Lionel "Len" Barger

Lionel Bruce Barger "Len", age 69 of Clinton Township, died Sunday, July 7, 2013 at home.He was born on June 26, 1944 in Highland Park, Michigan, son of the late Lionel and the late Ilene (nee: Duvall) Barger.For his bride of over 46 years, one of her earliest and most endearing reflections of Len will forever be his 1963 Ford Galaxie convertible and the immeasurable fun they shared together in that car. Len was very proud of his ride, and it provided the perfect transportation throughout their dating experience and beyond.After all of that courtin' and cruisin' in the convertible, the two lovebirds took that leap of faith and love by joining with each other in marriage on November 16, 1966 at St. Angela Catholic Church in Roseville. From there, they would go on to enjoy many wonderful years together building a home, raising a family, and growing deeper in love each day. Len was the proud father of 4 children; Mark, Bridgette, Scott, and Glenn. In telling his story, much of it was definitely enveloped by the love for his children and the many wonderful memories he helped to create with them in mind. One of these, perhaps more funny (today) than memorable, were the many mornings he woke his children at 4am for a trip to the ol' fishin' hole. Being the avid fisherman he was, he found great enjoyment in sharing this bit of sportsmanship with them,…no matter the hour. And speaking of the early morning hours, his kids will never forget the smell of pancakes cooking in the kitchen and Dad trying to roust them out of bed,…quite often to no avail. But on those times they made it out of bed, there'll always be those great and tasty memories of downing Dad's flapjacks while watching "The Great Space Coaster." Then there's the memories from his only daughter, Bridgette. There's always a chuckle to be had in remembering when she was born as Len stated, "Barger's only have boys" and sent his wife some blue flowers. And from Bridgette's recollection, there will forever be the reflection of she and her friend, Kathy in the paddleboat on the St. Clair River. A memory she'll always hold close was the day that Len found himself running from the campground in Algonac, down the river's edge into town, yelling at the girls to steer clear of the freighters. With the river being renown for its freighter traffic, Len knew that paddleboat didn't stand a chance in the wake of those behemoths. Yet, the girls were having a grand ol' time!One of Len's pastimes was enjoyed through the realm of rock collecting. From the various field trips to the numerous craft shows he attended, he loved to display his collection proudly and interact with fellow collector's as well. Another of his loves in life was definitely found in his parrots. Len was the devout owner of many, but cared for them all individually. It was often that you'd find Len's shoulder adorned by the beauty and splendor of one of his feathered friends. It's like they were a part of him.Another person that Len had a great affect on was his niece, ReNae. So much so that her career path was chosen by the memories and influence her uncle had upon her life through the many camping experiences shared together. It was the outdoors that led her to the environmental sciences field of Eco Hydrologist. But of all the things that define Len's favorite pastimes, few would argue that the most special were the times and memories woven around the family treks to the upper peninsula in Bay Mills, Michigan. It was all about camping and getting back to nature, an escape that couldn't be matched by anything else. Most years, the family camping ventures were summer-long events that were speckled by a bunch of side events that held their own charm and pizzazz. For Len, this meant a trip to the nearby Bay Mills Casino where he got lots of exercise giving the ol' "one-armed bandits" a run for their money. Another camping highlight was in the Pow-Wow's he attended in Baraga and the Sault, and the local fellowship he enjoyed in the process. His wife recalls one hilarious pow-wow memory of the night he was happily engaged in the enjoyment of his meal,…until he learned he was eating beaver. The look on his face was priceless!Another up north reflection was wrapped around his love for cars and the June excursions to the St. Ignace Car Shows. Over the years he was fortunate to take in these shows, the entertainment and memories not only included the enjoyment of the vehicles, but in the various celebrities he was able to meet. To name a few, there was Freddie "Boom-Boom" Cannon, Ronnie Dove, and Buffalo Bob & Howdy-Doody. The last up north / camping memory that just can't go unmentioned will remain the few years that Len's loving family were forced to endure the ever-popular traveling song by Willie Nelson, "On The Road Again." It was back in the 8-Track days,…and there was no escaping the music. But of all his sources of joy, nothing could hold a candle to family and the love that held them close. Some of the most precious of these will be Len enthralled in the role of Grandpa while playing trains at Christmas with Andrew and Carston. Yet not merely with them, but with all his loved ones,…Len leaves behind a legacy of love that is strong and true, and will forever be a beacon in the heart of all who were blessed to know him. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally.He was the beloved husband of Arlette. Dear father of Mark (the late Desiree) Barger, Bridgette (Daniel) Bill, Scott (Lisa) Barger, and Glenn (Janie) Barger. Loving grandfather of Jenica, Mitchell, Guienevere, Nataliya, Chloe, Carston, and Andrew. Brother of the late Tony Barger. Devoted Uncle of ReNae Nowicki, Angel Shannon, Bruce Barger, and Brian Barger. He is also survived by cousin, Timothy Montney, and his "adopted daughter" & Bridgette's Best Friend, Kathy Kotter. Visitation for Len will be held on Thursday, July 11th from 3-9pm, with a 7pm Rosary Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren. He will lie in state on Friday from 10am until time of the Funeral Mass at 11am at St. Thecla Catholic Church, 20740 S. Nunnely Road in Clinton Township.Please share memories of Len at his memory book.