Bradford Stanley Barber

I unfortunately didn't know "Buddy", but after reading his obit, I wish I had. It seems he was a colorful character and loved life. I know he will be missed...

For Beverly, Buddy's sister: I just wanted to extend my condolences to you on the loss of your brother. I lost my brother, M. J., four years ago and I know how painful it is to lose a sibling you are close to. Memories of years of fun and laughter, however, are a comfort as time goes by. I remember when you all lived across the creek from us when we were growing up. Those were good years. Sincerely, Rita Massad Korkmas

I didn't know this man that appeared to be quite special and will be greatly missed.While searching for a friends obit. I came across Buddy's and what a beautiful testiment of love, respect and even of his playful honory side, he passed a great legacy on.When you remember him I can only think you will see him in heaven retelling his "stories of love" and everyone will be totally captivated.May God bless and keep those he's left behind.

the summer days i spent with buddy and james (pee wee) and dennis and others at the home place on henderson highway were among the most treasured of my childhood. riding horses, swimming in a mud-bottomed pond no one but us and assorted horses and cows would dare enter, making cedar clubs we used to demolish an old shack on the place, feasting on bull-nettle nuts and salt scraped from a lick with pocket knives, the time we took apart dennis williams' bicycle--each taking home a different part--and other sorts of mostly innocent mischief (well, some innocent) are chapters in an as yet-unwritten book.
i recall spending only one night with buddy at the ranch however. one morning being awakened by the all-too-close ear-shattering crack of bull's woven leather whip slicing through the air seemingly scant inches over our heads was enough to discourage further in-house sleepovers. flirting with beverly on whom i had a terminal crush, trying to shake shari who wanted to tag along with the guys, riding to school in beverly's baby blue thunderbird, always watching your back if buddy was behind you, suspecting every scheme he offered to include you in, sometimes too late, but never with lingering regret.
the only regret is that life separated us in the years to follow. it sounds as though he evolved into a tremendously interesting character that grew from the far from run-of-the-mill friend i knew.

When we were about 7 or 8 years old, Buddy loved the horses in the field on Houston St just east of Henderson Blvd. He and his cousin James used to run like horses galloping-- Buddy, because of his polio leg-- James, because of Buddy.