Vern Barber

Vern Barber, age 79, of Eau Claire, WI, died peacefully at home with his adoring wife Leslie by his side. Vern was born December 18, 1936 in West Palm Beach, FL to Vernon, Sr. and Lois (Johnson) Barber. He was a graduate of Bacon County High School in Alma, GA. Vern continued his education at Georgia State University where he also served in the Army Reserves. Vern then took a position in finance with Pillsbury, which brought him to Minneapolis where he was also able to drive his Mom and Dad on to a frozen lake, experiencing the great North. This is one of many examples how Vern found joy in life’s little moments. Despite having spasmodic torticollis, a neuro-muscular neck disorder… Vern enjoyed the exhilaration of the beautiful outdoors and was an enthusiastic skier, runner, motorcycle rider and sailor. He enjoyed traveling, in both The States and abroad, especially by train and boat. The food, the wine and the new experiences of distant lands brought him so much joy with his favorite travel companions, his wife and his sons. For Vern joy was found in the simplest of passions like reading the Wall Street Journal, books of World War II and the ritual of cooking a delicious meal for his wife at home. He lived by this quote from the book The Prophet; “It is when you give of yourself that you truly give. “ He headed up the Olympic Festival in the Twin Cities and served on the board of directors at The Wine Company, for twenty years. He had a passion for educating children and he continues to sponsor children through The Haiti Project. He volunteered with children at, The City Inc. and was a tutor with the Literacy Volunteers of the Chippewa Valley. After a chance meeting on a train to Montana, Vern encountered a teacher who inspired and sparked his faith in God and the church. Vern’s calm presence when people were in need was a gift. He exemplified this with his father in law, Lester, at the end of his life and so many others. These moments were the stepping-stones to answer a long time call in ministry. He attended Nashotah Seminary to become an Episcopal Priest, completing Seminary in 2009. Serving God, the church and God’s people was a vocation he pursued joyfully. Vern was a proud and loving husband, father and grandfather. His unconditional love, cheerleading and guidance will be missed by his wife, Leslie Johnson of Eau Claire; two sons, Chip of Richfield, MN and Jeff of Toronto, Ontario; four grandchildren, Logan, Keenan, Rhiannon and Quinn Barber; his Georgia cousins, Lillian, Jan, Mary, Shirley, Mike, Jay, Steven, and Terri and their families, whom he adored and who were like siblings to him; and his extended church family. All who knew and love Vern, will smile at his passion for a “top drawer” experience and his pursuit of the perfect martini. Vern was preceded in death by his parents; and an infant brother, David. A Requiem Mass will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at Christ Church Cathedral at 510 S. Farwell St, Eau Claire with the Rt Rev. Jay Lambert officiating and Rev. Guy Usher assisting. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave, Eau Claire and also one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be given to the family, which will be donated to various charities in Vern’s honor. To express online condolences, please visit, obituaries atwww.lenmarkfh.com.

Service Information

Visitation

Wednesday, April 20 2016
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services
814 First Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703

Memorial Service

Thursday, April 21 2016
10:00 AM

Christ Church Cathedral
510 South Farwell Street
Eau Claire WI 54701