Dr. Irving K. Barber, the principal donor for the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and a passionate supporter of education and research in British Columbia, passed away on April 13, 2012.
Dr. Barber was a visionary thinker with a strong commitment to strengthening BC, improving the quality of life for its residents and providing an enriched university experience for students. His gift of $20 million was largely responsible for the development and construction of the Learning Centre and the realization of its mission: a facility dedicated to the intellectual, social, cultural and economic development of the people of British Columbia and beyond.
Ike and Jean Barber with students. Photo: Martin Dee
Dr. Barber’s generosity has been instrumental in establishing programs to promote research, including the creation of the I.K. Barber Enhanced Forestry Laboratory at the University of Northern British Columbia, the Irving K. Barber Diabetes Research Endowment Fund at UBC and the Ike Barber Human Islet Transplant Laboratory at Vancouver Hospital in partnership with UBC.
“We are ever grateful for the generosity of Ike and his wife Jean,” says Ingrid Parent, UBC’s University Librarian. “Their support was crucial to the success of the Learning Centre, which has connected with lifelong learners and students at UBC and beyond. And his support for, and belief in, the transformative role of libraries was inspiring. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on at the Learning Centre, and in the other worthy projects that he backed. Thank you, Ike, for your vision, passion, humour and dedication.”
Simon Neame, Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, concurs, adding that Dr. Barber never forgot the people in communities across BC who made a difference in his own life. “Dr. Barber’s passion and commitment to student learning and the people of British Columbia never wavered. With their gift for the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, Dr. Barber and his wife Jean created a place where all are inspired to learn – about themselves, and about the world around them. The Learning Centre’s programs and services reach out beyond campus to connect communities with learning opportunities, fulfilling Dr. Barber’s vision of a facility dedicated to lifelong learning for the citizens of BC and beyond.”
Dr. Barber was born on February 14, 1923 in Edmonton, Alberta. He first came to UBC in September of 1945 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry degree in 1950. In 1952, he qualified as a Professional Registered Forester. He was involved in the forest industry in British Columbia for 57 years, working with people at all levels and throughout the province. In 1978, at the age of 55, he founded Slocan Forest Products Ltd. and over the next 23 years built it into one of the leading lumber producers in North America. Dr. Barber retired as Chairman in February 2002.
Dr. Barber’s leadership was recognized throughout his career. He received numerous forestry and industry awards, and was appointed to the Order of Canada, the Order of British Columbia and the Canadian Business Hall of Fame.
“Ike Barber was a visionary, and had a remarkable ability to remain focused on his vision for industry and for education. Ike constantly considered the guiding principles of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, particularly its mission to serve and be relevant to the people of British Columbia. Whether it was creating programs to help small businesspeople succeed, encouraging B.C. students to attend university, sharing the ideas of interesting speakers through webcasting or providing communities with access to their history, Ike loved to make things happen through the Centre. While he never ran for political office, he thought like a statesman and used his personal wealth to make a tangible difference in the world. He was persistent, relentless, encouraging, inspirational and endearing, and will never be forgotten.”
– Jan Wallace, Head of the David Lam Library and former Interim Director, Irving K. Barber Learning Centre
Mr. Barber consistently demonstrated a generosity of spirit, commitment to community and belief in future generations that was both inspiring and humbling. He held true to his vision of connecting the province with incredible tenacity and had the courage and strength of character to advance it, as well as the creativity and insight to recognize the potential in those around him.
I feel extraordinarily fortunate to have had an opportunity to work with and get to know Mr. Barber. He was a remarkable man with a remarkable vision and I am pleased that his memory will live on through the Barber Learning Centre and his many enduring contributions across the province, including the students and colleagues who he has inspired.
– Sandra Singh, Chief Librarian, Vancouver Public Library and former Director, Irving K. Barber Learning Centre
What a fabulous legacy.
My condolences to family (Joanne/CSH/Vancouver).
Kind regards, Julie Marie (WISEMAN) Lapinsky
Learning of Dr. Barber’s death was very sad news and I want to express my condolences to his family. Dr. Barber will be missed very much. I hope that his family will truly know what a difference his generosity and that of his wife has made in the lives of UBC librarians and students. The Irving K. Barber Learning Centre is truly an inspiring and beautiful learning space housing some of our rarest and most precious library collections. Dr. Barber’s vision of lifelong learning was made tangible through the centre’s diverse and innovative programs and library. He renewed our hope that it is possible to share UBC’s riches — its people, ideas, research and library to benefit learners not only at the university but throughout the province. I know how much Dr. Barber’s gift meant to me personally as an educator and librarian. I also know his gift is appreciated and valued by many teachers, parents, children and youth in BC’s K-12 and library community. Please know Dr. Barber will be remembered with great fondness and that his legacy will endure.
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mr Barber.
His gifts to our province’s health and learning institutions are great and many; a lasting legacy for all British Columbians.
He delighted so much in being among the students during his and Mrs Barber’s visits to Ike’s Cafe,named in his honour, at IKBLC.
He encouraged students and engaged in many conversations with them with his warm and approachable manner.
His and Mrs Barber’s kindness will not soon be forgotten.
He filled more space and took least compliment.
My condolences to his family. He will be greatly missed.
(former supervisor of Ike’s Cafe-retired)
…with respect to you Dr. Irving K. Barber and your wife Jean – I want to thank you both. Although I never met you personally, I have heard about you as a current student at UBC. I am honored to be part of the “home of learning” you created for us with your generosity and care. What a wonderful legacy you left behind. It is inspiring to know there people like you in this world. peace upon you.
Tributes to Mr. Barber. My husband, Leonidas (Ted) Hill died on 9 April 2012 and was an advocate for the UBC Library.
I am really impressed by what Dr Barber has achieved and his generosity. His action will encourage me to be kind and open, giving instead of taking.
Solute.
It is pity I can never see you in person.
God bless you and your family.