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Tuesday, 08 August 2006 |
 It
is with a heavy heart that I write this post. On Saturday, August 5th at
8am I received a phone call from an industry friend, who knew better
than to call me at that hour on a weekend. Immediately I knew something was
wrong from the sound of his voice. He informed me that our true friend
and mentor, Ward Barbee had passed away earlier that morning while
vacationing in Rome with his girlfriend Paula and his grandson. He was
a very young 68 years old and was maybe the most active person I know.
He always had a smile on his face no matter where I would see him, and
always made time to talk with me about the coffee industry, the best
place in any town to get oysters, or a new idea for Viva Barista, which
he was a huge supporter. His passion for this industry and his
transparent honesty fueled many of us, myself incuded, to never stop
believing in what is right and to keep fighting the things in life that
we felt were not.
I found two great pictures of Ward, loaylly wearing the shirts I
gave him. I can hear him saying "These are great, I love them!" Picture left: Ward in his booth in Berne
Switzerland, 2006. Below: Ward after
his acceptance speach of Distinguised Author from the SCAA in Seattle,
2005.
My relationship with Ward started when I was just a kid in the early
90's. My father started working with Ward back in 93. As their
relationship developed I started hearing his name more often, usually
in the context of a funny travel story, a crazy dinner or party, or
just a quick joke or comment. I remember asking my dad "Dad, do I get
to meet Ward someday?"
I ended up meeting Ward and now have my own countless stories and fun
times with Ward. I feel so blessed to have know him on such a close
level. Even with an age difference of 40 years Ward and I were buddies.
I was always amazed at his loyalty to friendship and how he would go
out of his way to help out his friends.
He was an adventurous pioneer, a surly sailor, a soft spoken giant and a man of the people. He was a
friend, a colleague, an inspiration and a mentor to me in many ways. I
was lucky enough last month to have been on a small boat trip/dinner with
Ward and a few select friends and family, where we anchored in downtown
Portland for a fresh salmon dinner and of course great wine. I remember
sitting for what seemed to be hours, listening to Ward and our friends
talk about everything from boats to politics (one of Wards favorites),
cigars, fishing and life in general. He was so happy like we all were
and it is one of hundreds of shared times with Ward that I will never
forget.
It is amazing to me how many people Ward knew and inspired in his life.
He was the most unique person I have ever met, and is truly
irreplaceable. I can see him looking down at all of us now and smiling.
Ward lived the life of many men, and experienced more than many of us
can only dream of.
I will deeply miss Ward and my heart goes out to his family and friends.
An open invite party to celebrate Ward's life, Saturday August 19th at 5 p.m. at the Melody Ballroom:
615 Se Alder St.
Portland, OR
www.themelodyballroom.com
- Matt
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