Michael Dewitt Barker's Obituary
Michael Dewitt Barker January 11,1934-January 1, 2024
Michael D. Barker, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully at Portland Adventist Hospital after a brief illness.
Michael was born the youngest of a large family in Bryson City, North Carolina. He was known to be musically gifted and sang beautifully from the time he could talk. By the time he was three years old, he was singing at different venues while playing his ukulele. His family said that he sang his way into the hearts of many. Years later, he poured that talent into playing the classical guitar after hearing Andres Segovia play at a concert.
Even though Michael’s family struggled, as did many during the Depression and then WW2, he had happy memories of summers swimming and fishing in the local creeks with his friends. His family owned and ran a grist mill as well as a sawmill on Alarka Creek. Michael attended Swain High School and played varsity football on the Maroon Devils team.
After graduating high school in 1951, he went on to attend college first at North Carolina State before serving int the Air Force from 1952-1957. Michael then attended UNC-Chapel Hill and graduated with a degree in English. At this time Michael was invited to attend Virginia Military Institute because of his academic performance and aptitude. He declined VMI as he did not want a career in the military.
During his time in the Air Force, Michael served in the 64th Fighter Intercept Squadron as a 1st Lieutenant and was a navigator flying in the two-seat Northrop F89 Scorpion during his time of active service. His last station was at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. He fell in love with Alaska as he was an avid hunter and fisherman. Four years after his honorable discharge from active duty in 1957, he met and married the love of his life, Patricia, in Little Falls, Minnesota. Once married, they made their home in Alaska where their first two children were born.
After years working for the FAA, Michael yearned for a new career and moved his family to Eugene, Oregon, where he completed his law degree at the University of Oregon in 1972, graduating with highest honors. After graduation he practiced family law in Anchorage and then Criminal Law in Corvallis, Oregon. After moving to Corvallis, their family was made complete with the birth of their third child. He practiced law in Corvallis and retired in Keizer, Oregon at the age of 78.
Michael will be remembered for his love and loyalty to family and friends. He was honorable and devoted in all that he did. He had a wonderful sense of humor, loved to play golf and was a voracious reader.
Michael leaves behind his cherished wife of 61 years, Patricia; daughter Tracy Whitman (Gary), son Mark Barker (Teri), and daughter Lindsay Peterson (Mike); grandchildren Cameron, Zachary, Matthew, Chase, Elaina, and Norah; and 8 great grandchildren.
The family wants to extend its deep gratitude for the amazing care Michael received after he moved to Parkview Cherrywood Village in Portland, Oregon, two years ago.
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