Ernest Hilliard Barber

Ernest “Ernie” Hilliard Barber, 61, passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, April 17, 2015, after a year-long battle with cancer. Ernie Barber was born in Tokyo, Japan on July 29, 1953, where his father was stationed in the Army. He was the son of Lorraine McDaniel Pugh and William Grant Barber. Ernie spent his childhood in Japan, Germany, Petersburg, VA, and High Point, NC. He graduated from Hargrave Military Academy in 1971. Ernie received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1974 from North Carolina State University and a Master of Science in Structural Engineering and Structural Mechanics in 1976 from the University of California, Berkeley. He was a licensed Civil Engineer and Mechanical Engineer. Ernie lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for 21 years. He worked for Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) Company for 18 years. After moving to Virginia, Ernie was employed by the University of Virginia, where he worked for Facilities Planning & Construction for 14 years. Ernie had several passions including restoring old cars, particularly Corvettes, remodeling homes, photography, and many outdoor activities. He also achieved several personal accomplishments throughout his life including summiting Mt. Rainier; completed a program at Northwest Outward Bound School; and he was a certified scuba diver. Ernie is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Margaret Barber of Charlottesville, VA; loving daughter Katherine Barber of Anchorage, AK; and sisters Charlotte Perrin and Mary Hendrickson. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Ernie’s name to the American Cancer Society. A gathering to celebrate Ernie’s life will be held at a later date.