Irving Barber Ii

Irving Allen Barber II (Allen), age 72, passed away at University Hospital, Denver, CO on March 3, 2023.  Allen was born on October 12, 1950, in Marion, Indiana.  He graduated from Purdue University in 1973 with a degree in Political Science.  He moved to Denver, Colorado in 1983 where he resided until his passing.  Allen had just celebrated his five-year anniversary of a Heart Valve Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic.

Allen was a Business Developer, connecting executives internationally and in the United States. He assisted his associates in finding partners and structuring relationships benefiting both sides.  He worked closely with Governors in many states.  Allen had an effective style of networking that brought people together, developing positive relationships both professionally and personally. He was a member of the Denver Sister Cities and National Committee on United States-China Relations. He served as President of his community Homeowners’ Association.   A member of the Nazarene faith, he believed his faith and excellence in care received from doctors at the Cleveland Clinic, University of Colorado Hospital, and especially from Dr. Alan Aboaf and Dr. Andy Cohen kept him in good health until his passing. He knew his physicians by first name and thanked them as recently as March 1, 2023.  He had congenital heart disease and had many surgeries and procedures which challenged his medical team.  His doctors learned from him which is helping to contribute to the advances in the management of this disease.  Allen’s positive attitude helped him through many of life’s challenges.

Allen loved to cook and bake for friends and family.   He especially enjoyed cooking with his daughters and grandchildren.  Always from scratch, he mastered making LoRetta’s Dad’s Red chili, chicken noodle soup and dumplings, sour dough bread, cheesecake, pumpkin and pecan pies.  Yes, he had his secret ingredients which made the  dishes so wonderful.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents, Irving Barber I and Ruth Greene Barber; brother, Larry Barber; and his daughter, Allyson Ruth Barber.

Allen is survived by his Best Friend of 36 years, LoRetta Archuleta; his furry pal, Huey; his daughter, Melissa Black (Rod);  grandsons, Andrew and Gabe Black;  daughter Megan Melby-Browning (Tim);  his grandchildren, Emma, Rajiv, Arjun Bhatt and Ruby Browning.  He is also survived by his brother, Darrell Barber; his sister, Carol Murphy;  and his nephew, Connor of Marion, IN.  Other close family members include Gary (Linda) and Amy Archuleta, Westminster, CO; Andrew (Susan) Archuleta, Golden, CO;  Jean (James) Sanchez and Anthony, Vincent Juarez and Jesse Sanchez, Littleton, CO; David (Marlene) Archuleta and Neil, Salvatore, Twyla (Anthony), Macy and Ally of Lakeland, FL.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Horan & McConaty, 11150 East Dartmouth Avenue., Aurora, CO  80014.  There will be a viewing at 10:30 AM.  Interment will be on Friday, March 24,2023 at 1PM at the Trinidad Catholic Cemetery,  2366 East Main Street, Trinidad, CO 81082. Donations on his behalf can be made in his memory to the Heart Association or contributor’s choice. There will be a gathering for Allen’s friends following the Memorial Service at Fat Boys 10660 Alameda Ave, Aurora, CO.