Georges Michel Barruel, 86, died on Sept. 9.
Georges, who went by Michel his whole life, was born in Grenoble, France, on Nov. 2, 1930, to Henri and Georgette Barruel. He was the middle child of five brothers. He attended École Centrale de Lyon in France and received a degree in mechanical engineering.
He married the love of his life, Maryse, on Nov. 5, 1960. They were married for 54 years until her death in 2015.
Michel worked for Bureau Veritas as an engineer for over 40 years. His work took him to England for two years, New York City for 13 years and then Paris, France for the remainder of his time at Bureau Veritas.
He had three children: Eric, Nathalie and Marie-Laure. Growing up in the French Alps, he was an avid skier. He also loved to play tennis and, in his later years, golf. He loved to read and cook. After the passing of his beloved Maryse, he came to Malibu to live with his daughter, son-in-law and their children. He was content to sit outside and watch the ocean.
“Michel was a loving father and grandfather who was determined to share his love for life with his family,” a loved one said. “He was very focused on sharing his French heritage, love of cooking, family vacations on the slopes and a good bottle of (French) wine with those lucky enough to have known him. He was not a judgmental man, always welcoming people with diverse interests, cultures and opinions.
“You can judge a man by the sense of purpose of his family as well as the richness in the lifelong friendships he accumulates,” a loved one said. “By either measure, Michel had an extraordinary life that will live on through generations.”
He is survived by his three children; their spouses Gillian, Michael and Alan; and his six grandchildren: Samantha, Jake, Meghan, Ryan, Margot and Ben.