Charles Michael Barber
February 20, 1935 - July 07, 2010
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Charles Michael Barber
February 20, 1935 - July 07, 2010
Obituary
Barber, Charles Michael ‘Chuck’ 75, of Lake Forest passed away Wed, July 7, 2010 after a long battle with cancer. He was born Feb 20, 1935 In New Brunswick, New Jersey. He was the son of Virginia Mae Barber and Charles Barber, and the brother of Ronald Barber. He grew up in Middlesex, New Jersey.
He attended public school till he enlisted in the USMC. He met his wife Shizuko in Japan and married in Yokohama March 28, 1958. They went on to raise 3 children who were all born in Japan. Throughout the years, they had resided in the United States and Japan.
While the family was in Japan, Chuck had served the USMC in the Viet-Nam War and is a Viet-Nam War Veteran. Years later he settled his family in Orange County California and continued his career as a Marine, working in the Motor Pool and also refueling planes. After retiring from the Marines, he went on to pursue a life long dream of owning his own business, traveling across the United States, picking up and delivering cars, car parts and whatever else there was to tow across the entire US. He told us that he’s traveled to almost every state and he loved being on the road with his load and his riding partners, which were the family pets.
He worked hard and played hard and working was relaxing for him. His hobbies in the past included selling at the swap meets, garage sales, and most recently working on his computers. Other interests were talking politics, animals and meeting people abroad.
He will be missed but forever in our hearts. He is survived by Shizuko, his beloved wife of 52 years, his 2 children, Charles and Theresa, his 3 grandchildren, Pablo, Vanessa and Estela, and Ronald, his brother and the family pet, Spike.
10 responses to Charles Michael Barber
Ronald Barber says:
July 14, 2010
I will miss talking to you every other day on the computer as we did. We talked about “everything and everyone” over the last few months. The one thing that stands out was our talks about the “good old days” family picnics and old cars and trucks. You were a big help to be as I took the old 1947 Ford pickup apart and got it running again. I will work on all the old family photo’s you sent be and complete that DVD we talked about for our family. Peace is with you now. “Love you little Brother”
Theresa Barber says:
July 14, 2010
REST IN PEACE AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO HOLD DOWN THE FORT AS IF YOU WERE STILL ON THE ROAD…LOVE, TERRY
Brian says:
July 15, 2010
To The Barber Family:
I am sadden by the lose of my Uncle Mike.I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers though these tough times. I had always enjoyed spending time with my Uncle when he would make it to NJ on his road trips. He always had a funny story about a place he had been too or some guy he met on the road. I had always enjoyed listening to those stories and even though it has been some years since I was able to see him in person I have always wondered what my Uncle Mike was up to. It wasn’t the same but I had enjoyed staying connected to him by email, plus my father would give me updates from time to time on his new projects. We all love and miss you very much Uncle Mike, you may be gone but not forgotten.. Rest in Peace
Love
Brian
George Bachmann says:
July 15, 2010
Shizuko,
Unfortunately, we have never met. Mike was my cousin, the last time I saw him was a few years ago when he was delivering Ron’s truck to NJ. We had breakfast together before he left to go back to California.
Alison & I know this is a difficult time in your life, we wish you the best in the future.
George & Alison Bachmann
Charles M Barber Jr says:
July 16, 2010
My father was a husband to my mother. He took good care of her till the day he left this life. He had also taken very good care of all in his family. Not only was he a hard working man. He was also a maverick in his own way. He was also a hero to many by serving in the United States Marine Corp for 23 years. He wanted it to be known from health care workers, family members and any others that have associated with him in tragedy to triumph, that he was comfortable in his life to the end. As he said, “I DID IT MY WAY.” I will miss him. I want him to know that he is my hero in life and death. So now I’d like to think that he is free from pain and is now hanging out with his late daughter, Shirley that passed away ,short of her 16 years. So now, he is with all his friends from the past, and his dogs Buddy and Benny. I had promised him that I would thank everyone and I would take care of Mom and family. Rest in peace Dad