Aaron and I miss your friendship. We could come into Pal's and just shoot the breeze and or find current baseball merchandise. Your greeting as we walked in the door was priceless. You treated everyone with a smile patience and kindness. You are one of God's angels. Rest in peace. We deeply miss you. The Wallaces (Aaron and Barb)

Such a great loss. We miss you Brian. May you rest in peace.

I moved to Naples Florida in June of 2018. When I return to Minnesota for visits with my family and friends, one of my first stops is always to see Brian and Starla at Pals. Today, September 13th, 2022, I walked into Pals Sportscards to visit my good friend Brian only to find that my friend had passed away last December. I can’t describe into words the overwhelming grief I felt when I heard those words. My heart sank. I still cherish the time I got to spend with Brian when he asked me to accompany him to the Upper Deck Diamond Dealers convention in Orlando, FL. I felt truly honored that he asked me to go with him to such an important event for him. The friendship I built with him was absolutely genuine and true. He always had a positive attitude and cheerful smile every single time I sat with him at pals and ripped card packs sitting at one of his tables in the store. Trading day was always a special time for me at pals. Getting to sit with Brian and Starla and talk sports all day was something I always looked forward to. Those two people, Brian and Starla are truly two of the most special people that I have ever met. My heart felt condolences go out to you Starla and your entire family. This world has truly lost one of the greats. I am certainly going to miss you Brian. Tim.

Though the times we met were few, I always remembered the friendly smile and amazing atmosphere that surrounded you and your family. I will continue to carry the happiness and inspiration you gave me for my friends and family. Rest well with much love UB.

Brother, when you were born I was 13 and in a world of my own.  As time went on you became more important to me than I realized.  When I left home, you were 3 years old and the one I missed the most.  Over the years you have made me so proud of your accomplishments…all the way through to realizing your grown-up dream of owning your own sports card shop.  I will cherish the memories of you until my last breath.  You were a success in business and most of all in life.  I know Starla, Julie, Lisa and Jason will carry on and always be inspired by the example you set as a husband and father.  I hope you know how much I love you and will miss you.  Until we meet again, the three of us (Laren, Aune, Brian) will be together in heart and soul.
Always and forever your favorite sister, Aune  

Brian wasn’t just a store owner, he was an absolute friend. I would typically come in on a Friday or Saturday after a long work week and just browsing, buying, and chatting was a great kickoff to my weekend. It will never be the same. I will really miss Brian. Such a great and friendly man. He was especially so good to the young kids who would come in. He cared about cards and he cared about us all! I really hope Starla and the kids will find some peace. I am so very sorry about the loss of your husband and dad! You are cared for by all of us who were treated so well by him! May God’s strength, love, and comfort be with you all!
Kevin

Brian was an amazing person. Brian was the most kind, caring, loving and humble man I have ever known. Brian welcomed me into his family, and was a 2nd father to me after my dad had passed away. I got to see Brian bring his dream to reality when he opened Pals Sports Cards in Andover. I was honored to  be able to help out at the shop. I also got to see Brian the family man. He was a loving husband and an amazing father. I remember going to the MLB All Star game with him when it was at Target Field. It was an amazing time. The memories I will cherish the most will be the countless hours I got to spend with Brian at the shop talking about sports and life, and ripping open cards. To the entire Barker family, thank you for being so kind to me during the years, and thank you for sharing Brian with me. I am so sorry for your loss. Brian brought a lot of joy to my life, and to the lives of so many others. He will be missed greatly. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Love Eric

I didn’t get the luxury of knowing you well Brian but I just wanted to say what a kind and calm presence you were at bowling each week.  I was so incredibly shocked and sorry to hear of your passing.  You were a kind and gentle soul and I pray you are forever in Heaven waiting for the day you see you beloved wife and children again.  Love and prayers to your family and all who knew you.  Rest easy and thank you for your constant kindness and gentle spirit. 

Brian and family have been our neighbors for years.  Our boys were very close and enjoyed sports and outdoor activities together.  Brian and Starla were always opening their home-Brian will be missed as he was a very nice thoughtful person.

The Sederstrom’s

I remember this weekend very well. You gifted us this CurveBowl game. We still have it. You were the only one that could get a strike. We still can't. You never shared your secret on how. :)
Then, we  drove down to Chicago together to get as many sports autographs as we could. I remember seeing Donald Driver, Clay Matthews, and Bobby Hull. He was a flirt !! Just like you were to me, Brian !! I loved our banter back and forth. You were always smiling. Always gracious. And, you always showed up. Whether it was my 30th birthday party, autograph signing, or a Vikings-Packers game with a few hours notice, you always showed up. You will be missed. 

Love, Jamie Hardt

He was the coolest Uncle anyone could ask for. I always admired his funny quips and amazing mind, coupled with an endless love for all that was good in life. My sons (Sean, Alex, and Calvin) affectionately called him “UB” after the classic film “Uncle Buck.” It was and is a term of endearment which illuminates just how strong his light shown upon others. Uncle Brian, we thank you for the pizza parties and we will cherish your time on this earth for eternity in our hearts and minds. Thank you for being you. We look forward to catching up when the time comes. Until then- stay gold. 
Love Always, 
Matt and Nancy 

I’ll always remember walking into the sports shop, checking out the cool card collections and then going back to eat pizza with all of the family together. Thank you for everything Uncle Brian, I will cherish these memories forever. Rest In Peace

Love,
Calvin Barker

Julie (Brians daughter) introduced me to her dad over 6 years ago. In those 6 years many beautiful, fun and loving memories have been created with Brian.  I was proud to become Brians son in law just six months ago. Becoming a part of the Barker family is my fondest memory.   It is an honor to have known Brian.  From the first day I met him, he made me feel at home. I Thank him for that and so much more. 

