Donald Cameron “Spark” Barber,88, a 32-year resident of Whidbey Island, died at his Coupeville home on Friday, July 29, 2005, following a lengthy illness.

He was born in Ridgefield, Wash., on Oct. 16, 1916. He was raised in Coos Bay, Ore., where he graduated from Marshfield High School. He attended Oregon State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fish and Game Management in 1942. He later attended Oregon College of Education in Monmouth, where he received his Teaching Certificate. He attended Eastern Oregon College in LaGrande, where he earned his Masters in Education in 1965.

“Spark” was married to Bettie Ann Abraham on July 4, 1941. She preceded him in death in 1950. On June 16, 1961, he married Gladys H. Cavanaugh in Seattle. Spark had a great love for the outdoors. He was a logger for some time, but his greatest passion was for fishing, both commercial and sport. He spent many summers fishing off La Push on the Washington Coast, and in Alaskan waters.

Spark pursued his teaching career in the area of special education, helping children with learning disabilities. He taught in various Oregon and Washington schools, and retired in 1974, having spent several years in the Kent School District. He moved to Whidbey Island in 1973.

Spark’s love for fishing could not be overstated. He also enjoyed gardening. He was a true “hunter-gatherer.”

Spark had always been a believer in God and in his last years, especially, committed himself to and looked forward to being with Jesus Christ.

Spark is survived by his wife Gladys, at home in Coupeville; son Scott Barber and wife Barbara of Portland, Ore., son Kenneth L. Cavanaugh and wife Wendy of Fairfield, IA, daughter Monte Jean Toffelmire and husband Dan of La Center, Wash., son Michael E. Cavanaugh and wife Susan of Anacortes, son Bruce C. Barber and wife Raine of Oak Harbor;son Robert L. Barber and wife Sharon of Phoenix, Ariz; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Olive E. Barber and his only brother, Maxson Barber, of Coos Bay, Ore.

A Memorial Service will be Saturday, Aug. 6, 2005, at 3 p.m. at Whidbey Presbyterian Church, Pastor David Templin officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friends of Home Health, 101 N. Main St., Coupeville, WA 98239, or to Whidbey Presbyteriam Church, 1148 S.E. 8th Ave., Oak Harbor, WA 98277. Arrangements under direction of Burley Funeral Chapel.