RUMFORD – Don Barker, 66, of Rumford, died Saturday, Dec. 13, as a result of a logging accident.

He was born in Rumford, on Oct. 18, 1942, to Donald Sr. and Eva Hoyt Barker. He was a graduate of Stephens High School in 1961. In 1962, he married Suzanne Day, his high school sweetheart.

Don was an active union member of UPIU Local 900 and later PACE Union. He served as an official in many positions for 28 years, including four terms as president. He was proud of his accomplishments. He often said if people would just do the right thing, there would be no need for unions.

He went on to lead the Pulp and Paperworkers Resource Council in Rumford. This was a win win because of his knowledge of labor laws as well as timber harvesting and papermaking. He became regional director and later national director. As a result, he and Sue got to travel all over the United States. He retired in 2004.

He coached little league baseball for many years. His passion for the sport and his leadership skills were rewarded as his team won many championships.

Every year, he grew an amazing garden and took pride in sharing his bounty with people. He loved everything outdoors, fishing, hunting, gardening, hiking and logging. He was immensely proud of his daughters and grandsons. He never passed up the chance to brag about them.

He was a member of the Rumford Elks 862 BPOE, a registered tree farmer and a certified logging professional.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Kimberley Garneau and husband, Jeffrey, of Rumford and Stephanie Hathaway and husband, Michael, of West Gardiner; grandsons, Kevin Garneau, Daniel Garneau and Jackson Hathaway; one sister, Avis Patrick of Rumford; and brothers, George, Raymond and Roland of Rumford and Mexico.

He was predeceased by his parents; and one sister, Beulah Abbott.