Patrick Barker Obituary

Mr. Barker taught me how to shoot a lay-up correctly in 1961, his first year at Edgewood Jr. High. I was a 6th grader then... Please know that I went on to a rather 'uneven' basketball career, but I did score 57 points one night in a YMCA game in Waukegan, IL in 1968, and played competitively into my 30's. Thank you for getting me started, Mr. Barker! ~ Gordy (Gershon) Wolf, friend of Verne Reich and Danny Barker

I am so sorry about your loss.

Your loss is our loss. Pat was my classmate at HPHS and a great guy. He was a great part of our sports teams and our class leadership. We always tried to get him to our reunions. Please express my sympathy to Don Inman as well.

I was so sorry to hear of Pat's passing.Not only as a classmate, but also as a colleague of Pat's in Dist.#113, I have many fond memories and he will be missed by many. I very recently saw Don Inman and we spoke of Pat. I extend to you all my sincere sympathy and want you to know you are in my thoughts.

Fondly, Jean Coleman

I was so sorry to hear of Pat's death and I want to express to his family my deepest sympathy. He was a classmate of mine at HPHS and I remember him as being one of the more attractive guys in our class. Unfortunately, I don't think I have seen him since high school because we always missed him at our class reunions. I hope the memories that you, his family, have of him will help you through this sorrowful time.

Judy Coleman Blunck (Class of 1957)

Coach Barker was a true coach and a wonderful mentor. From coaching our golf team to the State Tournament in 1981 to providing recommendations to my future college and college golf coach that assured admission to this academically unqualified golfer. His mentoring has stayed with me during my professional career and personal life and I will always have him in prayers!



Howard Sharfman

Highland Park, IL

HPHS class of “82

Had many great times with Pat. I wish I could be there tonight. My condolences to the entire family. Pat was a special guy with a great sense of humor and a zest for life. There was never a dull moment when you were around him. Although he's gone to another place, he leaves us with memories that we will cherish until we join him again. God bless him.

I never had Mr. Barker as a teacher during my time at Highland Park High School (1982-86), but he was always friendly and quick with a humorous line. He would tell people--including some of the more difficult students--that it was "a little slice of heaven" to be with them. I teach now myself (English, at Calvin College) and have used that line for years.

Sorry to read of Patricks passing.

Bill Abrahamson/HPHS class of 57'

Sorry to hear about Coach Barker,My condolences to the family. Thanks for teach me the interlocking hand grip in PE. Bill coleman Class of 80

Haven't seen much of Pat since retiring but thoroughly enjoyed coaching against him both on the baseball field and the basketball court. It was a pleasure and created many fond memories. Thanks, Pat

So sorry to hear of the passing of Pat.



What a great guy. Wonderful high school memories of him coaching and chewing that gum sophmore year 1979.



Brother Dan was my first Gym teacher.



Special guy!!!

Was Principal of Highland Park High school for many years with Pat as a great friend and colleague. He was one of the best. RWB