Kent Purcell Barker Sr.

Barker, Kent Purcell, Sr. age 80, of Eden Prairie, MN, passed away Nov. 19, 2013. Born on the Iron Range in Virginia, MN on Sept. 17, 1933. Graduated from Roosevelt H.S. and U of MN- Duluth. Kent moved to the Twin Cities area, accepting a job with the Hartford Ins. Group in Employee Benefits. He went on to work for John Hancock, 3M, Control Data, & opened the North Amer. offices for Swiss Life (SISI). He traveled the globe; was instrumental in designing pension and benefit plans for many of the country's multinational corporations. He was a member of Council Employee Benefits, serving as Chairman twice. At Control Data, he developed and received government approval for a first of its kind in the nation pension plan & funding mechanism. Following retirement, Control Data attempted to discontinue benefits promised to disabled employees. Kent initiated action and led the mobilization of this group of former employees in a victorious landmark class action lawsuit which prevented the company from taking their proposed action. An avid community supporter, he was a member of the EP Lions Club, Rotary Intl, Zuhrah Shrine Temple, Masonic Lodge(s), including Charter Membership in the Edina Lodge. Kent served on many EP city commissions, including Human Rights & Services. Past Board President for Mpls Camp Fire and their Foundation. Also enjoyed Episcopal Cursillo. Kent married Patricia McMahon Barker in 1958 & moved to Eden Prairie in 1959. He is survived by Pat; his children, Kari, Kristi (Chris) Sogn, Kate (Allen) Chan, & grandchildren, McKenna Barker, Jasper & Satchel Sogn, Zoe & Rory Chan & sister, Betty Flax. Kent was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Purcell; brother, Bruce, and son, Kip. The funeral service will be Saturday, Nov. 30, 11 AM at St. David's Episcopal Church, 13000 St. David's Road, Mntka, 55305. Memorials may be directed to EP Lions Foundation, PO Box 44364, EP 55344 or Mayo Foundation, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905. The family wishes to thank Dr. Clive Zent & team at Rochester Mayo, Dr. John Beecher & team at Edina Family Physicians & Fairview Hospice for their compassion and care of Kent. Guestbook: caringbridge.org/visit/kentbarker