Obituary: Durham Firefighters Mourn Loss of Long-Standing Member

“It is with deep regret we announce the passing of a 50 plus year member of the Durham Volunteer Fire Company, we will miss you Erv, I am sure you are up there squirting everyone with the hose.” — Durham Volunteer Fire Company

Ervin Stuart Barker

November 17, 1929 - August 16, 2015

Ervin Stuart Barker peacefully passed on August 16, 2015. after battling cancer. Born on November 17, 1929, Erv grew up in Branford with his parents, Leon and Bertha, his brother, Raymond, and sisters: Leona, Dorothy and Jean.

Erv married Dorothy Goulet in 1951 and served in the Korean War. They moved to Durham in 1956, where he raised his four girls and served the town as a volunteer firefighter and fire police for more than 50 years. Erv also volunteered for the Durham Fair Association and loved his time serving lunches at the Senior Center. A regular fixture at softball games for years, Erv loved cheering on his girls and grandchildren.

He leaves his legacy in his wife, Dot, his daughters: Debi Waz, Sandy Field, Tammy Stewart and Lorna Hall as well as his sons-in-law: Mike Cheney, Dan Bernier and Kenny Hall and the loves of his life: Jenna and CJ Waz, Emily Field, Ian and Connor Stewart and Tyler Hall.

A celebration of Erv’s life will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2015 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Durham Firehouse, 12 Main Street, Durham, CT where he will feel right at home.

Burial with full military honors will be on Friday, August 21, at the Connecticut State Veterans’ Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, CT at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations made be made in Erv’s honor to the Durham Volunteer Fire Company or Middlesex Hospital Hospice & Palliative Care.

Click here to view Ervin Stuart Barker’s obituary.