Passages: Hall of Fame Coach Buddy Baarcke, Jr. Passes Away At 85

Buddy Baaracke - First American To Set A World Record In the Butterfly Stroke

On March 10th, 2017, Mr. Leonide Alfred (Buddy) Baarcke, Junior, 85, of Dahlonega, GA, passed away after a short illness.

Baarcke graduated from Suwanee Military Academy in 1949, where he began his competitive swimming career. From there he went to the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and continued to swim competitively. It was at that time he began his coaching career. He graduated from UNC in 1953, was drafted into the Army and served two years. He continued to swim competitively while in the service.

In 1954 he was the first American to set a world record in the butterfly stroke. Buddy was a college assistant coach for 10 years (UNC and UF) and a club coach for 40 years. He coached many Olympic medalists, national senior champions, and national age group champions.

In September of 2016, Buddy was inducted into the American Swim Coaches Association’s coaching Hall of Fame after being involved in the sport for over eight decades.

Swimming World Captured Coach Buddy Baarcke’s Induction Ceremony With This Exclusive Video

In 1962 Buddy was nationally recognized by Swimming World Magazine as Coach of the Month. Read about The Tiger of the South in the September 1962 issue.

Photo Courtesy: Swimming World Magazine

Buddy is survived by his sister, Susan B. Bryan and her husband, Judge John N. Bryan, his sister, Rebecca B. Forehand, his niece, Sandy B. Vitalis and her husband, Colonel Greg Vitalis, his niece, Betsy F. Green and her husband, Richard W. Green, Sr., his great nieces and nephews, Rich Green, Jack Bryan, Rebecca Green, and Kate Bryan. Buddy is preceded in death by his father, Leonide A. Baarcke, Sr., his mother, Olive W. Baarcke, his brother-in-law, Lee R. Forehand, his nephew, Lee W. Forehand, and his nephew, John N. (Nat) Bryan.

Arrangements are being handled by Dahlonega Funeral Home and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

http://accesswdun.com/obituaries/obit/87421/leonide-alfred-buddy-baarcke contributed to this article.

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Rosemary Laycock

7 years ago

North Palm Beach Country Club had the best swimming program beacause of Buddy Baarcke. Remembering Buddy brought back so many fond memories. One day he asked my little daughter (Kammy) to swim the backstroke and she said yes. Thus began my attendance to numberous swim meets over many years. Also, one of my favorite jobs was teaching children in the baby pool under Buddy Baarcke’s swimming program at the North Palm Beach Country Club The swimming world was very lucky to have Buddy Baarcke…RIP

Marita Perhacs

7 years ago

Not only was he my coach for 13 years, he was also a “fill in father” for me. He took me to many swim meets that my family could not. So sorry to hear of his passing. RIP Coach Baarke!!

Ed Danehy

7 years ago

I met Buddy when I was a high school senior swimmer who couldn’t swim his way out of a paper bag. Buddy saw something in me, thank god.
Not only did make me a REAL SWIMMER, he gave me values I carry with me to this day.
We shared poker in addition to swimming. This is great, he gave me a copy of
The Education of a Poker Player, by Hubert Yardly in 1961, I was a winning player for the rest of my life. His effect on my is immausurable.
Remember the Lake worth Relays 1961 I had that Trophy for all these years.

Mike Heath

7 years ago

You were a great coach and person Buddy. I love you and will swim with you again.