March 29, 2012
To all of my friends and family, I lost my wife (Barbara) of 53 years on March 29, 2012. She went peacefully with her family by her side. We were able to celebrate our 53rd wedding anniversary on the 21st of March with our favorite ice cream cake, and Dogwood Barbecue brisquet! She was all smiles and so was I!
~~ Donald Barkony
Judith and I have known Barb and Don literally since the beginning of our experience with the Order. We took RSI in January, 1968 in Cleveland, Ohio. Don was in our course, and Barbara had already taken the course, and was a “Participant Observer.” Throughout the 70s we shared Movement activities in the Cleveland Region, and then reconnected at the Chicago ICA in the 80s. Barbara was an excellent teacher, both in public schools and in EI courses, particularly in the Academy. They visited us here in Florida in 200l. We wish Don the best. He has been Barbara’s caregiver for the past 10 years or so, after they retired to Lawrenceville. No more devoted husband has ever been created! Grace, Peace, and Love,
~~ Mike and Judy Tippett
Like the Tippetts, Barbara and Don were part of my beginning experience with the Order in the Cleveland Region. Before we joined the Order, we went to a regional meeting in Columbus. I still remember Barbara up in front of the group doing a bang-up job and I was so impressed that here was this large woman (obviously my issue too) having the poise, passion and intellect to address the crowd. She gave me courage to believe I too could do this because before this I was sitting on the sidelines on teaching. I am grateful for her life and the symbol of what we could be.
~~ Joan Knutson
I remember the wisdom of Barbara as we worked on preparation for one of the Phase I camps in the mid 70’s. She had done a lot of work with YMCA camps and had much to offer to those of us who had only attended camps. We send our care to Don and Elizabeth and Susan and their families. Theirs has been a long journey of care. Grace and peace,
~~ Lynda Cock
