In Memory

(Milton) Ray Barker VIEW PROFILE

(Milton) Ray Barker

 

 

 

With a heavy heart, I regret to announce the passing of Mr. Ray Barker. He passed away on Labor Day at the age of 85. A few months ago, I had invited Mr. Barker to join us at the 60’s Reunion and he graciously accepted. The Reunion committee was looking forward to announcing this at the Class of 66’s Reunion in October. On August 24th, I emailed Mr. Barker his

reservations for the Hotel and I received this note from him..
Thanks for your thoughtfulness and let's hope I'm more able a year from now. At this moment I'm not and the VA's been seeking an answer as to why ignoring the obvious old age.
In the last two weeks I've been to the clinic here twice, Santa Rosa once and will been in SF next Tuesday. The only change in condition has been a loss of 18 lbs.!
Semper Fi.
Mr. Barker was fighting a fast moving cancer. My prayers and sympathy go out to his wife Kathy and his entire family. He was a great man!
 



 
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09/14/11 04:39 PM #5    

Paul Quinlan (1967)

i remember how conservative but fair and honest he was.  2 things stand out about him.  when we were practicing for grad ceremonies he said he smelled beer on one students' breath.  1967.  next year i think he would be hoping for only beer.  he had zero tolerance for substances.  as he should have.  also; when some of my classmates started hazing me i reported it to him. it stopped immediately.  that kind of discipline i do like.  keeps people on their toes in a fairand just way.


01/05/12 06:33 PM #6    

Scott Camp (1969)

Vikings,

Sorry to hear about Mr. Barker's passing.

Lots of memories, but there a couple that stand out more than the others.

Not realizing then, but myself and my buddies like Ricky Velasquez, Rick Olivero, Keith Dickson,etc. would have few a Beers before attending the Basketball Games. So there would be Mr. Barker, and Mrs. Camp, (my Mother), on the reception line at the entrance to the Gym giving everyone the snake eye.My mother and Mr. Barker would kinda look the other way upon our arrival, and I never reallythought about it, but now I am sure we smelled of Booze on those nites, and never go busted.

I guess I put Mr. Barker in a compromising position on those occcassions.

One other time, actually a few times, but this was the last  I stole my Mother's Master Keys on the weekend and we were in the Gym playing Basketball when Mr. Barker walked in. Again, he did not embaress me or my friends, but just pulled me aside and told me to leave with my buddies, and to not borrow the keys again.

I can appreciate his patience now. Wish I would have had the chance to thank him for that.

He never did mention that to my Mother about the keys and the gym. I got around to telling this to my Mother about 30 years later, and even then she got a little upset with me.

God rest their souls, we were lucky to have them.

Scott Camp / Class of 69

 


03/12/12 03:22 PM #7    

Jon Gledhill (1969)

Mr. Barker is one of those men who had a quiet (although not always so quiet), but significant influence on my life and the lives of thousands of students who attended Pacific High.  It's unfortunate that it sometimes takes a bit of aging to truely appreciate the impact and positive influence that someone like Mr. Barker had on your life, but I'm sure he knew, despite the ignorance of our youth, that we all appreciated and respected him.  Thanks Mr. Barker for keeping us on the straight and narrow, you are greatly missed.


03/16/12 12:44 PM #8    

Sue Ferreira (Nunes) (1967)

In Memoriam : Milton Barker

 

Milton Barker Milton Ray Barker - age: 85
(March 10, 1926 to September 05, 2011 )
Resident of Ukiah, California

Obituary:
Milton Ray Barker



Ray “Papa” Barker
March 10, 1926 – September 5, 2011

Passed away at home in Ukiah CA, with loving family and friends surrounding him. He had little time to prepare (5 days) after a very fast moving cancer was diagnosed, but managed to communicate his wishes. His son, Greg Barker, was serenading him on guitar with a favorite Beatles song, Black Bird, as he slipped away peacefully. It was truly beautiful.

Ray lived a full life in so many ways, He served his country, he raised two children, and he had a purposeful life of teaching and learning. If you knew him you knew he cared deeply about people, purpose and honor. He took each responsibility seriously and was loyal to a fault. He loved classic cars, duesenberg being his favorite and he loved beautiful women!


He was born in Ft. Scott, Kansas, at home, to Opal Nadine and Raymon Maxell Barker. He was separated from his parents as well as his older brother at a very young age. He grew up in an orphanage, various foster homes and with other relatives from time to time.

He joined the US Marine Corp on his 17th birthday. He referred to this day as the day he was reborn. He served in WWII in the Pacific Theater.
Unit-4th Marine Regiment/1st Raider Battalion.
Rank-Private 1st Class MOS, 0341-Mortar Man
Locations-New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
He was very proud to be on the first Marine Raiders platoon and when asked of all the medals, awards and qualified badges he received, what is the most meaningful to you and why?
Ray said “The Raider Shoulder Patch. A 17 year old boot couldn’t aspire to more than that.” He also picked up the nic name Chick, because he was the youngest in his platoon.

The Korean War called him back to active duty; this time he was assigned 1st tank battalion C company mortar man, tank crewman, corporal. His platoon was in many battles of infamy, they were the 1st wave on Inchon and he was also one of the Chosin Few, veteran of the Chosin reservoir. He was awarded 2 purple hearts and many other medals of honor for his service. He was always proud to have served his country.
Semper Fi!

