Will the Circle Be Unbroken

By Barker-Ewing Float Trips | August 14, 2012 |
Dick Barker at the oars with son Eric Barker

My father, Dick Barker, died early in the morning on Monday, July 23rd.  He was truly one of the “Legends of the Snake”; he was the man who pioneered the 10 mile Deadman’s Bar to Moose float trip 50 years ago.  He started Barker-Ewing Float Trips with then partner Frank Ewing.  Even though he had long ago stopped guiding commercial floats down the river himself, he had still been able to take the oars in August of 2011 (at age 74) during the annual Snake River Funds “Legends” trip.  He was a true Master of the oars, and even pioneered a new channel during high water 2 years ago.  He had a talent for reading water like no-one else I have ever seen.  He will be greatly missed.

Posted in Barker-Ewing, History, Rafting

About Barker-Ewing Float Trips

Established in 1963, Barker-Ewing Float Trips has been sharing the beauty and wonder of Grand Teton National Park with visitors from around the world, for over 40 years. Wild nature surrounds you on these river rafting trips, floating beneath the Grand Tetons in an area untouched by human development for generations. Our professional boatmen provide a depth of experience to make every trip special on this protected section of the Snake River.

4 Comments

  1. Amy boog on August 15, 2012 at 10:42 pm

    Words can’t describe the hole in my heart, not just for this loss but for the distance that keeps me from being with you all ( family and crew)…. I miss you all terribly and I am looking forward to September as I want to hug you leith and remember good times….. I will see you soon….until then my thoughts are truly with you everyday. —– Amy



  2. bailee on August 18, 2012 at 2:14 am

    leith, that was a beautiful article you wrote for your dad. i bet you,re surprised to find me replying, aloha bailee



  3. Amy McReynolds on September 12, 2012 at 6:54 am

    A beautiful tribute! Neighbor Amy



  4. Ryan Bell on February 26, 2013 at 10:38 am

    Hi Leith, great tribute to your dad. My family also lost our father/leader a few years ago…we’ve carried on our family rafting business now for 40 years, starting in 1973 on the Truckee River in Tahoe City, CA. Our “circle” continues, stronger from his high standards and leadership. Take care, Ryan



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