Robert C. Barker Jr.

please add this to my memory listing (Julie Nelson)

My Uncle Bob. My godfather.
A man bigger than life! A man with a big gruff voice that scared the pants off little kids! Made you quake. Made you tremble. Somehow knowing and feeling he meant only the best for your welfare. Later in life, those same kids realized the big teddy bear behind the gruff.

Uncle Bob, Aunt Joan, Bobby, Greg and Glenn were a HUGE part of my childhood. Summers and snow-filled winter days were highlights when they visited Vermont from Rhode Island. Anxiously awaiting their arrival, eagerly anticipating the input from the "big city" of Warwick. The input of urban clothing, urban topics, Captain Crunch, and "real milk" - such enlightening exciting things from the perspective of a rural farm kid in the Northeast Kingdom.

In later years, Uncle Bob always found the time and energy for others. He valued family and treasured quality time sharing the simple things. Selflessly, he would drive to New Hampshire to reunite my mom and her twin Aunt Joan as they became ill and suffered in their frailty and vulnerability.

In the past decade, countless times, he would drive hours to visit me in Vermont. We shared the World's Fair in bucolic Tunbridge many years with reflection and the joy of rural experiences and slower pace.

Uncle Bob lived life. He knew how to have fun. He shared his essence, his "wisdom" and I will miss his big bear hug. He was my champion. I will strive to carry his strength and fierceness to become the best me that I can. Love you, Uncle Bob!