Barry Kurtz

Barry Kurtz, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on Monday, September 19, 2022. Barry was born on October 7, 1935 in Gilmer, Texas. He greatly enjoyed the outdoor life, including riding his horse and fishing, as well as working in the family men's store, The Kurtz Store and then The Toggery. Barry spent many summers with family in Memphis, where he celebrated becoming a Bar Mitzvah. A devoted big brother, Barry shared a lot of time with his younger sister Cathy, becoming lifelong best friends. Barry was a dedicated Boy Scout, earning the accomplishment of Eagle Scout at 16 years old. His scout work extended into his adult life when he volunteered as Scout Master for the Beth Yeshurun troop. Barry graduated from Gilmer High School and Kilgore Jr. College and earned his bachelor's degree in Insurance from UT-Austin. While at UT, Barry made lifelong friends, and met the love of his life, Rosalyn Brateman of Houston. Barry and his bride made their home in Houston, where Barry worked as an executive in the mattress industry. The young couple began to build their family, and he took great pride and joy in his children, Julie, Lisa, and Michael. Barry loved fishing but he made certain his boats could also be used to water ski. Family suppers were important, and there were usually more than the three Kurtz kids at the table. Shabbat dinners were also important and frequently shared with Roz's parents, Sam and Sarah Brateman. Barry took the family for regular visits to Gilmer to spend time in his hometown with his parents Justin and Fritzie Kurtz. Barry took his family on many long-distance road trips, sharing the wonders of the country to his family. He was active in taking the children to Indian Guides/Princesses, girls scouts, Boy Scouts, sports, circus, rodeo and more. Barry and Roz maintained a busy social life, and they developed close friendships spanning fifty years and more. Time with friends included family gatherings, dinner groups, poker nights, celebrations, and cruises. His favorite past time led to Barry's Bodacious BBQ, served at only the most elite events and with the best of friends. During retirement, Barry and Roz moved to their dream home in Tiki Island, Texas. Fishing and boating expeditions continued, more friendships were established, and Barry participated in local island governance. Barry was made an honorary lifetime member of Tiki Island Fire Department, based on his service to that department. Some of Barry's happiest times were spent in Tiki Island with Roz and the family, along with many friends. Barry and Roz moved to Heritage Grand in Katy, Texas, where they made more good friends. They enjoyed the retirement community life, participating in many of the events. Shortly after Barry and Roz celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 2010, Barry lost his beloved wife, Roz. Barry continued to be a rock for the family, providing comfort, support, and guidance through that time. He became an avid dominoes enthusiast, playing several games a week. He joined a dinner party group, made more friends, and continued to live a life full of activity. When Barry moved to Eagle's Trace in January 2022, he quickly made new friends and became a well-known and well-liked presence. He started a Dominoes group, which has expanded to include additional game days. During the Tiki Island days, Barry and Roz became grandparents, with five grandchildren arriving in a short period. Known as Poppa to Dylan, Jeremy, James, Ethan, and Colin, he has shown just what an amazing man he truly was. Barry "Poppa" Kurtz was a loving, devoted, accepting, and progressive grandfather. He developed unique and meaningful relationships with each of his grandchildren. The love between Poppa and each grandchild has been a true gift to the whole family. Barry was preceded in death by his parents, Fritzie and Justin Kurtz, his loving wife of 50 years, Rosalyn Kurtz, and his beloved daughter, Lisa Kurtz Schield; mother- and father-in-law Sarah and Sam Brateman, sisters-in-law Deanna Smith and Charlotte Brateman; and nephew Robert Smith. Barry is survived by his children Julie and Andy Fox, Michael Kurtz, and Rodney Schield; his grandchildren Dylan Kurtz, Colin Kurtz, Jeremy Fox, Ethan Fox, and James Schield; his sister Cathy and husband Ted Bernstein, and brother-in-law Roy Smith; and his niece and nephews Elizabeth Smith Gillespie, Bill Smith, and Jeff Rose. Barry leaves behind several honorary family members and many lifelong friends. A graveside service was held at Emanu El Memorial Park at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, September 21, 2022. To view a recording of the service please use the following link: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1663716634209138 Donations may be made to the Jewish Family Services of Houston. https://www.jfshouston.org/donate

Barry Kurtz

October 7, 1935 - September 19, 2022