The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper

Vol. 13 No. 38 - July 17, 2013

FEATURE

Gould legacy: helping others

Anna Maria Island Sun News Story

PROVIDED

From left, the Samuelson extended family at the
BeachHouse restaurant on the Fourth of July included
Alivia Ahearn, Nate Ahearn, Laura Samuelson-Ahearn,
Noelle Ahearn, Gavin Ahearn, Craig and Mini Samuelson,
Sheena Samuelson-Hedlin and Blake Hedlin.

The death of Barry Gould last week leaves a void in the hearts of many who are involved with fundraising.

When Gould and his wife, Dantia, arrived on the scene, he took a job with Island Vacation Properties and they started to make friends and get involved in the real estate business and the community.

“Barry joined the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island on Feb. 28, 2006,” said Pam Schleuter, a club past president. “He has been club president, assistant governor for our territory that involves four local clubs, service director, public relations chair, the Casino Night chair along with Dantia, sergeant at arms and a member of the board of directors.

“His passing leaves a huge hole in our club,” she added. “He worked tirelessly for the Rotary Club.”

Schleuter said every time they needed some help, he was there.

“I sat in stunned silence when I learned of his passing,” said former Rotary President Jim Dunne. “He was limitless in giving to the community.”

Dunne said when Gould volunteered to tutor at Anna Maria Elementary School, he had a young man who had a bad attitude and by the end of the school year, that student was ready to learn.

“I think the biggest thing I can recall is when his wife got sick last year,.” Dunne added. “He was with her 24/7, and when she got into rehab, he ran his business from there.

The Goulds also were involved with the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra (AMICCO) .

“He was on the board for many years and most recently, he acted as an usher at our concerts,” said Past President Jeanie Pickwick. “He put on one of our most successful fundraisers at his brother’s riverfront home.”

Pickwick called Gould’s involvement with charities legendary.

“He was always out there, quietly helping,” she said. “This is a void that won’t be filled, and my heart is broken for Dantia. ”

Pickwick said he gave to the community and there was never any self-promotion or aggrandizement.

Kelly Helm, bookkeeper at Island Vacation Properties who worked with Gould said they were in shock and heartbroken at the office.

“He was a top listing agent, licensed in condo management and a trusted, loyal sales associate,” she said. “He and Dantia were preparing for their 25th wedding anniversary.

“He always had a lot of balls in the air, but he was also so positive,” she said. “He had a card on his desk that said, “The barn burned down, now I can see the moon.”

She said he was an “utmost gentleman.”

There will be a service for Gould on Thursday, July 18, at 3 p.m. at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.


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