Top Developer Richard Barclay Dies at Age 72

Richard Barclay, 72, whose work in civil engineering and real estate development spanned more than 40 years in Southern California, died Tuesday of heart failure.

Barclay founded the firm of Barclay Hollander Curci Inc. in the early 1950s, the first in California to develop condominiums. During his career, he built more than 30,000 homes in the state and developed many industrial and commercial properties. His company also provided work crews to build Los Angeles International Airport.

In June, 1990, Barclay and his wife, Marjorie, donated $1 million to build Irvine Barclay Theatre. Doug Rankin, president of the theater, said the Barclays made the contribution to support cultural growth in the county.

“He was a genuinely nice guy, and pleased to be a part of the theater project,” Rankin said.

Barclay attended events at the theater as recently as last month, he said.

Barclay was a resident of Newport Beach and president of Barclay Associates until his death. Family members said Friday that Barclay suffered a heart attack while at home Tuesday morning.

He is survived by his wife; sons Steve Barclay and Dennis Ziegenbein; a daughter, Nancy Losey; nine grandchildren, and two-great grandchildren.