and what would become of her after he left this world. My heart goes out to Allison.
When a dear friend of mine passed away, I loved the saying on her Mass card, and I carry it with me and look at it now and then. Bud, my dear computer friend, this one's for you, and may you rest in peace.

When I must leave you
For a little while
Please do not grieve and shield wild tears
And hug your sorrow to you
Through the years
But start out bravely with a gallant smile;
And for my sake and in my name
Live on and do all things the same
Feed not your loneliness
On empty days
But fill each waking hour
In useful ways;
Reach out your hand
In comfort and in cheer
And I in turn will comfort you
And hold you near;
And never, never be afraid to die.
For I am waiting for you in the sky.
Sandy Sokolski

Bud was indeed a shining star. He is also one of heaven's brightest angels.

Stephanie Henderson

I had the opportunity to meet Bud and Allison in June at the Bash and he was such a wonderful man. Bud really did care for his wife and child, and he missed his wife dearly, but new that his job was caring for Allison as a Mom and Dad.
Bud will be missed dearly. I just can't find the words to say anything more, and that I will miss him a lot. I've felt as though I had known him a very long time, yet, it was only 3 or 4 days. My thoughts and prayers are with Allison and her family.

Bud is at peace right now, and no longer in any pain.
Cheryl Stuart

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