Bruce Barber
Mar 3, 1937 -
Aug 27, 2025
It is with great sadness we share the news of the passing of long-time Alaskan Philip "Bruce" Barber – he died peacefully on the morning of Aug. 27, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska, after a lengthy hospital stay.
Bruce was born on March 3, 1937, in Sandpoint, Idaho, to Vic and Elmah Barber, the sixth and youngest child in a family of all boys. He spent the first 10 years of his life there before moving with his family to Fairbanks, Alaska, in 1947. He was a 1955 graduate of Fairbanks High School.
In 1963, Bruce met and married the love of his life, Norma Sue (Patterson) in Lewiston, Idaho, making that home for the next six years. In June 1969, Bruce, Norma and daughter Denise moved to Anchorage, residing there until his death.
He spent the majority of his working years as a long-haul trucker and owner-operator. He was a member of the Teamsters Local 959 from 1957-1986, holding the low card number of 43F. He got his start in the family's business, VD Barber and Sons Trucking. Their company holds the distinction of being the first "all truck" convoy over the "haul road" from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay in February-March 1969. Bruce made the trip with the second convoy in early April 1969. He also worked for Lynden Transport, Mukluk Freight Lines, Kodiak Oil Field Haulers, Copper Freight Lines and others. He worked for FedEX in Anchorage, from 1989 until his retirement on Dec. 29, 2000.
Bruce was a very active amateur radio operator from the early 1960s – he held an Amateur Extra License with primary station privileges, with call sign KL7D. In 2022, he received a "Certificate of Recognition" from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) for "50 years of loyal ARRL membership."
He also enjoyed hunting and fishing and made many trips to Paxson Lake, where his father homesteaded property and built a cabin in the early '50s. In 2003, Bruce and Norma built a second cabin on the property with the help of Denise, Wayne, Don, Debbie and Ethan.
His love of fishing was further satisfied by operating his own boat out of Seward for many years. He and Norma enjoyed many miles in their motorhome, traveling both in Alaska and the Lower 48. Their travels also included a Panama Canal cruise and European river boat cruise. Bruce traveled to Germany for several visits with his daughter Terri. He had a love for reading and books, and volunteered many years at the Anchorage Senior Activity Center's semi-annual book sales. He was also a lifetime member of the Elks, the NRA and the Anchorage Senior Activity Center.
Bruce was a loving, faithful, loyal and hardworking husband, father and friend. "The true measure of a good man." We will miss his fun-loving manner, quick wit, sense of humor and friendly nature.
Bruce is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Norma; son, Don Love (Debbie); daughter, Debbie Henson (Rob); daughter, Terri Love; grandchildren, Bo Brethour, Danielle Love (Louis), Michael Love (Margie) and Ethan Corpi-Love; 12 great-grandchildren; bonus grandchildren, Ryan Burnett (Donesha), Nick Iverson (Vanessa) and Sydney Iverson (Gabe); as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Victor Dale (Florice), George L. (De'Arley), Vernon C. (Geri), Reade W. and Carroll G. Barber; daughter, Denise Hibbeln; son-in-law, Wayne Hibbeln; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Special thanks to Forest View Assisted Living for their excellent end-of-life care, and to family and friends, Gary and Joni Brandt, Jacqui Iverson, Janet Cordell and Deidre Barber for their steadfast love and support.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to the Anchorage Senior Activity Center, or charity of your choice.
We invite family and friends to join in celebrating Bruce's life at Anchorage Senior Activity Center on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, from 2:30-4:30 p.m.
