Dear Clients, Colleagues, and Friends,
On July 21, 2017, I lost a dear friend and the legal profession lost a great mind. Barry S. Engel, at only 63, was considered the father of the “offshore asset protection” industry. In 1988, the Economist published an article featuring his offshore trust/limited partnership structure which launched the offshore asset protection planning industry we have today. Barry’s genius was not just his keen intellect but also his ability to solve the most complex legal problems. He had a talent for explaining complicated concepts in a simple and understandable manner. Without Barry, we would not have the offshore asset protection industry we have today. Barry was a mentor, a friend, and a man I loved like a brother.
This June, Barry was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Southpac Trust Offshore Conference, where everyone who is anyone in this industry attended. All came to honor Barry. Barry was to deliver the Keynote address and a presentation on Recent Developments. Unfortunately, Barry who had been battling pancreatic cancer since 2014, was too ill to attend the Conference and accept his award. Bev Sandoval, his longtime legal assistant and friend, accepted the award on his behalf. The committee, who selected Barry for the award, had a video of the life and times of Barry produced by Barry's childhood friend and well known TV producer, Frank Matson, of Citizen Productions (of Diners, Drive-In’s and Dives fame and many other shows). Barry was able to view the video and the many congratulatory remarks of his friends and colleagues who left heartfelt messages which meant so much to Barry and his family. Men like Barry only come around once in a generation and those of us whose lives he touched were blessed to have known him.
Barry is survived by his wife, Marsha, and their three children, Natalie, Andrew, and David. He was beloved and respected by his colleagues, his friends, and the clients he served. We wish Barry peace and love as he moves on to his next frontier.
Hound Dog Engel, as he was known by his rocker band members and fans, may you rest in peace.