Bob Barton

Oct 13, 1936 -

Dec 25, 2022

Bob Barton, a resident of Wasilla, Alaska, passed away on Dec. 25, 2022. Bob was born on Oct. 13, 1936. He grew up in Pennsylvania. Shortly after marrying Claire, his wife of 50 years, they flipped a coin to move to either Alaska or Florida. Florida won the gamble and south they went. While in Florida, Bob went into law enforcement and eventually worked his way through the SWAT team and rescue dive team to Sergeant in the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Department, where he had all sorts of interesting experiences that he would write in his journal, eventually publishing a book where he was able to share these stories with his family and others of similar interest. Bob was very respected by his coworkers and those that knew him, all have spoken very highly of him.

In 1978, Bob and his family moved to Alaska, driving the Alaska Highway, or Alcan, to start a new adventure in the wild frontier where he and Claire would spend the rest of their days together. Bob remained in law enforcement until he retired.

Bob loved to fish and enjoy the outdoors, he very much enjoyed reading and his daily crossword puzzles as well. Being the reading aficionado that he was, he was always ready to interject some interesting, and sometimes obscure or little known, facts. One of Bob's favorite things to do was to share stories of his life experiences, whether it be law enforcement or other jobs he had done as a young man, such as working in a steel mill in Pittsburgh, or Pratt Whitney making jet engines. Many of those stories had the common denominator of mischief. Bob was not a prankster, but he did have his moments, sometimes unintentionally. With all the stories that he told, the listener would always get a clear picture of who he was, as Bob wore himself on his shoulder; he really was a genuinely good person. In fact, getting to spend any amount of time with him left you feeling like somehow you had become better yourself.

Of all the things Bob loved most was his family. Bob did everything to ensure their safety, that their needs were met and that they were happy and healthy. He was always so concerned about how each of his children were doing; he would often call just to touch base and make sure that all was well and to see if there was anything he could do to help and that he would be praying if needed. His kindness and generosity knew no bounds; he was always ready to help in any way he was able. Bob never held back when expressing his gratitude, it was always genuine and from the deepest places in his heart and he never stopped expressing it. He did love his chocolate and classical music as well.

Bob was an excellent example of a father, friend, coworker and mentor. He was faithful to everything and everyone he committed to. He is survived by his three children, Heidi, Wendy and Chris; nine grandchildren, Gregory, Amanda, Aaron, Tyler, Trinity, Stormy, Josiah Hannah and Kylee; and four great grandchildren, Keith, Michael, Tristen and Atticus.

All in all, Bob was a great person, loved by all who knew him, and deeply missed by those closest to him.