Artist / Band

Barry Townley Trio

Origin Toronto, Ontario

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Biography

The accomplished musician and highly-respected financial executive peacefully slipped away in sleep at his Indian Wells home. Born in Toronto, he was the youngest pianist to be graduated from the Royal Conservatory of Music & also earned a Master's in History from University of Toronto. A brilliant solo career was enhanced by his eponymous Jazz Trio, Orchestra & his Townley Strings. He was musical director for many stars, including Gracie Fields, Robert Goulet & Betty Hutton and he headlined at various Las Vegas & Reno hotels. Eclectic talent led to partnership with Toronto stock brokerage Hevenor & Co., as luxury home developer for Foster City & as Sr. VP at Cal Fed with executive positions for Fidelity Bank, Fred Sands Estates & other major firms. In 1974, he married Petrina Lutz (nee Puma). They loved to entertain, build fine homes & travel. (He was previously married to June Fielding, mother of children Sean & April.) Barry's keyboard genius, wit and wisdom is missed by Petrina, sister Myrna & family in Canada, Sean & his wife Maura Townley, April & her husband Barry James, granddaughter Catherine & great-grandson Robert James. Barry's presence remains strong for relatives, caregivers & friends in music & business circles. Barry's life was celebrated on March 15 at Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City. The Royal Canadian Legion attended to honor his WWII service as a Sergeant in Canadian Army Shows/UK & Europe. Please make donations in Barry's memory to Disabled American Veterans (www.DAV.org) or valid animal protection groups.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Mar. 25, 2012.

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