Mickey Barker

Mickey Grace Barker of York Valley AZ died peacefully at home on Wednesday October 26th 2011. She was born in 1931 in Winthrop MA to Helen and Howard Johnson. She was happily married to Vernon Barker for 24 years. After his death in 1976 she achieved her Associates Degree in Accounting and became a longtime employee for the US Forest Service, where she was recognized by the US Department of Agriculture and Federal, State and Local Fish and Game. Well loved and active in her community, she sat on the board of the Victims Special Advocacy Program and served as a CASA children's rights advocate. Among her many life assignments, she handled the radio controls for aircraft on fires and dispatching for fire crews. Numerous fire fighters have let her family know that if she was on the other end of the radio they knew that they were well and truly cared for. She extended that caring to her family and considered being a Mother the most important role of her life. Mickey had many loves and hobbies; sewing, reading, aviation, and was well versed in the family tradition of the cast iron skillet. She is survived by her daughter Michelle Barker, her brother Howard Johnson, his wife Clarice, their son Kirk Johnson and daughters Anita Vogel and Patti Lyter. A small service was held Saturday at the US Forest Service picnic area where many friends and family celebrated her life. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Wildland Fire Fighter Foundation, 2049 Airport Way, Boise ID 83705. She will be sorely missed.