Howard Bradbury Barber

On the way to Alta Bates Maternity Hospital in Berkeley his parents, Kathryn and Bradbury Barber, drove past the sign for Howard Buick and decided on his first name.

Howard grew up in Lafayette, California, and graduated from Acalanes High school in 1953. He and his younger brother, Richard, picked and polished Bartlett pears from the family orchard and sold them door-to-door in their neighborhood. They were later joined by sister Laura Mattos.

He met Betty Lou Passadori at College of the Pacific in Stockton, and they were married at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Merced on April 6, 1958. They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary this year.

Howard traded in his “city-kid” upbringing for a life with “farm-girl” Betty Lou and raised 6 kids on a 1-acre family farm with a milk cow, goats, chickens and more.

The six children: Robert (Nancy Hamlin), Janet (Lawrence Freemon), Angela (Keith Fletcher), William (Michelle Burmester), Alan (Dana Peters), and Benjamin (Margaret Bolt). The next generations include fifteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Mr. Barber enjoyed a 30-year career with his colleagues in the foreign language department at Merced High. In addition to Spanish, he taught guitar classes and participated in early Merced theater performances. His commitment to the Barbershop Quartets and Choruses in the Central Valley continued for many decades.

After retiring from the school district, Howard and Betty traveled abroad and locally in a series of motorhomes with their polite dog, Pixie. After the sale of their home on McSwain Road, the couple moved to Santa Cruz and spent seven wonderful years enjoying the harbor, the Walton Lighthouse and Taco Tuesday at Johnny’s Fish House. Howard never missed a Saturday morning Ukuleles on the Beach.

Those wishing to honor Howard’s memory may make a donation to Hinds Hospice of Merced. The family wishes to thank Glenita, Olma, Mrs. Martini and Lupie for their angelic care.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.