Dick Barker

Dick was born in Denver on August 17, 1925 and spent his childhood in Denver except for a brief time in San Francisco. After finishing at Manual High School he enlisted in the Merchant Marines during WW II and taught swimming for the Navy. This turned out to be a life altering experience because his swimming talents led to his employment at the Denver Athletic Club and eventual introduction to his lifelong friend, mentor, and employer, Don Autrey. Dick had a twenty five year career with Autrey Bros. and Jostens and became a premier salesman for both companies. He retired from the Class Ring business in 1980 and went on to a successful career selling real estate for Van Schaack and Co. and Keller Williams. He was mentored during his real estate career by his son in law, Joe Sillstrop. Dick and his wife, Ann, had the first of their six children in 1948. His children Linda , Jan , Rick, Mary, Kim, and Jim were extremely important to him and he loved them all very much. Sadly, Jim preceded him in death suffering a fatal accident ten years ago. The last few years of his life were graced with his association and love for Martha Parker who died on the same day two years earlier. Dick's parents, Goldie Dollar Underwood and Eldros Barker, both preceded him in death. His second cousin, Darlene Miller, of Lawton, OK. survives him. As a child Dick studied the piano and dance and continued to enjoy both activities throughout his life. He was an avid golfer and his amateur career was highlighted with several appearances in the Colorado Open. He was fan of most sports and was one of the original season ticket holders of the Denver Broncos and Denver Nuggets. Dick was most proud of his fifty years of sobriety and association with Alcoholic Anonymous. He helped scores of people gain control of their disease and served as source of strength and inspiration for many. Dick Barker, 81, of Denver, died February 15, 2007. He is survived by his children, Linda Wilson, Jan Sillstrop, Rick Barker, Mary Boggs, and Kim LaFleur; 12 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. Memorial Service, Friday, 10:30am, Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd. Committal of Cremated Remains, Ft. Logan National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Hospice of St. John, 1320 Everett Ct. Lakewood, CO 80215. To share a memory of Dick go to www.horanandmcconaty.com.