William Barbier Obituary

Simply Said, Bill was a wonderful man. Oh the many, many memories we have. D and N

Simply put, Bill was a wonderful man. Oh, the many, many memories we have. D and N

I was so sad to hear of Bill's passing. I remember as a little girl going over to Aunt Louise and Uncle Frank's house and being in awe of Bill. As an adult he was a connection to my father and shared many memories. I'll miss him and was so glad to have the opportunity to visit with you all a few years back. Wonderful man, wonderful memories.

Mary Ann & Family - My wife Patti and I have known Bill and Mary Ann since 1959. We both were part of the original members of the NORAD Band. He was a good musician and also a good family man. He will be missed. Frank & Patti McClaflin

I would like to offer my deepest sympathy - my mother was so proud of her cousin the Air Force Band and I am sure she is greeting him along with Uncle Frank and Aunt Louise at heaven gate

I am so saddened to be notified that Bill has passed on. I regarded Bill as a consumate musician, arranger and more inportantly as a great human being. Bill's mischevious smile is still in my mind as I sit here in Venice, Florida typing this note. God Bless each of you as you go through this time.

I'm so saddened by uncles passing, memories I hold close to my heart forever, he is just one of the few best and most kind men there are, thinking of you all, love you all, aunt Maryann, Kathy, Sharon and Scott,

Mary Ann and Scott, Connie and I were saddened by the news of Bill's passing. Bill was a great person to work with and for. He led by example, and I am sure those traits are carried on by anybody who was around him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Rest in peace, good friend.

Roy Ayala

I will sincerely miss Bill. He was everyone's friend. He always had a cheerful smile and a warm, friendly "hi". I played many late night dance jobs with Bill and his solid rhythm and musical insight made playing with him very enjoyable for all of us. Your fellow musicians will never forget you. Farewell, Bill

A great leader, a great musician, a great person, and a GREAT member of the USAFA Band family. His selfless service and commitment to excellence changed all who knew him for the better.

Mary Ann - I just read of Bill's passing, and I am so very sorry for your loss. Bill was the type of guy who gently inspired one to want to do their best... I will always remember him as one of the kindest men I ever knew. When I needed a father figure in my life, he was that guy. Always had an encouraging word for me, always had a smile and a good word to say. He is missed already. Please know my thoughts are with you in these difficult days.

...a tremendous personal loss for so many. The sounds of music in Colorado Springs will never be quite the same, but Bill Barbier's legacy lives on with his countless arrangements and compositions...I will miss you, Bill.
With respect and admiration...

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one may God give you strength and comfort during this difficult time Ps 46 : 1

I met Bill at the AFMA Conference in Colorado Springs in 2006. He was the consummate musician and truly a beautiful individual. My regret is that we never served together in our Air Force careers.

Mary Ann, Scott and Family,
Words cannot express how sorry Chris and I are for your loss. I came to the Academy Band at the end of 1982 and it was great to come to work and see the smiling faces of our only father/son drum team. Bill was a kind, gentle man and always an inspiration. He will be missed.

I was very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I served with him in the NORAD band.

Ed Barlow
Guelph, Ontario. Canada

Scott and family, we are very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you. Love, Barb and Ev

Hey Scotty, Phyllis and I are deeply in shoke to learn about Bill. Our prays go out to the family, he will be missed by everyone. Don & Phyllis Taylor

To Aunt Mary Ann and the Barbier families we send our deepest condolences for your loss. Uncle Bill was a soft spoken man and loved by many. As you come together to celebrate his life remember the smile he always displayed. We will miss him greatly. Our thoughts,love,and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. God bless from all of us. Mark & Linda Couto , Carol Couto, Stacie Couto and Robert(Desi) Desjardin

Wednesday, October 28,2015

Mary Ann:

Jean and I are so deeply saddened by the news of Bill's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.Our friendship and fond memories go back about 53yrs. I think Bill and I arrived at the USAF Academy Band about the same time(Oct 1962)It was my first assignment but Bill came over from the NORAD Band. We soon began performing off-duty in a group known as The Knights of Rhythm; Bill on vibes and me on accordion.I knew him to be a very talented musician/percussionist and, through the years a very capable arranger/composer, as well as being a very likeable guy. He will be greatly missed.

Mike and Jean Chladek
Colorado Springs,CO

I am so sorry for your loss. He was always so kind and sweet. I remember seeing him play the drums in the band with my dad, Frank McClaflin. My thoughts and prayers are with the family now; and a huge hug to Diane and Scott...if there is anything I can do, please let me know. He will be missed....Kelly (McClaflin) Bisbee

My poem to my uncle bill I remember oh how clear, of memories I will hold so near, two times a year they'd come to spend, there vacation with there family and friends . At mom's at grandpa's all day and night, being together was such a delight. He loved my cookies and my cakes, he knew how much I love to bake. So when I knew that they would come, I would always bake him some. Oatmeal walnut raisin the best he'd ever had, make me dozens he said I won't get mad! He loved us all very much, although we weren't always in touch, when we were together the time we had, always happy never sad. A smile was always in place, shined across his humbled face, a man of honor air force retired, family first, he was admired, I didn't get to say goodbye,but he wouldn't want to see me cry, as I sit and think of you, happy thoughts of all I knew, God said Bill it's time to go, you didn't even know, that there was one more space, this is now your happy place, I love you, I will miss you, till we meet again, this is your new beginning, never the end,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,written by Andrea Jean Couto, October 23rd 2015

Our prayers and thoughts go out to the family of Bill. He truly was a great guy that will be missed by all!

My heartfelt condolences to my aunt Maryann and cousins Cathy, Scott and Sharon. Uncle Bill was a super sweet man and i will always remember him that way. Love and prayers to all of you.

Our most sincere condolences to the Barbier family. We go back to the NORAD and AFAFA bands.
Aurelia De Witt & Family

I served with Bill in both the NORAD Band and the Air Force Academy Band. He was a great inspiration and mentor to us "band cats". He had an incredibly fine attitude no matter what situation confronted him. My best remembrance is the way his steady, willing beat led the Academy cadets to lunch during our "noon tunes."

Bill and Mary Ann were our first friends in Co....1959. Sam at the Academy, Bill at Norad. We raised kids together, laughed and cried together. Wonderful friend, superb musician. My privilege to have known him.


Linda Milazzo Firth

Bill was my first supervisor when I came to the Air Force Academy in 1975. As one of the arrangers in the band, I was privileged to work with Bill on many occasions. He was a good friend, mentor and arranging buddy who I will always remember with greatest of admiration. I will miss him very much but our loss is heaven's gain. I can just see him up there playing drums with the saints and leading them on "When the Saints Go Marching In."

He was one of the kindest men I have known and a good friend over many years. So many good memories.

We have lost a great musician and friend.
In my opinion, he was the best big band drummer ever!

May you find comfort from God