News of Ike Barber’s passing Friday afternoon spread quickly throughout the lumber industry.  He is described as a giant of the industry — “but his greatest legacy was to contribute tens of millions to promote education and research in BC” (see ‘Great Canadian’ Vancouver Sun 4/17).  He worked as a forester for most of his career, founding one of the province’s legacy forest companies, Slocan Forest Products in 1978.
I talked with Doug Butterworth this afternoon, retired VP of Taiga Building Products, who was a close personal friend.  Doug recalled Ike’s significant role in shaping especially the Interior lumber industry.  “He was down to earth,  genuine – a friendlier person you would never meet” said Doug.
While there will be a family private service , a “Celebration of Life” is being planned for early June.