William Taylor Barker, II

 Bill Barker lived a life that could’ve filled a novel. He was born in Cathcart, Scotland, a wee bit outside of Glasgow, to an English mother and a Scotsman. He endured the deprivations of World War II and talked his way into a job at a local farm at the tender age of nine. His initial “interview” was conducted from atop a large hay bale, tamping down the haystack while staying just clear of jousting pitchfork tines. He spent many summers and weekends at the farm while attending Hutcheson School for boys. He was sadly under the impression that he wasn’t the brightest of students because his grades were only middle of the road. It wasn’t until many years later that he learned that Hutcheson’s was a school for gifted students and top academics.  This may be one impetus for his incredible drive to succeed in all that he took on. He joined the Aeromodelers club, got a pilot’s license, went to sea and became a first mate. He sailed the world for five years. During this time, at the age of 17, he met the Lord and consecrated himself to Him. Two years later, seeking Christian fellowship while in port in NYC, he met the love of his life, Caroline Gruhler, and pursued her, very romantically, until she finally agreed to become his wife a year later. He left the sea and immigrated to the USA in 1958 and married Carol in August of 1959. During this time, he began a 35-year career with Sears, Roebuck and Co. at a starting salary of $45 a week. Bill’s career took his family to various locations in New York, Connecticut, Ohio, and ultimately to Chicago, IL. While he traveled much of the Midwest for business, his office for many years was in the Sears Tower. Bill and Carol settled in Evanston where they raised their three children, Geoffrey, Diane, and William (Jennifer). They now have three grandchildren, also, Keith, Meghan, and Brynn whom they love dearly. Bill loved living by and sailing on Lake Michigan, driving through the ever-growing Northwestern campus, and frequenting the many restaurants of the North Shore. He and Carol had an active social and church life in Evanston. After retiring, Bill and Carol moved to a lakeside condo in Wilmette and spent much time traveling to many countries visiting family and friends as well as having adventures in new places. The last few years brought physical challenges to Bill, but he was active and engaged to the end. He went to be with the Lord in the early morning of the Lord’s Day, April 7, 2024, very peacefully with Carol by his side.

 Private interment was held at Elmwood Cemetery, 2905 Thatcher Rad, River Grove IL 60171, burial in Lot 66, Section 15, Site 11. Arrangements entrusted to Evanston Funeral & Cremation, Roland F. Weis director. Info 847 866-8843, condolence and guestbook at evanstonfuneral.com

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