Susan Patricia Barker

Sue passed away unexpectantly after a fall a couple of weeks ago. Sue was born in Germany to Cyril and Pauline Barker while her father was serving overseas. Sue loved her family and leaves her brother Rob (Joanne), nieces Stephanie and Rachel, nephew David and brother Chris (Linda). Sue had a special love for her grand nephew and niece (Matthew and Erin) who brought much joy to her.

Throughout her life Goats were her main interest, it started in Victoria in the early 1970’s with two goats and the local 4-H club. Sue became an advocate for the goat industry and served on many national and provincial boards of directors. She represented the goat industry at high level meetings especially during the many years that a national identification system for goats was being developed.

Sue also had a top quality goat herd, especially of the Toggenburg breed. Her animals garnered wins at the national level in both the United States and Canada, including national champions in both countries. The influence of her herd’s excellent genetics remain in the animals that exist today.

Besides having show winning goats herself, Sue was a top level judge at dairy goat shows, in the US and Canada. She judged many times at the prestigious American Dairy Goat Association national shows and had an outstanding reputation in that field. In the early days of goat type classification, she was a leader in its development and adoption of standards.

She worked hard in the practical side of the goat industry, having a goat dairy for many years that supplied prestigious gourmet cheese companies. For a period, she developed and operated her own cheese plant. After retiring from her Goat Dairy, Sue became actively involved in various charities helping those less fortunate than herself.

Most of all, Sue loved all animals, but especially goats. She also loved people, and through her travels to judge and show goats became a cherished friend to many all over North America,

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, details will be released when dates/locations are confirmed.