CAPE ELIZABETH – Daniel Wayne Barker, 68, of Cape Elizabeth passed away on March 4, 2022, at the Gosnell House after a heroic battle with prostate cancer. Dan’s message to men: get a baseline prostate check!CAPE ELIZABETH – Daniel Wayne Barker, 68, of Cape Elizabeth passed away on March 4, 2022, at the Gosnell House after a heroic battle with prostate cancer. Dan’s message to men: get a baseline prostate check!
Dan was born in Portland, Sept. 3, 1953, the first child of Clifford and Joan MacCormack Barker. He assumed the role of eldest child by being a role model, a loyal family member, and a great friend to his siblings.
Dan attended Cape Elizabeth Schools, graduating from Cape Elizabeth High School in 1972. He graduated from SMVTI in 1974 and apprenticed with electrician, Pete Darling of South Portland. After his apprenticeship, he founded Barker Electric and served residential and commercial customers in Greater Portland for 47 years. He was forced into retirement when his illness progressed in December 2021.
Dan’s work ethic was unmatched. From an early age he learned the meaning of hard work from his parents and maternal uncle, Dick MacCormack. Uncle Dick was a mentor, a “skills builder,” and taught Dan the importance of excellence in the workplace – no matter what or where that might be. They hauled and launched boats, cut trees, and chopped wood on Chebeague and Hope Islands. He learned the importance of lending a hand to family and friends. As a 7-year-old, he started working in Maxwell’s Farms fields across from his house, where he made lifelong friends. When he was 14, Dan was hired by neighbor, Tony Doria, as a mason’s helper. With more money in his pocket, Dan started buying his own clothes. He was proud to be able to buy a Woolrich jacket at Larochelle’s on the Portland waterfront. That jacket still hangs in his closet as a testament of his thrift and hard work.
Dan’s work ethic was admired by his peers. His buddies at Graybar Electric Supply dubbed him the “Midnight Electrician” because of his late-night hours and his dedication to his customers, many of whom became his friends. Dan joined the Graybar Softball team in the 80’s. He was a friend to all the employees and was touched when they treated him to dinner at DiMillo’s in December.
A three-season, standout athlete at Cape Elizabeth High, Dan continued to participate in athletics at SMVTI, where he played intramural basketball and ran cross country. His love of running became a lifelong passion. A member of the Maine Rowdies Running Club and for decades, he was a frequent participant in local road races. He ran in almost every Beach to Beacon Race from its inception until 2018. He followed local sports and was interested in everyone’s stories and encouraged other athletes.
Family meant the world to Dan. After his mother passed, he bought the family home on Spurwink Avenue in Cape Elizabeth and spent the rest of his life there. He had a special bond with his sister, Gail. Born only a year apart, they were each other’s oldest and best friend. He was generous with his talents and was always there to help his siblings and friends, and they were there for him too. He loved hearing stories of friends’ families and knew everyone’s kids and pets’ names.
Despite working countless hours, Dan found time to have fun with friends and family. He enjoyed holidays at his sister’s home, trips to the Caribbean with his running buddies, and long weekends with his life partner, Peggy, at their cabin in Greenville.
Dan Barker was predeceased by his mother, Joan MacCormack Barker; and Spencer Bean, who was like a beloved son to Dan. He is survived by his devoted and caring partner, Margaret “Peggy” Littlefield of Cape Elizabeth; his father and stepmother, Clifford and Shirley Barker of Union; his sister, Gail Miller (David) of Naples, brothers, Kevin Barker (Debra) of Rangeley and Karl Barker of Naples, Maine and Mims, Fla.; nieces and nephew, Lauren Barker Miller of Casco, Kristen Barker Fedder of Sanford, Fla., Jonny Miller of Gorham, Katelyn Winnie of Saco, Anya Moore of Pittston, Kelsey Norberg of Windham; several great nieces and nephews; and a multitude of Hudums!
Family and friends are invited to visiting hours on Saturday, March 12 from 2 – 4 p.m. at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Rd, South Portland.
Memorial Contributions may be made in Dan Barker’s memory to:
Cape Elizabeth Land Trust
330 Ocean House Rd.
Cape Elizabeth ME 04107
(capelandtrust.org) or:
Chebeague Island Historical Society
PO Box 28
Chebeague Island, ME 04017