Eugene H. Barker

Eugene H. (Gene) Barker, 91, long time resident of Red Feather Lakes and Fort Collins, general contractor and financial investor, passed away Monday, October 24, 2016. He was born November 20, 1924 in Des Moines, Iowa. He was the only child of Rolla Valentine and Melba Barker. Before moving to Colorado, he and his parents lived in Idaho for a brief time. They moved to Red Feather Lakes when he was 11, where they raised cattle and hay on the family ranch. He loved telling stories of working the ranch and riding his horse to school. Gene was in the Marines from 1943 – 1946.

In 1950 he married Pat Olson and they raised 4 children. They lived in Red Feather where Gene was a member of Red Feather Storage and Irrigation for 42 years. Gene was a driving force in improving the water delivery system to the lakes. He was very proud to be the builder of the first diamond sorting plant in the Western Hemisphere as well as to be a part of the diamond exploration in the U.S. and Canada. Gene also built many log cabins in and around Red Feather and operated a lumber mill and hardware business in Red Feather. Gene also had a few businesses in Fort Collins, including A-1 Salvage, Barker Sand & Gravel and Barker Construction. Gene also had a finance business for many years with his business partner.

Gene was a member of the Fort Collins Elks Lodge #804 for 36 years where he enjoyed playing a hand or two of gin rummy. He was such a regular that they named his special order of a tuna sandwich, "The Barker." Gene was also a long time member of the Mountain Lions Club of Red Feather Lakes.

Gene enjoyed fishing and hunting pheasants and turkeys in Kansas and Nebraska for many, many, years. Gene also enjoyed trying his luck gambling in Las Vegas throughout his life.
On July 7, 2007, Gene married Janell Meldrem at his cabin in Red Feather. Gene and Janell enjoyed spending summer weekends at the cabin and hosting a big 4th of July celebration each year for family and friends. They enjoyed several trips to Las Vegas, especially enjoying the trips over Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve.

Gene had a wonderful sense of humor and a big personality that will be missed.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Pat. Gene is survived by his current wife, Janell; 3 sons - Brad, Ken, Paul; daughter, Janet Angelico; 8 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Red Feather Lakes POA (Memo line: Gene Barker Fireworks) in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive Fort Collins 80524.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at Bohlender Funeral Chapel.

Everyone is invited to a reception Immediately following the Memorial Service at the Elk's Club, 1424 E Mulberry St.