Gary Barker Obituary

GARY JOEL BARKER
November 24, 1943 ˜ January 25, 2022

Gary Joel Barker, 78, passed peacefully with his wife by his side and family rotating in and out on Tuesday, Jan. 25, in Clackamas, OR. Gary was born Nov. 24, 1943, in Vancouver, WA. He married his wife Verla in September of 1965. They have two sons, Randy and Christian.
Gary was a proud Marine. He served in the USMC from 1961 to 1964. He had a wide collection of Marine memorabilia perfectly placed in his home, garage, truck and the attire he wore. He loved his country and was proud to have been a Marine fighting in early Vietnam.
Gary met his wife Verla in the Clark College parking lot and that was the beginning of their love story for 57 years. Gary climbed the corporate ladder at the Camas papermill, where he worked for over 40 years. He was their Fire, Police and Safety chief, as well as Superintendent of the Woodmill and River Operations. He loved to play Santa Claus at all the mill’s Christmas parties, he had the perfect chuckle!
Gary was a man of faith and service. He had a huge heart for God, his family, the Marines, friends and even people he didn’t know. He loved to make people laugh and was quite a joker!
Gary was an exceptional Dad and Poppa as he and Verla raised their two children and nurtured their three grandchildren. Gary didn’t have a daughter of his own, but he was so blessed having his daughter-in-law of 32 years, Heidi Barker, as his own. Gary is survived by his loving wife, Verla; beloved two sons, Randy and Christian; and his three adored grandchildren, Joel, Levi and Cade.
He was an extremely bright, funny and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. Gary left an indelible mark on this earth and will eternally live in the hearts of those that loved him. A funeral service will be held Saturday, Feb. 12, at 11:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Church of the Nazarene in Vancouver (14410 NW 21st Ave), followed by a private graveside service at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.
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