Dr. William H. Barber, age 88, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2022.Bill was born in Oakland, CA and raised in Portland, OR. Bill met his future wife, Carol Shea, during a freshman English class at Gonzaga University in 1952. They graduated from Gonzaga and wed in 1956 and were married for 62 years. Bill had a distinguished career in higher education. He holds a bachelor's degree from Gonzaga and a master's and doctorate in Psychology from St. Louis University. Bill was Dean of Education and professor of psychology at Gonzaga University, as well as at Eastern Washington University and worked as a clinical and organizational Psychologist. He also spent time at Washington University in St. Louis and Tufts University. It was hard to go anywhere in Spokane without running into his former students.

Bill was fit throughout his life, enjoying tennis, golf, skiing, and squash. Bill was a Spokane Club fixture for 50 years. Mom and Dad were passionate Zag basketball fans. Bill was an active Catholic and volunteer with Catholic Charities, Hospice House of Spokane, and Sacred Heart Medical Center. Bill had a gentle demeanor and was keenly interested in helping others.

Over the last several years, Bill enjoyed spending time at the Carol Barber memorial bench in Manito Park. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and Carol in 2018.

Bill is survived by his children Dave Barber (JoAnn), Julie Bene (Christopher), Kristen Dittmaier (Alan), Paul Barber (Carolyn) and Kevin Barber (Julie). Bill was a devoted grandfather to eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren: Nicole Gats (John), Lauren MacKinnon (Nick), Grady and Gretchen Dittmaier, Jack, Nick and Kevin Barber, Zach Barber, and Lucy and Anna Gats.

The family thanks the Rockwood Retirement Community staff and residents who supported Bill and Carol. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Friends of Riverfront Park PO Box 10421 Spokane, WA 99209.