Activist, ex-Auburn councilwoman Jeanne Barber dies

MIKE ARCHBOLD, The News Tribune
Last updated: January 2nd, 2009 07:15 PM (PST)

A Puget Sound region political activist for more than 30 years, Barber was known as a tireless champion for the less fortunate. She managed the office of U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks (D-Belfair) in the late 1970s and was a senior legislative assistant to state Sen. Frank Warnke (D-Auburn) from 1982-1990.

When she resigned her Auburn council seat because of health concerns in 2003, Gov. Gary Locke proclaimed June 16, 2003, as “Jeanne Barber Day” in the state.

Known for her no nonsense approach and dry sense of humor, Barber served on Auburn’s council from 1991-2003 and as mayor pro tem from 1996-2003.

“Jeanne was a fine lady who was always well versed in the subject at hand,” Auburn Mayor Pete Lewis said Friday. “She would never take a back seat to anyone and with great dignity would remind others of their failings in not agreeing with her. She was my friend and mentor. She was a confidante for me and a true friend of Auburn.”

Barber was appointed to the council to fill a vacant seat and was elected to the position later in 1991. She was re-elected three more times.

After resigning from the council Barber moved to Sherman, Texas, to be closer to her family.

In 2003, she was selected as an Auburn Hometown Hero an award given to longtime residents who have made the community a better place to live.

Barber described herself as people person. In her resignation letter she wrote, “I feel we have accomplished a great deal for the citizens of Auburn. I am particularly proud of my involvement with Auburn’s downtown plan, the curfew ordinance and my work as finance committee chair and mayor pro tem.”

The Salt Lake City native married John W. Barber in 1943, a career army man. The family lived in many places and after her husband’s death, she and her four children came to Auburn in 1975. It didn’t take her long to get involved in politics and the community.

Barber served as the first female president of the Auburn Valley Kiwanis Club. A 1993 Seattle Times article recounted that Barber was at a breakfast meeting of the Auburn Kiwanis Club when a man visiting from another club opened the meeting with a prayer asking God to bless all the men in the room.

Barber, the only woman club member present that morning, piped up: “P.S., and the woman, too.”

She also served on the advisory board for the King County Sexual Assault Center and Valley Cities Mental Health. She served on the King County Mental Health Board and the King County Multi-Service Center Board.

Anyone interested in information about funeral services for Barber were asked to contact Auburn City Hall.

Mike Archbold: 253-597-8692

Originally published: January 2nd, 2009 07:15 PM (PST)