Donald H Barclay

Larger-than-life Donald (Frog) Barclay passed away on February 17, 2021 following complications from heart surgery on November 16, 2020, after a life full of making memories, belly laughter and unmatched love for his family and friends. Don was born in Locust Valley, New York, to his beloved parents Alexander and Nancie Barclay. He spent much of his youth enjoying the services provided by the Locust Valley Boys Club and attended Locust Valley High School, home of the Falcons, where he excelled at sports. Landing in Lakeland, FL in 1967 to play baseball for Florida Southern College, only somewhat successfully, he joined Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He lived life to its fullest playing a small but very proud part in getting the first African-American homecoming queen voted-in at FSC, putting on a benefit concert in Annie Pfeiffer chapel that almost brought the place down and eventually opening Zimmerman's Bar in the heart of Dixieland, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year of the many memories made at 1015 S. Florida Ave. Zims became a popular spot for college students and the Detroit Tigers in the 70’s, (including “The Bird”, Mark Fridovich) probably due to nickel beer ladies night, and earned the title of “Top 5% beer sales nationally” according to local lore. He went on to operate other businesses in Lakeland, including Frog’s Oyster Bar and Rib Crib. He was known as a tough negotiator and business man with a big heart. He has resided in Lakeland for over 50 years, with his wife of 44 years, Joyce. For the next 40 years he leased commercial property throughout Lakeland and believed in investing in his community and the people who made Lakeland unique. He loved helping other local entrepreneurs with their businesses. Throughout the 1990s, Don also worked in sales for Jay Nichol’s Incorporated, Dalton Sales Incorporated, Blackwelder’s Fresh Orange Juice, Juice Bowl, and others while continuing to sell his children and grandchildren on the benefits of fresh juice v. concentrate his entire life. Don had a charismatic personality and was referred to as “bigger than life” and “always the life of the party.” He was also thought of as “Salt of the Earth”, with a humble attitude of gratitude, extremely polite, and loyal to friends. He always made an effort to help others feel special. He was a “Friends Friend” and worked hard at maintaining his friendships, finding ways to help others, visiting friends in the hospital and calling all his “buddies” on Father’s Day. Don was a current Board Member of Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE) and was a member of First Presbyterian Church. For many decades he served on and supported the Boys and Girls Clubs of America Board in Lakeland, which was important to him to repay the time and services gifted to him as a child; he received the National Service to Youth Award for 30 years of Devoted Service in 2009. He enjoyed supporting multiple local golf tournaments, events and spent many years working at the Fly as a volunteer. He was a member of Lone Palm Golf Club and loved his time spent over the years with many special friends either golfing, playing cards, or dining out while telling the latest inappropriate joke or long winded yet engrossing story. Don loved his family beyond measure and was so proud of each of them. His delight in giving to others and fierce love are carried on by his wife Joyce (BG), mother-in-law Patsy, his two daughters Alison Saine (Josh) and Megan Fanale (Jim) and two granddaughters, Julia Saine (8) and Addison Fanale (4 months). Our hearts also live at Longboat Key where we collected so many family memories. Don passed away peacefully listening to the sounds of ocean waves, surrounded by the love, support, cards, flowers and pictures of family and friends. His light will be sorely missed, but it burns on through all of us. A memorial service is planned on Friday, March 26th, at 10:30 AM at First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland, FL to be followed by an informal reception on the front lawn of the church. The service will be able to safely welcome up to 250 guests following CDC guidelines for COVID safety. FPC will also live stream it on fpclakeland.org or their YouTube channel. Whether you join in-person or remotely, we welcome you to join us in wearing your brightest colors, ala Lilly Pulitzer, in honor of Dad and his love of vibrant colors and disdain for the color black. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Lakeland via https://www.bgcpolk.org/HonoringDon or the Grenville Baker Boys and Girls Club in Locust Valley, NY.