Gary Wayne Barr
November 22, 1951 – May 30, 2017
Gary Wayne Barr, NASA engineer, Ham radio operator (WA6TWT), animal welfare advocate, and long-time Lancaster resident, passed away at his home on May 30, 2017, from the long-term effects of a congenital kidney disease. He was 65.
He was born in Rockledge, FL, to the late Fay H. Barr and Vivian Barr McEldowney of Lancaster. He moved with his family to Edwards AFB at the age of 2, and to Lancaster 3 years later. Through his father and a high school electronics teacher, he developed a love of electronics and Ham radio, which formed the foundation of his life's work. After graduation from Antelope Valley High School in 1969, he attended Antelope Valley College for two years, then transferred to California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo, where he earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics with concentrations in computer science and electronic engineering.
After working briefly at the Air Force Rocket Propulsion Laboratory and on Main Base at Edwards AFB, he transferred to NASA Dryden (now Armstrong) Flight Research Center, where he worked for 32 years. At the time of his retirement in December 2010, he was the engineer for operational spectrum management (ensuring proper operation of aircraft transmitters), the telephone system, and the Land Mobile Radio system, with 484 ground-based radios for Security, Medical, Safety, Flight Operations, Shuttle, and others. He worked behind the scenes, contributing to the safe landing of many Space Shuttle flights.
On December 30, 1993, he married Susan Steen. They shared a love of animals and together operated the TANA Foundation animal rescue. He and Susan were responsible for life-saving efforts that saved thousands of dogs and cats that otherwise would have been destroyed.
Gary was a member of the Antelope Valley Amateur Radio Club (AVARC) for 50 years, serving as Treasurer and Membership Chair at the time of his death. He was also active on the Mission Trail Net for amateur radio, serving most recently as Vice President, Newsletter Publisher, and Statistician. He is now a "Silent Key." …-.-
Through most of his adult life, he quietly dealt with health problems from congenital polycystic kidney disease. In 2004, after 5 years on dialysis, he was blessed with a kidney transplant and 13 more years of life. Over the past several years, he suffered from the long-term side effects of the anti-rejection drugs that cause immunosuppression. He bravely and courageously endured metastatic squamous cell skin and lung cancer, and congestive heart failure.
He leaves behind his wife Susan Steen Barr, stepchildren Arema and Trevor and their families, and 92-year-old mother Vivian Barr McEldowney, all of Lancaster; and sister Linda Barr Quinby and husband Dave, Carlsbad, CA. He was predeceased by his faithful companion and long-time service dog, Dutchess.
A memorial Celebration of Life service to pay tribute to Gary will be held on July 8th, 2 p.m., at Joshua Memorial Park and Mortuary, 808 East Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA. Reception following. Flowers may be sent to the mortuary. Donations may be made to the TANA animal rescue, 13006 East Avenue H, Lancaster 93535.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Susan S Barr.
October 6, 2017
Chuck Brown
I am sorry to hear about the death of Gary. It is my belief that he is now in heaven, a better place without any pain. He will always be remembered by me and our NASA facilities groups. Love to the Barr family during these trying times. Please remember that God is good all the time.
October 6, 2017
Jay Levine
I am so sorry for your loss. I was included in one of the emails about Gary Barr's passing. We met a number of times and I am still editor of the X-Press. I want to include a mention of his passing in the X-Press and wanted to know if you had an obituary, or if you could tell me when he passed, his age and how long he worked at NASA.
October 6, 2017
Connie and Paul Harney
Although we were well aware of his difficult health issues, it is still a surprise to know that Gary Barr has passed. He was certainly one of the NASA engineers who did his job extremely well and with little fanfare. He was conscientious, reliable, and dedicated to doing his job the best way possible. He also contributed his expertise to his community of family and friends, and is sorely missed.
October 6, 2017
Marva Williams
So sorry to hear of Gary's death. I still remember his wedding where his dog was the [flower girl]. My condolences to you and your family.
October 6, 2017
Ted and Hefina Ayers
I was shocked and saddened by hearing of Gary's passing. I had no idea that he had health problems. Hefina and I are keeping you and your families in our prayers as you go through this difficult time of grieving and healing.
October 6, 2017
Louis Steers
Our sincere sympathy on your loss. Gary certainly held strong for his life. I always felt inspired by him to just keep pressing on. Blessings.
October 6, 2017
Bea Fedor N6VNR
So very sorry to hear about Gary. Frank worked with him at NASA and we worked with him for years with Ham radio. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
October 6, 2017
Ed Hamlin
Please accept my condolences on your loss. Gary was a special guy, and his friends will miss him, as I know you will. I last saw Gary at Rich Rood's service last year. It's wonderful for him and his family that the kidney transplant gave him another 13 years of life. Regards
October 6, 2017
Terry Dickerson
Sad to hear, I always enjoyed working with Gary. My wife and I sang at his wedding reception. God Speed Gary.
