It is difficult to put into words what a huge loss this is.
Just heartbroken. This one really hurts and will take time to come to terms with the reality. Michael had such an impactful influence in my life. I first met him in the 90s in San Francisco when I was a young analyst and he was an icon in the industry. Thankfully, he would graciously have breakfast with me once a year while I picked his brain. Then in 2015, one of my most significant business accomplishments was approaching him with a value add multifamily platform and we become partners. We formed Sterling Real Estate Partners and when I told people my partner was Michael Barker, then there was immediate credibility. We had great success in business but it does not compare what I learned from him as a person. Like so many, I was in awe of the man - Michael Barker. Impeccably dressed, yet a cowboy, always talked about traveling with his beautiful wife, and all of the different organizations and boards he supported. I would always walk away in complete admiration and wondering how would I measure up to that some day. He was 1 of 1 and am lucky he was in my life. Everyone at Barker Pacific Group Mark Handin Will D. Alex Bacon AMANDA LAVALLE is a big part of my real estate family and my heart is broken for all of you. I will miss him terribly and everything that we have accomplished at Sterling will always be a part of his incredible legacy. May his memory be a blessing.