DAVID C. BARKER

David C. Barker of St. Charles David C. Barker, 57, formerly of Macomb County, Mich., passed away suddenly Sunday, May 22, 2011, while riding his motorcycle in Kane County. Dave had a passion for motorcycles and cars, and died doing what he loved the most. He was born in Detroit, Mich., living in Hawaii for a few years as an adolescent. He returned to Michigan to graduate from Adlai Stevenson High School in Sterling Heights; attended Macomb Community College and Wayne State University, graduating with a B.S. in human resources from Concordia College, and completed post-graduate work in engineering and project management. As a 2-year old, Dave took apart the family television set, thereby setting the course for his future in engineering. He fabricated his own belly boards while in Hawaii, and built his own boat early in high school. He wasted road racing at Grattan in his early 20s, honing his skills. He was an excellet rider. All during adulthood he would purchase a bike only to modify it many times over, skilled in fabricating replacement parts from plastic, fiberglass and carbon fiber. His passion for engineering is evidenced in his superior mechanical knowledge in the automotive and motorcycle industry. Prior to moving to Illinois, he worked at various automotive, plastic and engineering firms in cluding Bendix, Diesel Engine Controls, Hollwy Carburetor/Colt Industries, Automotive Products, American Sunroof Corporation, Pyramid Products, Saturn Electronics & Engineering, and Eaton. 12 years ago he moved with Delphi Mechatronic Systems to Illinois, also working for Otto Engineering and most recently JST Sales America. He has six patents to his credit while instrumental in earning additional patents for his employers. He was a very accomplished mortorcycle riders, enthusiast and collector garnering countless awards for his cycle achievements. Dave was a voracious reader of political, sociological and engineering subjects. His collection of motorcycle and car magazines goes back to the 70s. He rarely threw away, many years later coming back and finding an new use for it. There was nothing he could not fix. Dave was the happiest when he, the "Duke" and the "Baron" went south yearly to slay the Dragon and enjoy the Blue Ridge. Recently he developed an interest in the Food Channel on television, and took over responsibilities in the kitchen. He was a wonderful and cherished husband, loving son, brother, brother-in-law and uncle. He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Michele Racette Barker, their devoted Schnauzer companion, Tyler; as well as by his mother, Edna (nee Hrabak) Barker, and brother, Richard Barker, of Florida. He was preceded in death by his father, Curtis Barker; and uncle, Ralph Hrabak of Florida. Dave's choice was to be an organ and tissue donor. Arrangements were made through the Madison Funeral Home in Elgin and were private. Memorial gifts may be directed to the American Heart Association or the SPCA in his honor.