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RICHARD ALEXANDER BARKER
Richard Alexander Barker was born to Alexander Markewich and Donna Lee Barker on August 11, 1947 in San Diego, California. He passed away suddenly from heart failure on April 26, 2016 while on vacationing with his wife in New Mexico. He grew up on an Avocado Ranch in Southern California working with his father and caring for the grove. As a Cub Scout and Boy Scout he excelled. In High School he joined the track team and lettered in pole vaulting and as a cross country runner. He was mentored by his stepfather George Barker whose guidance brought Richard an appreciation for music as well as developing his self-confidence that carried him through his life.
Richard became a professional musician that played acoustic guitar and electric bass in a trio and for various professional bands. Later in took up the tuba and taught music and voice at various colleges. Music was always a part of his whole life. Richard earned his undergraduate and graduate degree from San Diego State University and his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of San Diego. Richard put his education to work as an industrial organizational psychologist for the Aerospace Industry. He later found his calling as a professor and taught various management courses for over forty years. During this time he authored two academic books on Leadership and Organizational Citizenship. His other four novels including an historical biography of a Civil War Surgeon and one on Dubuque’s Haunted History. Richard was editor and reviewer for numerous academic journals and presented papers as well as participated in panel discussions at numerous conferences across the country.
Richard had one son, Jim from a previous relationship and two children, Jaime and Cory from his earlier marriage to Julie. He was married to his current wife, Barbara for 29 years. They enjoyed traveling across the United States and to various countries in Europe. Richard was interested in ghost hunting, conducted investigations and wrote extensively on the topic. His other interests included fishing, camping and caring for their four felines. His four siblings, his three children and his loving wife will all miss his wisdom, his wry sense of humor and his wonderful culinary skills.
A private, family celebration of his life is planned in California later this summer.
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Gail Anderson (Tedford)
Barbara: God bless you and your families during this time of loss. Richard was always 'ready and willing' to smile and keep the Spirit high...our working together for an earlier Reunion event gave us an opportunity to spend some precious time together. You and he were such a match, and I enjoyed hanging with you two...a short but sweet capsule in time. Love and comfort being sent your way... Gail
Cyndee Spurlock (Krumholz)
Richard and his wife; Barbara and I stayed in touch over the last few years with Christmas cards sharing news about our families and life events. They both were always so busy and seemed to be enjoying life to the fullest. Rick was involved with me planning some of our past Helix reunions and loved re-living his high school memories. Rick and Barbara deeply regreted missing our 50th reunion but made sure to send photos for our poster boards. I gave him a lot of grief telling him, "We just never know if we will see each other again", sadly that was the case here.
He was a neighbor of mine when he was married to Julie Akers, and their children; Jamie and Cory enjoyed spending time with my own children. He certainly knew his way around the kitchen, his Chinese food was his best entree.
Rest in peace my friend, I will remember you with love and many fond memories. You lived life in the fast lane and were very accomplished in life. Your deep love for family and friends will help your family in this time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family.