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Obituary

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HARLEY BARLING, JR. 

Harley Jr. was born in Bakersfield, California and raised in nearby Shafter, the son of Harling Barling (born in South Dakota) and Beulah Grossclose Barling (born in Arkansas). He attended Kern Academy before transferring to Richland Elementary in the 6th grade. As a youngster, he spent his summers either fishing with his Grandparents, Ella and John Grossclose, and his two cousins, John and Joe Collins, in Lodi, California.  He was close to his Aunt, Helen Gafner (also of Bakersfield), and fond of looking after his little sister, Nancy (Howze), whom he spent part of the summer with near the beach in Santa Barbara. Later, he graduated from Wasco High School. From there, he went on to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo college for two years.

He married Carolyn Townsend and began working for his father's agricultural business. When his father, Harley Barling, Sr. died in 1971, he purchased his farms and continued the family business, becoming the largest grape grower in California by age twenty-six (26) according to an article written about him in the New Yorker magazine. He was also one of the largest potato farmers in the country, growing Kennebec potatoes on lands leased or owned in California, Nevada, Oregon and Idaho, with buyers ranging from Frito Lay, Ore-Ida, Heinz and Granny Goose.

Harley and his wife, Carolyn had three children - Sheldon, Nikki and DeLaynn. All three girls were born in Bakersfield, California. His eldest daughter, Sheldon (aka, Shelley) gave him his beloved grandchildren, Alexa and Jacob. Later, the family moved to Santa Barbara, California, where he obtained his pilot's license and purchased a plane.

After his divorce from Carolyn, Harley moved back to Bakersfield where he met and married Margo. Always an avid hunter, he was proficient with gun or bow. He owned a duck club near Delano, California and was a generous benefactor toward the preservation of local wetlands, as well as a duck reserve. Harley also loved his dogs, a family trait on his mother's side that can be traced back to Squire Grossclose during the time of the Spanish-American War. Harley was also a fervent gun enthusiast. Among his collection was a black-powder rifle he'd take with him on hunts - one he received from his Grandfather's good friend in Arkansas, who had left the vintage rifle at home while he fought in the Civil War.

After his divorce from his second wife, Harley moved to Ventura, California. There he met and married the love of his life, Dolores Martin. The two became boating enthusiasts, fishing in Mexico, Alaska, and the Channel Islands. With his friend, Mike Miles, Harley navigated through the Panama Canal three time. Through the years, Harley owned two boats -- "The Wits End," on which he won the world's richest fishing tournament, The Bizbee, and caught the largest seas bass on record (for the time) in California while competing in a major shark tournament - and "Black Gold," which he navigated between Cabo and Alaskan waters.

Harley Barling, Jr. was the quintessential "man's man" who loved women, the comradery of friends, and all that the great outdoors had to offer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Santa Barbara DAWG Rescue. 805-681-0561.

Sail on, Harley.

Let your spirit soar toward the next great adventure.

You fought long and hard to stay connected to life, and to us all.

You will be greatly missed.