Portland, Maine-John Linde Barker of Woodfield Road died January 13, 2013 at the Cedars after a lengthy illness. He was born in Portland on November 12, 1930 the son of John C. and Elsie Linde Barker. John attended local schools and graduated from Deering High School in the class of 1948.
John attended Bowdoin College where he was a member of Chi Psi National Fraternity and graduated in the class of 1952 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He received his master's degree in business administration in 1954 from Wharton Graduate division of the University of Pennsylvania. Upon returning to Maine, he joined SD Warren/Scott Paper Company in the field of financial accounting where he was manager of financial accounting until his retirement in 1991 after a thirty eight year career.
Active in civic affairs, John was chairman of the United Way budget and allocations committee from 1975-1977 and a member of the board of directors and executive committees during the same period.
He was a corporator and president of the trustees of the Children's Hospital until that institution and its endowment became merged with the Maine Medical Center and was an ex-officio trustee of the Maine Medical Center from 1970-1982, and upon his death was a corporator of the recently created Maine Health.
In 1979, John was appointed by the Portland City Council to the Portland Planning Board, where he served for eleven years as member, vice chairman and chairman. He found the challenge of the eighties and the sudden development of the city and its waterfront to be demanding, yet exciting.
John was vice president of the Portland Junior Chamber of Commerce and became secretary-treasurer of the Maine Junior Chamber of Commerce. Over the years, John served as a director of the SD Warren Federal Credit Union, the Credit Counseling Center of Maine and the YMCA in Portland.
John was a sixty year member of Woodfords Congregational Church where he served on a number of committees including the board of trustees of which he was chairman from 1977-1979. He was a member of the Woodfords Club for over fifty years, a member of the 60+ Group, the men's discussion group, and the Maine Charitable Mechanics Association.
John and his family enjoyed their summer cottage on the west shore of Sebago Lake in Standish.
John is survived by his wife of 50 years Roberta Lee Page Barker of Portland, their three children John P. Barker and his wife Dawn of Westbrook, Anne B. MacConnell of Scarborough, and Jeffrey M. Barker of Windham, as well as two grandsons Nicholas Page MacConnell and Aaron McChesney Barker, and a sister Constance B. Kent and her husband Stanley W. Kent.
Contributions can be given in John's memory to the Woodfords Congregational Church 202 Woodford Street Portland, ME 04103.
There are no visiting hours scheduled. A memorial service for John will be held on Saturday January 19, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. in the Woodfords Congregational Church with Rev. Carolyn Lambert officiating. Interment will be at a later date in Evergreen Cemetery Portland, Maine. On Line Condolences can be given to John's family at www.jonesrichandhutchins.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
January 28, 2013
Roberta,
We were saddened to read about John's passing and convey our condolences to you and your family. As former neighbors in the 60's, we remember John's perfectly shoveled driveways! What great times we all had watching our children grow!
Barbara and Burt Epstein
January 23, 2013
Sumner Moulton
My sympathy to you and your family, Roberta. John was what I call a solid guy, and his life showed it. His contributions as a volunteer to Portland organizations were exemplary of that old tradition of giving back. More importantly, a great guy.
January 21, 2013
Judy Chandler
Roberta, my sincere condolences to you and your family. May the memories of happy family times offer comfort at this difficult time. Hugs to you!
January 21, 2013
Dear Roberta, John, Ann and Jeff,
We are deeply saddened by the loss af John, a dear friend of 48 years. We remember so well the fun times on Wayside Rd. in the '60s, with great times and many laughs. Keeping up our close friendship through so many years of wonderful, and sometimes difficult family events, has remained special.
We know John is in a beautiful place of peace now. Our prayers are with each of you.
With much love, Colby and Anita
January 18, 2013
Dear Roberta,
We learned today from Martha Dudley of John's death this week. We hold you in our prayers and thoughts, while remembering many wonderful times together in the past.
Joanne and Karl Andersen
January 17, 2013
We want you to know that we are thinking of you and your family with sympathy and affection.
Anna & Connie
January 17, 2013
Kimberly Waycotte-Peele
John, Dawn Aaron, Annie , Nick & Jeff. I am very sorry to hear the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of sadness. If you need anything just ket me know. Love you all.
January 17, 2013
Paul MacConnell
It was very sad to hear of his passing. I have lots of great memories with lots of laughs at the lake and spending many holidays together.
January 17, 2013
SIGCO
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your friends at SIGCO, Inc
January 16, 2013
Sara Winward
my deepest sympathy Roberta, John, Anne,Jeff, Nicolas, and Aaron. God Bless you and guide you through this difficult time.
January 16, 2013
Leslie Johnson
I was saddened to read of John's passing in the morning paper. My Uncle Phil was his room mate in Cedar's for a while. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
January 16, 2013
Miss Karen
Peace to the Barker family, especially Anne and Nick. I know that this has been a difficult time for you and I pray that your wonderful memories bring you comfort during your time of grief and loss.
January 16, 2013
Charlie aand Joanne Abbott
Our sincere condolences to you, Roberta, and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
January 16, 2013
Charlie Limpert
My condolences to the entire family. Mrs barker, John , Ann , & Jeff , I was sad to hear of this loss in your family.
January 16, 2013
Carolyn Cousins-Krahn
Dear Roberta,
We were saddened to read this morning's paper to learn of John's death. He was a good man and my Dad (Bill's) Best Friend since Kindergarden!
Take Care
Carolyn Cousins Krahn and Family
January 16, 2013
ralph & marie souza
Ralph and I send our sympathies to Johns family.He waas a very special person to us and we had some fun times at the lakes when we spent our summers there.those will be our memories..Marie and Ralph
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