Secretariat

George Barker

As many colleagues will know, Mr George Barker, former Porter, died on 13 April 2012.

George Barker joined the University in December 1982, having previously been employed in industry as a veneer preparer and guillotine operator. He spent the first thirteen years of his career at Leeds in the Hostel of the Resurrection building in Springfield Mount, occupied at that time by the School of Adult and Continuing Education.  He proved himself to be a most reliable and utterly congenial colleague, unfailingly attentive to the many and varied needs of the wide range of individuals who worked in or visited the building. George was also a formidable asset to the School’s cricket team.  During his Army days, he had played cricket at a very high level; his presence in the bowling attack during the School team’s occasional fixtures was as reassuring to his team-mates as it was daunting to the opposition. He also followed horse-racing enthusiastically.

In 1996, George Barker transferred to the Worsley Building, where he continued to exhibit the same qualities which had characterised his time in Continuing Education. He retired in 2003.

George is survived by his wife, Patricia, daughters Julie, Janice and Gillian, son Paul, and several grandchildren.

The funeral took place on 24th April, when, in memory of Mr Barker, the flag was flown at half-mast on the Parkinson Building.