Our  deepest condolences go out to the Barker family.  We were not as fortunate as most of you that knew Brian, all or most or your life.  We had the pleasure to meet him this summer at Matt & Julies Wedding.  Even though we just met him, he managed to give us plenty of his time to allow us to share our stories and enjoy a few laughs.  He truly seemed like a genuine classy individual.  He will truly be missed!  

So sorry to hear of the passing of Brian.  My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.  I know my son Spencer and I always enjoy going to Pal's and enjoyed seeing and talking with Brian when he was there.  He was always so nice to us.  Brian will be missed by all of us in the sports card collecting community.  My son Spencer always said Pal's  Sports Cards was the Best sports card shop anywhere.

One of my last memories of Brian was August of last year when I was visiting my sister and he came home from work.  As I was checking out their backyard, they mentioned their peach tree in front and Brian followed me to go check it out, making sure I didn't fall.  The tree was still small and there were only 3 peaches left on it.  But Brian reached out and picked one to give me so I could taste a freshly picked peach.  Brian was always hospitable and generous.  I always felt welcomed in his home and appreciated the sense of calmness and fun that he brought.  My sister did good in choosing him to bring into our family.  I will miss him.

I owe a big part to why I'm passionate about sports cards to Brian. I remember my first time ever at Pal's, I walked in and wasn't very sure on what I wanted or what was a good deal. But after sitting around and talking with him, I could tell just how passionate he was about not only cards but sports in general. He showed me some of his favorite things in the shop and also helped size the cards for me I just had pulled because I didn't know how to do it myself...I'm very saddened to hear of his passing, and I hope to one day be as caring and considerate as he was with me while learning the hobby. R.I.P. Brian, you will definitely be missed. 

I had been out of collecting cards since I was a kid, but had seen Pal’s ever since I moved to Andover in 2015. Finally making my way in a few years later, I developed a friendship with Brian talking Twins and catching up on the latest product. There was no one who embodied being a card shop owner better than Brian. From taking time to connect with customers, being open to innovation with box breaks, and making sure he carried things for kids too. I am so saddened by this news, but am grateful to have known him.

Where do I begin? I have so much I want to say yet, I’m at such a loss for words. It’s still so surreal to think Brian is no longer here. I’ve known Brian for a large majority of my life, having lived not far down the road growing up and being best friends with Julie. Brian had the best laugh, smile, and hugs! He loved his family more than words could express and welcomed everyone with open arms. I’m grateful for the memories I have with Brian and will cherish them for the rest of my life.  My sincerest thoughts and prayers are with the family during this extremely difficult time.

I remember visiting Uncle Brian for a Twins game.  It was to be Kirby Puckett Bobblehead Day and I knew he'd want to get there early.  I said, "the game starts at 1:00 p.m. - what time should we arrive?"  He deadpanned in all seriousness - ""5:00 a.m."  Sure enough, there were dozens of people ahead of us in line.  We got one of the last ones.  I still have it in my collection.  My sports memories of Uncle Brian are the best!

Love from me, Jamie, and Lorelei,

Aaron Lee Hardt, Jr.

My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers go to Lauren, Aune, and to Brian's wife and children.  The last few times I saw Brian, I spoke with him as he cared for either his mom or dad, pushing them in a wheelchair. He seemed to be happy to make sure they were comfortable and that he got them where they wanted to go! I remember when Aunt Vi was pregnant with Brian. I was at the baby shower that her sisters gave her. She was SO happy! R.I.P. Brian and I know that your mom and dad are there with you. 


With the passing of Brian on December 9th, I am stunned.  Brian marked the youngest of the four male cousins all born in about one year’s time:
Brian Barker - July ’57; 
Steve Stromberg – September ’57;  
Ger Johnson – October ’57; and 
Terry Sandquist – November ’56.

An unnecessary reminder that life is short, and that every day is a precious gift.     
My heartfelt sympathy goes to his family…


Every time our family would visit, we’d stop by Great Uncle Brian’s Card Shop. We did what I would consider a mini-tradition and ordered a Jet’s Rectangle Pizza for dinner, every time. Everyone would be smiles while we ate. All laughing, all happy, all enjoying the warm company of others. I will always carry these fond memories. Thank you. You will be missed. 
- Alex Barker (son of Matthew and Nancy Barker, brother of Sean and Calvin Barker)

We send our condolences to all of Brian’s family.  Our hearts and prayers are with you.
We remember Brian mostly from our Super Bowl parties.  He called  one day, and said his mom had told him about our parties.  He wondered if he could come, we said of course, so the next 15 years he, and sometimes Jason, came to all the parties.   Since sports was his thing, he provided a lot of information for us.  It was a joy to have him as a guest.  We love you Brian, rest in heaven with your Mom & Dad.

OBITUARIO

Brian Lloyd Barker

3 julio, 1957 – 9 diciembre, 2021

Gearhart Funeral Home

Muestre su apoyo

Comparta Un Recuerdo

Comparta
Un Obituario

Obtenga actualizaciones

Servicios