RUTHERFORD - Dr. Bernard L. Rhodes, or “Barney” was born Dec. 3, 1920, in Jacksonville, Fla., and passed away March 31, 2008. He grew up in the rural town of Live Oak, in north central Florida. In 1942 Barney received his undergraduate degree from Duke University, followed by his medical degree in 1943. Barney married Ivabelle Bargerhuff in 1944, and they remained married until Belle passed away in 2007. He finished his residency in dermatology in 1952 at the University of California, San Francisco.

Barney began practicing medicine in the San Francisco Bay area at UC San Francisco where he served as an assistant professor in dermatology until 1975. He also began his career with Kaiser Permanente where he held numerous positions including chief of dermatology, Oakland; physician-in-chief, Hayward; chairman of the executive committee; vice president Kaiser Foundation hospitals; executive vice president and manager of operations Kaiser Foundation Health plans and hospitals; and vice chairman of the board and executive vice president of the Kaiser Community Health Plan. He served on numerous Kaiser boards until his retirement in 1986.

Barney had an intense passion for wine that began while in medical school at Duke, and followed him through his stint in the Navy. Barney served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1950. Fortunately for one of his assignments, the Navy stationed him at Pleasanton, and it was from there he and Belle discovered Napa Valley. He then returned to complete his residency in San Francisco and began to look for property in Napa Valley. Ultimately they bought and sold several properties, but for the last 30 years they occupied the legendary Bella Oaks vineyard where they grew grapes for Heitz winery.

Barney and Belle’s passion for wine led them to build a world-class wine cellar of over 10,000 bottles. He became a member of many prestigious wine societies including the International Society of Wine and Food in three chapters: London, Hong Kong and Marin County; American Society of Enologists; Chevaliers du Tastevin; Society of Bacchus where he was honored as “Mr. Gourmet 1983,”; and the only American member of the Saintsbury Club in London. Barney openly shared his knowledge of wine with many new and upcoming Napa vintners. His palate for tasting wine was highly sought out and respected.

Barney and Belle actively supported and mentored many chefs and restaurants, as well as community associations. Included in their support are the Napa Valley Library Association, Napa Valley Grape Growers Association, St. Helena Hospital Foundation and their strong support of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) where they endowed the Barney and Belle Tasting Room.

The Rhodes were long-time ambassadors for Napa Valley, and their incredible enthusiasm for life and generosity will be sorely missed.

A celebration for Barney will take place April 13, 1 p.m., at their Bella Oaks vineyard and home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the St. Helena Hospital Foundation, 10 Woodland Road, St. Helena, CA 94574 in memory of Barney and Belle Rhodes. Arrangements were cared for by Morrison Funeral Chapel, Napa Valley, 963-3536.