October 6, 2017
Ken Szalai
I ask God to grant you strength, peace, and hope at this most difficult time Gary was a skilled, dedicated, and a very conscientious member of the Flight Research Center staff. He made a difference in everything he did Gary was very brave in all he went through, and I am sure the extra years given to him and your family were a precious blessing to you Linda and Gary -- a great team. God bless you.
October 6, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. My thoughts are with you and your family.
October 6, 2017
Don Mallick
My prayers and condolence for You and the Family.
October 6, 2017
Glenn Bever
Glenn Bever, WD6ASL: I am really sorry to hear that we lost Gary. WA6TWT, as his fellow Ham radio operators knew him, was a very active member of that community. I remember when he built his own repeater, lodged in the sheriff station antenna, and incorporated a 'phone patch' into it to tie 2-meter radio to the phone system. In the days before cell phones, I used it to make phone calls from my radio. Gary lived and breathed radio, and was always my entree into the local radio community. His enthusiasm for the craft will be missed by everyone who knew him. He is now a 'silent key' and that silence will speak loudly. ...-.-
October 6, 2017
Larry Schilling
This is a real shock to me and very sad. I worked with Gary for many many years. Simulation electromechanical engineer, phone system engineer, frequency management, and many other endeavours. I remember him promising me that our simulation system remote terminals would work at 19.2KBaud with the new-fangled interface he was buying. I was a skeptic. I was wrongit worked perfectly and gave us a new capability. He was a guy who worked behind the scenes and made the working environment better for people. Gary was special to me. It has been several months since I spoke to him on the phone. I did not realize his health had slipped so badly. Thoughts and prayers.
October 6, 2017
Carol Reukauf
Carol Reukauf: This is very sad news. A few months ago he told me of his troubles. He seemed to me to have been a pretty tough guy. I am so sorry. My condolences to your family.
October 6, 2017
Larry Biscayart
Larry Biscayart: I'm so sorry to hear of Gary's passing.... He was a good friend and coworker for my 30 yr career at NASA. Few understood the reliable and critical part he played during the Shuttle landings at Edwards; he was truly one of the unsung American heroes that insured the Astronauts safety throughout reentry and landing phases. May God bless him and bring comfort to you and your family during this difficult time.
October 6, 2017
Marian Bailey
I was so sorry to hear that you have lost your brother. I have two sisters who are very dear to me, and I would find it very difficult to deal with the loss of either one of them; so I think you must be having a difficult time just now. Take care, and God bless.
October 6, 2017
Karen Richards
I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of Gary. I want you to know you and your family are in my prayers
October 6, 2017
Ray and Carol Dees
We are so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this trying time. I worked with Gary for years at the Rocket Site and later at Dryden. We played softball together for several years in Lancaster and at Dryden we were on the same bowling team in the NASA Winter Flights. Gary will be sorely missed!
October 6, 2017
Berwin Kock
So sorry to hear about Gary.
October 6, 2017
George Grimshaw
So sorry to hear about Gary's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the family.
October 6, 2017
Don Black
Sorry to hear about Gary, I knew himand thought he was a good guy.
October 6, 2017
Al Harris
Al Harris: My sincere condolences. Gary was one of the good guys and will be missed by all.
October 6, 2017
Joe Ramos
Joe Ramos: I am so sorry to hear of your of the loss of your brother Gary. My thoughts and prayers are with your and your family.
October 6, 2017
Mary and John Davidson
Mary & John Davidson: So very sorry to get this news, Linda, but know how much he had suffered, especially of late. We hope it is at least a bit comforting to you to know he is no longer in pain and struggling. I have some fond memories of Gary from NASA days - he was a wizard at what he did, figuring out a work-around for any comm glitch. May he rest in peace.
July 8, 2017
May the Prince of Peace dwell with you and your family during this time of loss...Florida "Flo" Johns
June 15, 2017
Joyce Richard
Gary was a wonderful neighbor. He serviced my home with reasonable, affordable Internet. Gary didn't have to provide us with this service but he did, and other local neighbors as well. He will certainly be missed. And for this, I thank you Gary.
May God Bless this family with comfort and strength
June 7, 2017
My husband and I worked for many years at the same facility as Gary. I have good memories of him and extend condolence to his family. Mickey and Robert Borek, Lancaster, CA
June 7, 2017
Gary, my brother-in-law, was a special man who loved his wife, family, and beloved animals very much. He was a tech guy to the max who enjoyed his Ham radio club and being an internet service provider. I don't think he ever encountered anything with wires attached that he didn't like. He will be missed by many! Jim Davidson, Santa Fe, NM
June 1, 2017
May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11
June 1, 2017
Patricia (Avery) Bowman
Sending special love and Blessings to all the family.
What a wonderful husband, father, son, brother and friend Gary was.
He was admired by all the challenges he was given. Heaven just gained an angel. I know he has been reunited with his family.
His last breath on Earth was his first breath in Heaven.
Gary, you will be greatly missed but thank you for our wonderful memories. Your Cousin Patricia & Family
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