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The following obituary was provided by Babs Drew (Spero):
Barry Lee Lazarus passed away on July 22nd, 2022, at the age of 75. Laz was born in Chicago on September 13, 1946, to Betty and Lou Lazarus. After spending his childhood in Chicago and Evanston, Barry graduated with a degree in business from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1967 and was a proud Badger. During this time of his life, Laz became a lifelong, diehard fan (and shareholder) of the Green Bay Packers. Later, Barry passed the CPA exam and began working as controller of the Inland Group of Companies in 1973. He eventually moved with his family to Scottsdale in 1979, and founded Butterfield Real Estate Corporation, a commercial real estate development company, with his brother, Joel Lazarus, by whom he is survived. Barry then returned to work with his longtime friends at Inland in various executive capacities, including the title of CEO, of several lucrative Inland companies from 1990 to the time of his retirement in 2016. Laz was a skilled athlete both growing up and as an adult; he was a massive fan of sports in general, especially professional and college football, basketball, and loved the Chicago Cubs having lived near Wrigley Field as a boy. Barry was a Harley rider and an avid car enthusiast, regularly attending the annual auto show in Chicago with friends. His easygoing, humble, and humorous personality made it difficult for anyone to not enjoy his company. Barry was also proud author of The Last Audit, a contemporary thriller that follows a CPA’s journey through sophisticated, white-collar, high-tech crime. Barry is survived by two children: his son, Jason Lazarus (Gissella) and his daughter, Dorrie Lazarus Wilson (Adrian). He is also survived by three grandchildren: Reese and Ryder Wilson and Alessandra Lazarus. Barry was predeceased by his wife of thirty years, Tina Luttrell, and his stepdaughter, Lauren Luttrell. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, October 6th, 2022, from 4-7pm at the Drake Oak Brook. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
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Susan Spiegel (Pastin)
That's a beautiful obituary, Babs!
I remember you from Combined Studies!
Larry Schwimmer
I'm very sad to know that Barry has died. I remember him so well. He was one of the few friends I had during my ETHS days. Unfortunately, I don't look back fondly to those highschool years. It was a period in my life when I felt excluded, ignored and treated unkindly by many who thought they were in the "cool clique," and better than anyone who wasn't in their group. They showed their contempt by being snobs to anyone not in their clique.
Today, as an adult, I realize that this is the way many highschool teen-agers behave—out of their own insecurity and immaturity. They need to belong to a group that makes them feel special and exclusive (e.g. they are all physically great-looking or jocks or wealthy, etc.). By thinking they are better than everyone else, they can ignore anyone who doesn't have those qualifites because, "well—they just aren't cool, like us."
By contrast, Barry was a friend to all during his highschool years (and after). His locker was next to mine and we became "locker buddies," and developed a wonderful friendship during those years. We hung out together and often played baseball with friends, he happily introduced me to. He epitomized everything I wish my highschool experience had been, in terms of enjoying lots of new friends and relationships with many different people.
I didn't know what became of Barry after high school. The years past after highschool and college, and we all had our own lives to pursue. Each time I received an edition of this Classmate forum, I always hoped Barry would check in and make a comment, so I could re-connect and say hello. I'm so happy to know that he lived a great life with lots of success.
Have any of you felt the way I felt during your ETHS highschool experience?
Sherwin "Jay" Siegall
While I didn't know Barry well we were familiar and got along well. Agree with Larry he was a good guy and got along with most everyone!
Larry: Wish youhad asked me for Laz info as I have obtianed every copy of the Alumni directory when available and Laz had an entry in the 2013 & 2018 edition. Dont recall if he camde to any reunions and since remodeling the house havent located my reunion books yet but do have the Alumni directory .
Glad we got to talk recently. Stay well. We need to keep our names out of here!! :-)
And I mean that for ALL WILDKITS!!
Susan Spiegel (Pastin)
Larry, I too felt excluded by the "popular crowd"
at ETHS. I formed my own group, Several of
which I remain friends with to this day.
And our reunions, former popular crowd
members no longer teased me. I think we
have all mellowed with age and life experience.
but I can relate to how you felt then.
Lincoln Krochmal
So sad to hear of Barry's passing and that we lose one more of our ETHS colleagues. Barry was a good guy and lots of fun to hang around with. From his obituary, sounds as though he enjoyed a full and rewarding life and he will be missed!
Gale Glassner (Twersky)
I send my condolences to Barry's family. Barry was in my English class and we were friends. He was always one of those guys who was fun to be around. I remember seeing him at one of our class reunions so I had some time to speak with him. I am so sorry about his passing; he will be missed!