WHITING – Joshua Paul Barker, passed away peacefully June 11, 2007, surrounded by his loving family, at a Boston hospital. Born Sept. 4, 1982, in Boston, he became affectionately known to the Bangor Daily News readers as the “Spin Skater of Pin Point Pond,” the character in a children’s story book. His passing was a testament to his valor and love. After his long and courageous struggle, Josh is free from all pain, suffering and sorrow. We are confident he is in the arms of God. Along with his passion for skating, Josh enjoyed studying music, playing piano and clarinet, also marine biology, horticulture and ancient civilizations, especially Egyptology. He loved to cook, dreamt of having his own restaurant and even at the time of his death, was collecting recipes in hopes of publishing a cookbook. Josh was as gentle a soul as he was a giant of a man. Graduating from Fryeburg Academy in 2001, he had begun the culinary arts program at Southern Maine Technical College, when his life was interrupted by sickness. Josh is survived by his mother, Brenda Gay-Barker of Whiting; father, Dennis C. Barker of Trescott; and his much loved younger sister, Madison “Maddy” Barker of Whiting; his grandfather, Paul E. Gray and wife, Maureen, of Roque Bluffs; his nannie, Sandra “Jeannie” (Parker Gay) Bradley; his stepgrandfather, Richard Bradley of Whiting; his aunt and uncle, Jeff and Judy (Barker) Stevens and sons, Cale and Sam; aunt, Cathy Barker; aunt and uncle, Michael and Leng le Gay. Josh was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Harry and Gertrude (Griffin) Barker. Visiting hours will be 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 15, at Christian Temple Church, Lubec. A celebration of Joshua’s life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, June 16, at Christian Temple Church, 41 Main St., Lubec, with the Rev. Alan Andraeas officiating. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Joshua Barker Spin Skater Fund to benefit Washington County youth with a dream or ambition at the Cobscook Community Learning Center, 10 Commissary Point Road, Lubec, ME 04652. Arrangements are in the care of McClure Family Funeral Services, Lubec.
JOSHUA PAUL BARKER
