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Galen Barber Obituary

BARBER, Galen July 16, 1943--June 28, 2018 Galen's heart had been a problem since an extreme cardiac event in 2010. On the morning of June 28, 2018 it shut down completely. Many of you who've been here the last 40 or 50 years (especially those in the music, arts, food, or just fun categories) knew Galen well. Back in the sixties he became bored with his studies at LSU and decided to check out the Austin scene he'd been hearing so much about. Evidently it was a fit; he stayed and left Louisiana behind. Eventually he became a mainstay at Artie's Red River Motors in downtown Austin. At this location, he tried, with little success, to bring some semblance of order to this world of cars, music, and partying, and the other layers of creative chaos there. He remained a part of this oft-wonderful, weird universe until 2016 when the Red River property was gobbled up in the Rainey Street redevelopment extravaganza. Galen was remarkable in many ways, but particularly for his intellect and intelligence. He was conversant in many areas; he could, and would, expound on many and varied subjects. He was also opinionated and would offer his opinions quite freely. Fortunately these were usually cogent, aided from this many years of reading and experience; he had a wonderfully retentive mind (There were exceptions-- how could someone who loved music not like Billie Holiday?). Galen, however, was not a dry, remote intellectual. He loved knowledge, but he also loved good whiskey, good food, good conversation, a good joke, and friendships. Galen Barber was unique, a fun and funny man-- never boring. He kept so many of us informed and entertained and we will greatly miss his presence in our lives.

Published by Austin American-Statesman on Jul. 14, 2018.
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With deepest sympathy, may the power of prayer ease your sorrow, give you peace and provide much comfort for you during this difficult time. Matthew 21:22

July 18, 2018

Danny Barton

July 14, 2018

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