Barry Ogilby

Barry Ray Ogilby, husband to Patricia Schimbor, father of two sons, good friend to many, avid University of Kentucky basketball fan, lifelong San Francisco Giants fan, accomplished attorney, and afficionado of good Scotch and fine cigars died on March 3, 2021.

Barry was born in Evansville, IN on January 19, 1947 to Ann and Jesse B. Ogilby.  He grew up in Dixon, KY, a small farming and coal mining community in Western Kentucky, where he became a standout athlete eventually being drafted by the California Angels to play baseball in the Cactus League in Texas.  Dixon was more than a hometown to Barry, it was an identity that he deeply associated with fine people that worked hard, had empathy for others and served their community.  Despite his baseball aspirations, Barry left Dixon after graduating from Webster County High School to attend the University of Kentucky.  At UK, Barry quickly assimilated into the larger university community and became President of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and was subsequently elected President of the Intra-Fraternity Council for the university.  Barry was the first to graduate from college in his family when he received his geology degree from UK, an accomplishment that both Ann and Jesse Ogilby would proudly recall for the remainder of their lives.

After leaving UK, Barry attended the University of Memphis law school to pursue his legal degree.  He excelled in law school and was selected for the Law Review.  He also had his first son, Kevin, during his time in Memphis with Carolyn Martin.  Upon graduating from law school, Barry was offered a corporate legal position at Humble Oil, which was soon to become Exxon.  At Exxon, Barry developed several lifelong friendships and the skill sets required to eventually become a well-respected environmental attorney.  He continued practicing law in private practice as well as in law firms in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area up until 2018 when he retired from Cooper, White and Cooper.

During Barry’s residency in Los Angeles, he had his second son, Brandon, with Charlene Ogilby.  Despite his dedication to his law practice, Barry was first and foremost devoted to his immediate and extended family.  He was always there to provide a sounding board and a reasoned opinion and sometimes just an outlet to express frustration.  No matter the circumstances or challenges he faced during his life, he always prioritized his children and grandchildren—a lesson he learned well in a small Kentucky town.

Barry’s last seven years were richly spent with his wife Patricia Schimbor, a fellow attorney and devoted mother and grandmother.  In Patty, Barry found a travel companion, a quick-witted intellectual and a compassionate life partner.  He adored Patty and was keenly aware of his good fortune in finding her.  He also spent time tracing his family genealogy and was quite surprised to find out that all the while he thought he was of Irish descent, he was actually of Scottish ancestry.  Suffice it to say, it explains a lot.

Barry Ray Ogilby lived a rich, full life—he would be the first one to say so.  He had love in his life all the way through and he loved right up to the end.   He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him, but he is now at peace and able to retake his place with Ann and Jesse on a small front porch in Kentucky overlooking his hometown, enjoying the view with a Scotch and a cigar and casually reminding us all that this life is for the living.  So, get to it!

Barry was preceded in death by his parents Ann and Jesse B. Ogilby. He is survived by his wife of 7 years, Patricia Schimbor; son Brandon Ogilby; son Kevin Ogilby and his wife Kristine; three granddaughters, Emily, Julia and Abigail, stepdaughter Erica Schimbor Kornblith and her husband Noah Kornblith; step grandchildren Evie and Caleb; stepson Richard Schimbor and his wife Kelly Schimbor and step grandchild Mark.

A celebration of life will be held in Dixon, KY  at Oak Grove Cemetery on June 26, 2021 and in Orinda, CA on July 17. 2021. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.