December 10, 2002 - Corpus Christi Caller-Times: Nigeria RPCV Peter Barizon, former tennis pro and teacher, dies
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December 10, 2002 - Corpus Christi Caller-Times: Nigeria RPCV Peter Barizon, former tennis pro and teacher, dies
Nigeria RPCV Peter Barizon, former tennis pro and teacher, dies
Read and comment on this obituary from the Corpus Christi Caller-Times on Nigeria RPCV Peter Barizon, a former tennis pro and teacher. In his tennis career, Barison made it to the quarterfinals of the 1961 U.S. Open, the same year he played doubles with tennis legend Arthur Ashe in the National Clay Court competition. "No one else would play with Ashe because he is black," said Pete Barizon II. "They came into the locker room to find a partner." Read the story at:
Ray teacher Peter Barizon, former tennis professional, dies*
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Ray teacher Peter Barizon, former tennis professional, dies
He was known for his modesty, interest in getting all students involved
By Sara Lee Fernandez Caller-Times
December 10, 2002
Peter Paul Barizon, teacher and former tennis coach at Ray High School and former tennis professional, died Saturday. He was 61.
"He's hard to describe," said Bruce Scott, director of the Moody Vertical Team and former principal at Ray High School. "In a lot of respects he seems to be very laid back and calm but at the same time he was very thoughtful and put a lot of thought into what he was doing."
Barizon's son, Pete Barizon II of San Angelo, described his father, who came to Ray in 1987, as very non-traditional.
"There was no black or white . . . there was no judgment. He believed in people," Pete Barizon II said.
Scott said he worked with Barizon for about 12 years and was impressed by Barizon's ability to always think of the students who might get overlooked.
Barizon was modest as well, tending to brush over the fact that he once played in the U.S. Open tennis tournament.
"He kind of made light about that," Scott said. "I think he said his college coach entered everyone."
But there was nothing light about making it to the quarterfinals of the 1961 U.S. Open, the same year he played doubles with tennis legend Arthur Ashe in the National Clay Court competition.
"No one else would play with Ashe because he is black," said Pete Barizon II. "They came into the locker room to find a partner."
Scott also recalled Barizon showing pictures of his time in the U.S. Peace Corps.
"He went to Africa," he said. "He showed pictures of the basketball team he put together in Africa."
Barizon's son said his father taught at Katsina Teacher's College in Nigeria from 1966 to 1968, while he was in the Peace Corps.
Barizon continued to teach history until his death. He also taught history part time at Del Mar College during the summer months.
He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn Robbins of Missouri.
A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the Corpus Christi Funeral Home. Mass will be celebrated at 3 p.m. Wednesday at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Burial will be in Seaside Memorial Park.
Corpus Christi Funeral Home handled arrangements.
Contact Sara Lee Fernandez at 886-3767 or fernandezs@caller.com
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This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - Nigeria; Special Interests - Sports; Obituaries
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By Lucille Comforti Sposato on Friday, February 07, 2003 - 4:10 am: Edit Post |
Peter Barizon had a winning smile and manner.
As a Peace Corps volunteer in Nigeria, Pete was an excellent role model displaying all the vigor and idealism the youth of the United States offer as they grip hands with a humanistic cause.
