William G Barber Jr

William G. "Bill" Barber Jr.,  died on June 25, 2022,  aged 91.  He was the beloved husband of Jean (Purington) Barber of Torrington.  Bill was born in Westerly R.I. on March 9, 1931.  He was the son of the late William and Mary (Hoxie) Barber of Hope Valley RI.  He graduated from the University of Rhode Island in  1955 with a B.S. degree in Agriculture and in 1968 completed a Master's Degree.  He served in the US Navy and US Navy Reserve from 1955-61,  two of those years as a hospital corpsman in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.  Shortly after serving active duty in the Navy, Bill launched a career as a Cooperative Extension Service 4-H Agent. in Middlesex County MA.  It was with great fortune that Bill met his devoted wife Jean,  also a 4-H agent In Middlesex County MA.,  at a New England 4-H Conference in Chicago. The two wed in 1959 and soon relocated to Newport County where Bill served as the Newport County 4-H Agent.  Two daughters,  Carol and Cindy,  as well as a happy -go-lucky Cocker Spaniel named Heidi completed the family.  Bill was devoted to both his work and his family,  often bringing his girls along with him to the 4-H office.  His family was deeply devoted to the 4-H way of life.  Bill was proud to say that four generations later his great grandson Danny was a 4-H Dog Club member.  At home Bill thoroughly enjoyed working in his gardens while listening to the Red Sox on the radio,  ever hopeful that his Sox would capture the pennant.
In 1970, Bill moved his family to Connecticut where he served as 4-H Agent for Litchfield County.  Bill was instrumental in building a robust and innovative 4-H program.  Under his tutelage the Litchfield County program flourished and had record setting participation.  Bill worked long hours,  his dedication to the 4-H program was unequaled.
Later in his career he rose to administrative positions at the county and state level,  highly respected and liked by all.
Bill retired in 1988 and with his wife Jean,  explored the world,  traveling to 22 countries, as well as many destinations in the US and Canada.  Bill and Jean shared a passion for photography.  They brought their photos and Joy to travel to many groups across Connecticut with their gorgeous slide shows.  When they weren't traveling, Bill was busy in his yard working in his gardens and cultivating his famous tulip gardens.  For years folks would drive by their home on Torrington Heights Road to photograph his spectacular displays.  Bill also was a music man;  as a youngster he mastered the trombone, euphonium, coronet,  and he was an avid singer.  He thoroughly enjoyed singing in his church choir and later Bill could be found singing the golden oldies with his family and friends at Geer Village
Bill was a consummate organizer and in his retirement he was a member of the 4-H Advisory Committee and served on the Litchfield County 4-H Scholarship Committee.  He was also an active member and officer in the Connecticut State Employees Association.  Bill was much loved and made friends wherever he landed.  He was known to strike up conversations with strangers which often fostered friendships which spanned the globe.  He enjoyed bringing joy to others and it was that joy for living that carried with him each day of his long and fruitful life.  In later years if you ever asked Bill how he was doing,  with a twinkle in his eye he would reply, "Fine!, Just like pulverized pepper".  He always said "I'm a lucky guy",  and truly he was.
Bill leaves behind his wife of 62 years,  Jean Barber and daughters Carol Blouin and husband Robert of West Hartland,  Cindy Deane and husband Ron of Winchester Center,  grandchildren Jessica Diamond,  Katie Blouin, Matt Blouin and great grandson Danny Diamond.  The family would like to thank Geer Village for the outstanding care given to Bill over the last three years,  he always commented to his family "They take such good care of me here".
The family will receive relatives and friends Thursday June 30 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Phalen Funeral Home in Torrington.  Donations can be made to Litchfield County 4-H Foundation 843 University Dr Torrington CT 06790.  www.phalenfuneral.com

 

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