Kenneth Barber

Apr 21, 1945 -

Jan 8, 2026

Kenneth N. Barber passed away at home surrounded by his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Mardy Barber; brother, Harold; two children, Brian and Margaret (Kevin); and grandchildren, Maggie and Grady. Ken also leaves behind a large extended family, including many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and sisters-in-law.

Ken was born to Harold and Voncile Barber in Texas. Growing up with such a diverse landscape fostered Ken's love of the outdoors. He spent his youth hunting and fishing with his family. When he wasn't outside, he was helping his father work on trucks and other equipment. It became clear early on that Ken possessed a natural aptitude for mechanics and engineering.

After graduating from high school, Ken worked for a local refinery until being drafted into the U.S. Army. He was assigned to an engineering unit and sent to Vietnam. Ken faced the harsh realities of conflict - including two close calls that forever shaped his perspective on life.

In 1976, Ken sought a fresh start and moved his young family to Chugiak, Alaska. He arrived at the dawn of a historic era, beginning a lengthy career in the oil fields of Prudhoe Bay. Ken was part of the team that sent the very first batch of oil through the trans-Alaska pipeline. He dedicated decades to the industry beginning his career with ARCO and eventually retiring from BP in the late 1990s.

Ken spent his free time hunting and fishing all over Alaska. He loved every outdoor adventure, whether he was skiing down Alyeska or cruising the Little Su in his boat. He was always on the move, happiest with the wind in his face whether he was riding his motorcycle, his ATV or his snowmachine. Ken also loved traveling, especially to his favorite casinos in Las Vegas, Nev.

Ken was a man of extraordinary intellect and "old-school" capability. He didn't just live in a house, he built his final home with his own hands alongside his son, contracting out only the foundation and septic. In his shop, Ken was a master mechanic. From rebuilding a '56 Ford to fabricating his own custom tools and replacement parts, there was no motorized vehicle Ken couldn't master.

Ken will be deeply missed, but his legacy of hard work, grit and ingenuity lives on in every life he touched and every engine he brought back to life.

Services for Kenneth will be held at Fort Richardson National Cemetery at 1 p.m., on May 14, 2026. A Celebration of Life will follow at his daughter's house in Eagle River.