Gus Barber passes away

Founder of Barber Foods remembered

PORTLAND - Augustus Barber, founder of Barber Foods, passed away unexpectedly Nov. 21, 2008 at the age of 87. Gus, a first generation American, was born in Portland on Feb 27, 1921 to Rose and Jack Barber. His parents emigrated from Armenia during the Armenian Genocide in the early 1900's.

Gus always said being an immigrant in Portland was difficult. He said from an early age that he would be successful and would help others. Gus lived that dream. He became a welder in the South Portland shipyards building Liberty Ships. He was claustrophobic so honed his skills so he could work on the exterior hull where flawless welds were required. He served in 98th Infantry in Hawaii during WWII. He was among the first troops into Japan after the war ended. He always claimed to be the luckiest man as his division was the only one not to have seen combat during the war. That luck would stay with him during his whole life.

After being discharged from the Army, Gus felt he was too old to go to college. He joined his life-long friend, John Martin, at 20th Century Market where he was a meat cutter. It was during those years that Gus met his future wife, Marjorie Jordan. He would frequent Jordan's Meats to pick up the meat orders and always lingered to speak with Marjorie. He and Marjorie married in 1953. In those days, markets sold whole chickens. Gus realized the consumer need for cut up chickens and wanted to offer legs, thighs, breasts. Together, Marjorie and Gus started Barber Beef and Poultry in 1955. Gus loved to tell everyone how he started the business with a sharp butcher knife and three employees. He invented chicken nuggets but after legal inquiries, realized he couldn't patent them. His signature product and the current staple of the company is the Stuffed Chicken Breast. Gus created these products in his kitchen with the help of Marjorie and a few cooking tips from his Armenian heritage.

Gus continued developing his dream of success growing Barber Foods to over 800 employees and over 200 quality products. His values still reign at the company with millions of dollars spent on employee education and citizenship classes. Gus enthusiastically passed on the business to his kids: Steve, Julie, David and Kathy. Even though he retired years ago, he still kept a keen interest in all aspects of the business.

Gus enjoyed family time whether in Maine, North Conway, New Hampshire or Marco Island, Fla. He loved to spend time in his beloved fruit orchard, cruising in the golf cart to check the progress of the many varieties of apples, pears and peaches.

The joy of entertaining was a staple throughout his life - Gus always behind the grill puffing on a cigar. The winter months were filled with cross country skiing and mountain top cookouts. Gus loved his time with his grandkids, teaching backgammon, directing them on the golf cart, cheering their sporting endeavors and making cider. Marjorie and Gus traveled the world with family and friends.

He loved history and was awed by the Pyramids and Jerusalem. The Armenian Bishop that led him through the catacombs was impressed by his knowledge. Gus also enjoyed movies and spent many hours watching the classics. Gus was a great philanthropist to the community here and abroad. One of his most treasured projects was providing the funding for the Cliff Walk at Fort Williams. He loved to see people enjoying the beautiful scenery and walking safely at the water's edge. In his later years, he realized the dire situation of the people in Armenia and he provided a large gift to the Armenian Tree Project. By donating fruit bearing trees, he allowed families to sustain themselves and earn money. He visited Armenian with his son Steve and later the birth villages of his parents with his daughter Julie - a touching and meaningful experience for all of them.

Gus is survived by his wife Marjorie of 55 years; his son Steve and his wife Mimi and children Caity, Gus and Sam Barber. His daughter Julie and her husband Tom Hayward and step-children Seth and Sarah Hayward. His son David and his wife Dorie and sons Jack and Max Barber. His daughter Kathy and her husband Mark Dvorozniak and their children Luke and Emma Dvorozniak. His sisters Margaret Barber and Alice Mougalian. He is also remembered by a special family in Hawaii, Yoko Tokunaga and her mother Sawami, husband Masa and sons Ricky and Bobby. He is predeceased by his parents Jack and Rose Barbarian, Maiam Barberian his step-mother and John Barber his brother.

Gus was a Trustee of Depositors Trust and was the recipient of many awards which included Maine Governor's Award for Business Excellence - 1994 Junior Achievement - Maine Business Hall of Fame - 1995 Spurwink Humanitarian Award - 1995 Entrepreneur of the Year Award - 1997 Distinguished Service Award from University of Southern Maine - Honorary Degree -1999 Institute of Family Owned Business - Gannett Award 2002.

The family would love to thank the wonderful caregivers who tenderly assisted Gus. Our Angels: Clair, Adele, Lynn, Hank and Tracey. Our Dialysis Nurses Colleen, Mira and Tammy. Our heartfelt thanks Steve Dobieski M.D. and especially Jim Wasserman M.D. who was Gus' favorite and a great comfort to the family. For Gus, everything wasn't just good, it was 'mo' bettah'!

Relatives and Friends may call Monday Nov. 24, 2008 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Portland. A Memorial Mass and celebration of Gus's life will be held Tuesday Nov. 25, at 1 p.m. from St. Bartholomew's Catholic Church, Rt. 77 and Broad Cove Rd., Cape Elizabeth. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Cape Elizabeth.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Barber family by visiting Gus's guest book at www.mem.com

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Armenian Tree Project 65 Main Street Watertown, MA 02472 American Diabetes Association 169 Lancaster Street Portland, ME 04101