Ray went to college on the GI Bill and gained a certificate in Engineering, but with guidance from an advisor he pursued a degree at the College of Arts and Crafts where he obtained a Masters in Art Education, and a Minor in History. Ray later attended the University of California, Berkeley and San Francisco State University where he received credentials in Education Supervision and Administration.

Ray was a natural born teacher. He became an educator, performing various teaching assignments. When Pacific High School was built it became his home and family for many wonderful years many of which he spent as Student Activities Director, a fixture whenever students were having a good time. At that time, he was also involved in a Bay Area Musical Group called "The Youth of America", of which he was tour director from 1959 to 1974. This musical group traveled nationwide playing venues from the 1967 World's Fair in Toronto to several USO shows with Bob Hope. His son Greg was also a member of this Youth of America Band.

Along the way, he left the classroom and went on to become part of the administration teams of Pacific High School, Lincoln Continuation, and lastly San Leandro High, retiring after 37 years, in 1986, as High School Principal after the last of the Pacific Students had graduated.

His desire to teach never left him. After his retirement, Ray volunteered for 16 years as a docent of the Oakland Zoo. He served various roles for the Zoo from Docent council to driving the train for the kids! He was active in his retirement years; keeping in close contact with his colleagues from all walks of life along with his painting, photography and most of all spending time with his family and friends. The last ten years he lived in Ukiah with his daughter and her family
.
He was a scholar of history, his favorite being the Roman Empire. Ray devoured thousands of books in his lifetime and he liked to share his learned wisdoms with anyone willing or curious. He will be remembered always for his quick wit, big heart and generous spirit. He was a brave man throughout his life and did not live in fear of his death, only concern for those he leaves behind. He loved each and every one of you with all his heart.

He is survived by: son, Greg (Charlotte) Barker of Lodi; daughter, Marla (Doug) Anderson of Ukiah; Kathy Barker, ex-wife and best friend of Rio Vista; Dorothy Mueller, ex-wife and mother to his children of Stockton; and brother, Kendall Maxell Barker of Florida. Grandchildren, Kelle (Matt) Bender of Lodi, Todd (Eleace) Barker of Oakdale, Amanda (Ian) Bender of Lodi, Julee (Brandon) Wheeler of Hopland, Jeffrey Giacomini of Ukiah, Alison, Audrey and Edward Anderson of Ukiah, many great-grand children, nieces, nephews and friends. No formal services will be held; at his request his remains are being sent to Arlington National Cemetery where he will be buried with full military honors.
 

 


03/17/12 10:04 AM #9    

Sue Ferreira (Nunes) (1967)

 

BARKER, MILTON RAY
  CPL US MARINE CORPS
  DATE OF BIRTH: 03/10/1926
  DATE OF DEATH: 09/05/2011
  BURIED AT: SECTION N70OO ROW 20 SITE 3 Click to view the cemetery map
  ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
  C/O DIRECTOR ARLINGTON, VA 22211
  (703) 607-8000

 


03/10/13 12:26 PM #10    

Larry Rowland (1964)

Happy birthday Mr. Barker.  You are missed so much on the board.  It seems a lot longer than 2 years since we lost you.  March 10th 2013.

My best reguards,

Larry Rowland

'1964


03/10/13 12:55 PM #11    

CarolLynne Biddle (Cole) (1971)

Many years since 1971, but to this day I can still see Mr. Barker walking the 'doughnut', ushering kids off to class, and smiling at me as we passed. He never knew me, at least I don't think so, but he never passed me without saying hello or how are things going...that quite smile will stay with me always. We had the utmost respect for your roll in school-you and Mrs. Camp! My heart goes out to your family...you touched many kids lives...in a great way!

CarolLynne Biddle-Cole


03/18/14 08:41 AM #12    

John McCarthy (1972)

I'll never forget the day Mr Barker caught me and my buddy Randy Roderick crouching between cars in the parking lot in front of the school smoking. We were about half way through when he walked up on us.We sat there frozen knowing we were busted. He simply said," Oh by the way when you're done drop by the office. I think Mr Barker probably chuckled after leaving us. He never did a thing to us but the lesson was learned.We were from the class of 1972.


03/19/14 07:11 AM #13    

Ronald Veronda (1966)

My sympathy to Mr. Barker's family. I knew that I respected and liked Mr Barker, as did most students, but I didn't realize how much he influenced me until later. He was the disciplinarian--was very good at his job--and people liked him. That's very unusual. As a teacher (many years later) I was "pulled" into becoming an assistant principal in charge of discipline. I now realize I patterned how I did the job after Mr. Barker. I called it "discipline with a smile." Wish I could have seen him one more time and told him that.


07/05/16 05:19 PM #14    

Frank Daniel (1970)

Ray was my favorite bother in-law. He and my sister Kathy often saved my fathers and my butt when a sports car we were working on went kaput out in the middle of some California's highway.
Most will remember his turtleback Porsche. But also had Winnebago, a jaguar and Mazda sports car.
Most don’t know that he was also an expert cook. Our Thanks giving’s and Christmases had very good eats, what with the competition between him and my dad.
I still miss him.
Frank

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