2016 -- H 7023

========

LC003487

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2016

____________

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES TO THE BARBER FAMILY ON THE PASSING OF DAVID

RAYMOND BARBER

     Introduced By: Representatives Mattiello, DeSimone, Tanzi, Gallison, and Maldonado

     Date Introduced: January 06, 2016

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, David Raymond Barber was born on April 25, 1955, in Flint, Michigan, son

of Raymond W. and Catherine Barber. David was a graduate of Mt. Morris High School and

Central Michigan University; and

     WHEREAS, David Barber was a talented entertainer and an icon in Flint, Michigan. He

was noted for his superb renditions of famous lounge singers, particularly Frank Sinatra. He was

also a motivational speaker, salesman and broadcaster. One of his favorite mottos was "Look

them in the eye, have a firm handshake and shined shoes." His distinguished career also included

working as a DJ and as the talk radio host of the Dave Barber show on WTRX, WTAC, and

WFDF radio stations. He loved the craft of broadcasting and interviewed hundreds of notable

celebrities and politicians over the years, including many visits from his favorite guest, Nancy

Sinatra. He also had the honor of hosting the last interview President Carter gave on the night he

was elected President in 1976. Dave made his broadcasting debut with an appearance on "Meet

the Press", was twice named a "Top 100 Talk Show Host", and was honored at the Washington

Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, DC; and

     WHEREAS, David was a naturally cheerful, outgoing man who used his many gifts in

support of numerous charities. He spent countless hours on telethons raising money for the

United Way and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flint, Michigan; and

     WHEREAS, Most recently, Dave was employed by the Rhode Island General Assembly

and served as the Capitol Television host of the show "Straight From the Gavel." He also

continued his charitable work in Rhode Island, making numerous appearances in support of the

Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket, and other charities; and

     WHEREAS, Dave leaves behind a son, Chase Seegmiller, a brother, Larry Barber, and

his wife, Linda, nephew, Chad Barber, and his wife, Gena, niece, Julie Ann Fischer, and husband,

Joshua, his uncle, Mike Floria, and his wife, Mary, along with many cousins. He also leaves

behind his former wife, Ann Burke, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents

and his very special friend, Uncle Jerry Pavelich; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby expresses its condolences to the Barber Family on the passing of

David Raymond Barber; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Chase Seegmiller and Larry Barber.

========

LC003487

========

LC003487 - Page 2 of 2