Richard Barber Jr

Richard Barber Jr, 72, of Rio Rancho, NM, was a loving husband and dad. He left us with a smile knowing he was furthering his journey into heaven. After an unexpected illness, he passed on November 21, 2024 at UNM Hospital, in Albuquerque. Richard is survived by his wife Elsie; daughter, Tiffany; and son Wesley. He is also survived by his sisters, Lavina and Brenda Barber of Gamerco, NM. He was predeceased by his dad, Richard Sr; mom, Annie; brothers, Sylvester (Les), Eugene, and Barry.

Richard was Dine' born into the "Over Hanging Rock People Clan" (Tsenahabi'nii) and born for the "Hopi People of Red Running into the Water" (Oozei Tachii'nii). Richard grew up in the Gamerco/Gallup area and graduated from Gallup High School. In 1980, he moved to Albuquerque to further his education in the computer technology at TVI. He worked in various computer related positions, briefly with Indian Health Service, then permanently with Bureau of Indian Affairs. He happily retired in the spring of 2013 to spend quality time with his family. He loved fishing, camping, photography, traveling to different cities, visiting friends/eating at Feast Days, or just staying home to watch old westerns, old war movies, football, basket ball, etc.

Services will be held in Rio Rancho on December 16, 2024. Rosary at 11:30am, Mass at 12pm, St John Vianney Catholic Church, 1001 Meteor Ave NE. Burial at 1:30pm, Vista Verde Memorial Park, 4310 Sara Rd. Reception at French Funerals, 1275 Unser Blvd. NE from 2-4pm.