Obituary of David Fraser Barker

July 18, 1946

November 4, 2024

David “Dave” Barker, our cherished family member and friend, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, November 4, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones, at the age of 78 years.

Dave is best known for receiving many awards during his lifelong career in the drycleaning industry, which began in 1966. He first opened Barker’s Fine Drycleaning in Calgary, and after selling his business, he could not forfeit his love for the industry and his dedication to working, so he opened Drycleaning by Dave in Cochrane in 2001. Dave’s respect and care for employees and customers has been a mainstay in building his business over the years. He was a member and one of the original founders of the Association of Wedding Gown Specialists as well as many other industry groups. He will also be remembered for his roots in the Cochrane Community and his dedication to Drycleaning by Dave in which he stayed involved in even after his daughter and son-in-law took over the business ten years ago.

Dave accomplished much throughout his life and was particularly proud of his western heritage, and his trademarked and signature Texas Press Starched Jeans.

Dave loved golfing, dining, traveling, and road trips. More importantly, he loved anything that involved time with his family. His passion was simply to enjoy life.

Dave will be most remembered for his remarkable kindness, his willingness to always listen, his approachable nature, and his sense of humour. He absolutely loved watching his grandchildren play all their sports. He was a regular in the stands at the Cochrane arenas watching them play hockey. He will always be remembered for his kind smile and warm presence, which will live on in all who knew him.

David is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Sharon, his daughter Candice (Jeff) Mills of Cochrane, AB, son Cody (Shelley) Barker of Calgary, AB, sister Share (Fran) Munoz of Calgary, AB, his six grandchildren, Raquel (Damien), Makayla (Jared), Haylee, Dominic (Brooke), Jaxon, and Carson; and great-granddaughters, Aria and Aspen.

David was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Marian Barker.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Cochrane palliative care team for their dedication and their outstanding assistance.
 

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Cochrane, 369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB), on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

We invite you all to join the family for a Celebration of Dave’s Life at the Cochrane Lions Event Centre (109 Fifth Ave, Cochrane, AB T4C 0A4), on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

If friends so desire, a memorial fund has been established to honor Dave’s passion for the Bareback event. Each year, a buckle will be created in his name and presented at the Cochrane Lions Rodeo. Contributions can be made via e-transfer to inhonorofdavebarker@gmail.com.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with David’s family here.

In living memory of David Barker, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Cochrane, 369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB T4C 2E2, Telephone: 403-932-4740.