Edward Barr Obituary

Simply wonderful guy, missed, loved, helped hundreds go to college with Mrs. M. , plus offered so much to golf, Chgo., il, younger men, girls, like second & third tries, politely.

First, I am sorry that I did not know about Ed's passing because I would have made the time to attend his funeral. I still have family in Chicago and St. Kilians is just down the road apiece from Dan Ryan Woods. Although I have not seen Ed for a long number of years, I will always remember my years as his "student/pupil." During the years 1957-1959, I spent long hours at "THE CADDY SHACK" waiting my turn to carry a bag. I remember that Ed had a special place in his heart for me since I could only work for about ten weeks each summer since I was attending Divine Heart Seminary in Donaldson, Indiana the other nine plus months. I learned from Ed the discipline of a "good caddy" - always there when Ed needed you - early morning - noon - and late evening. Many a day I carried two bags in the late afternoon but that set a pattern later in life when I was called on to carry "double the load" in many a diversified environment. Mr. Barr epitomized all the professional and personal qualities that I would continue to learn as I moved through life's patterns. My BEST to his family. A genuine man has gone to render assistance on the greatest course of all - heaven!

There will be a Memorial Mass in Ed Barr memory at

St. Christina's

111 th and Homan

Chicago



7:30 PM

Friday May 6, 2005



Fr. John Cusick ( caddied in the early 60's) who is the director of the young adult programs for the Dioceses of Chicago and who resides at Old St. Patrick's Church will be the celebrant

In 1976, while attending the wake of my father, Ed Barr called me at the funeral home to express his condolences.Only 1 year into caddying, I was scared of him, but after our conversation that day, it was clear to me that this bear of a man was very special. Ed was so important to hundreds of young men, most often in a subtle, unnoticeable way, so subtle that most boys were men before they realized what a profound effect Ed had on their development. Many caddies, myself included, developed friendships with Ed & Mitzie over the years that become some of our most endearing relationships. I spent dozens of Monday afternoons with Ed at Vito & Nick's, usually surrounded by a group of former caddies, and you'd never see Ed happier. Anyone who's ever spent time at the Barr house will attest to the loving relationship Ed shared with Mitzie, and I never left that house anything less than stuffed to the gills from Mitzie's wonderful cooking. They were great friends to me, and I cherish the privilege of that friendship.

I was a caddie at BCC from 1967 thru 1969 and I thought Ed did a great job teaching all of us how to be a good caddies. It was a wonderful positive influence! That was over 35 years ago, but I still remember it well. I still fondly some of the training we got, and maybe some of the caddies reading this will also ... Ed would say, "If you have 40 balls on the green, how many lines-of-putt do you have? 40" Or "As soon as the member hits the ball on the green give him the putter", and so forth. Thanks Ed for all the great memories!

Although not the greatest "looper" in the history of BCC, I caddied for Ed Barr during the summers of '55 & '56 (badge numbers 228 & 81). I vividly remember the fatherly coaching on how to handle a "difficult" member and still be polite. The positive feedback was also there, when deserved ("Good job #81!"). I often spoke to others about the way this man took boys with rough edges and polished them up like nobody else could (in addition to being a Chicago Fireman). He made a big difference to many! My deepest condolsences to the family.

'The best days of my life I feel, were spent in the search for the "GOOD DEAL".' Beverly CC '69-'71. 241/21. Truely, the best days of my life were the 3 years I spent caddying at BCC. I also had the pleasure of working in the Club House for a year and unlike most caddie's, I got to know EB better. He wasn't the sometimes strict guy he had to be supervising 200-300 caddie's every year. He truly was funny and a great golf ambassador. The experience truely carries me even to this day as you will notice from my e-mail address. God Bless Ed and thank you for 3 of the best years of my life. May you be #1 for all eternity.

My parents, Bob and Yvonne Poder, introduced Eddie to Marilyn, way back in the 60's. They were great people and great friends. May they rest in peace, and thanks for all the wonderful memories.



Sharon Poder Porter

Ed Barr was one of the biggest influences in my life. I was lucky enough to caddie for many years under EB, getting to be his assistant caddie master his last year. As people have written, his was a great man and he will continue to be an influence in my life. I learned so much from him, some of which I use in my job today as a banker. EB, you will be missed!!

