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IN LOVING MEMORY OF

George J.

George J. Barber Profile Photo

Barber

January 3, 1928 – April 17, 2019

Obituary

PLATTSBURGH--- George J. Barber, 91, of Macomb Street, passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at his home.
He was born in Rochester, NY on January 3, 1928 the son of Forrest Eugene and Elizabeth Marie (Hand) Barber.
George grew up in Schenectady, NY and attended Nott Terrace High School. While in high school, he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Seoul, Korea during the US occupation. He served his country from 1946 to 1947. In 1953, he graduated from Champlain College in Plattsburgh.
George married Elizabeth "Betty" Mulligan on December 1, 1953 at the First Baptist Church in Plattsburgh. Together they lived life to the fullest for 54 years. Betty passed away December 22, 2007.
George was profoundly influenced by his time in Korea. He was the first white person many people saw, he observed a country sacked by Japanese and Soviet troops, incredible poverty, and a culture so different from his own. He was particularly impacted by the way women were treated. It nurtured the compassion for people and passion for justice that he had throughout his life.
Champlain College was also eye-opening. He was introduced to new ideas and was able to discuss them with fellow veterans. Particularly influential faculty were Weber and Thomas Furlong; artists that encouraged him to really see light, color, form, and change. It was during this time that he happened to rent a room with Katherine (Barber) McDowell (no relation) resulting in his calling Macomb Street home for 70 years.
By profession, George was a Land Surveyor. He was a person of great conviction and good humor that loved tinkering with all sorts of mechanical things, was a dome builder, inventor, philosopher, and story teller. He and Betty were adopted parents to many and their door was always open to those needing a place to stay, share a meal, have a discussion, or relax with hospitable beverages. They both practiced compassion; not taking more than their share; and how to live apart from the main stream with grace, humility, joy, and thankfulness.
George is survived by five children, Eileen Allen and husband Peter of Plattsburgh, Thomas Barber of Plattsburgh, Elizabeth Marie Barber of Plattsburgh, David Barber and wife Ann of Plattsburgh, and James Barber and wife Carol and their four children of Glens Falls.
He was predeceased by his wife; daughter and twin sister of David, Helen Barber Klaus in 1992; a son, Mulligan Barber, died in infancy; and three siblings, Forrest, James, and Elizabeth.
A heartfelt thanks goes to Hospice and George's amazing caregivers who allowed him to stay in his beloved home.
An "Afternoon of Remembrance" will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at his home, "The Macombstead."
In lieu of flowers, please let a loved one know how much you appreciate them, something George tried to do particularly later in his life. Donations in his memory may be made to the Disabled American Veterans or to Vermont Public Radio.
To share a memory or condolence with family, please visit www.rwwalkerfh.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, NY.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of George J. Barber, please visit our flower store.

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