Ed Barr was a GREAT man! I had the privledge of being a caddy and an Assistant Caddie master for him. I still think about those many days at BCC I think I had more money in my pocket then than now, I guess five kids has something to do with that. The days of caddying early and then a second time because EB had a tip on a hot horse at the track that night, 'Lee Dancer' was the horse if I remember, about 8 of us would pile into a car and go to Sportsman's. Playing golf with Ed on monday's now and then. I can't think of anyone that had more influence on many generations of men on Chicago's Southside than him. 200-300 young men each year coming through that tunnel all to see one man EB; amazing. All those threats about getting rid of us for carts still haven't come true, probably because of him and his legendary program. Caddying in the Western Open, waiting the morning of the medeley waiting to see who you got, caddying in a big 10& 2 match; those cage hot dogs are still the best hot dogs ever!! sorry superdawg! God Bless Ed Barr. I hope your legend and life lessons live on forever!!

Beverly caddie 1951 to 1956. What wonderful memories of those high school year summers. With Ed Barr's encouragement, I was fortunate enough to receive the Evans Scholarship. Ed's words were, "An education is something that cannot be taken away". I remember Ed's well-run caddie program, Monday golf days, three-hour long basketball games, severe sun burns and the satisfaction of ending a year as caddie number four. Thanks, Ed. My condolences to the family of Ed Barr. EB we are going to miss you.

Condolences to EB's family and how appropriate our donations are directed to the WGA Chick Evans scholarship foundation.



EB had his hands full with generations of adolescent young men but he came out on top judging by the adult men I see today that were former caddies at Beverly CC.



So today, let's show up for his services (in person or in prayer) 'rain or shine'. Remember, this is a 'white shirt day'!

To the Relatives of Edward and Marilyn Barr, please accept our heartfelt prayers and deepest sympathy.



We are neighbors, who live two blocks away from Ed & Marilyn. And,often saw Ed out maintaining his property. Although our encounters were brief he was always cordial.



May Ed and Marilyn rest in peace,

and may the Lord hold them in the palm of his hand until we meet again.



Peggy and Bill Mulcahy

Unlike most caddies, Ed Barr was the second man I knew at Beverly Country Club. After all, my dad was the first. Caddying at Beverly was indeed a unique experience and I continue to appreciate what EB did for me. He got my dad to work with him and that was the start of my journey into the game of golf, still my deepest passion. Fortunately, it also led to the Evans Scholarship, and a college education I may not have been able to afford. I doubt any of us will ever forget our many adventures at Beverly and Ed was at the center of most of them. Thanks Ed for all you did for me and the rest of the "Out Here Loopers"!

Sympathy and prayers for Ed Barr (E. B.) from Pat Dwyer an EB Looper 1954 to 58. I never until I was a grown man what a good job he did supervising 200 to 300 wild and rambunctious adolescent boys. Prayers to him and his family.

Please accept our sympathy-- from one of the many caddies who benefited from the wise and good counsel from the ULTIMATE CADDY MASTER..

Eddie Barr (or EB as was commonly used by the caddie ranks at Beverly CC) made a big impact on many - including myself - lives of the young caddies - many of which have grown to be successful contributors to society. He may be the caddy master that oversaw the most caddies getting the Chick Evans Scholarship. I know of at least 20 caddies that were at Beverly with EB at the helm that went on to get the Evans Scholarship - and that's just 5 years of caddying - a small sliver of Eddie's long stay as caddy master at Beverly.

Eddie - thanks for the positive influence and encouraging me to "stick it out" and to "go for the scholarship".

Frank Mostek - 1987 Evans Scholar alum - Illinois (Go Illini!)

Ed Barr was the caddiemaster at Beverly Country Club on Chicago's South Side for close to 40 years. A product of his era, Ed not only ran a top notch caddie program for the members, but he was able to get out his message to some 250 caddies every year. His message was simple. "Get a good education." Ed was a truly caring person who pushed the concept of going to college to a large contingent of teen aged kids. Gruff on the exterior with many colorful Yogi Berra-style phrasings, Ed was a big influence on my adolescent years. I caddied at Beverly for three years and probably set a world record , serving as the asst. Caddiemaster for another four years from 1967-74. A great deal of what I use today in my job as a middle school principal I learned or picked up from my dealings with Ed. He was like a second father to me and I am grateful for all that he did for me, my brother, my friends, and several generations of young men. Thanks Ed!!!