John Bryan Barker

It is with heavy hearts and immense love that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend, John Bryan Barker, on March 30th, 2024, surrounded by his cherished family. Born on June 28th, 1958, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Bryan was a person of extraordinary generosity, humor, and thoughtfulness. His love for life was truly infectious and he had an innate ability to bring joy and laughter to those around him.

See 22 Photos

Bryan’s love for the outdoors was evident from his childhood. He loved swimming, camping, and skiing, and he never missed an opportunity to fish or golf. He had a special fondness for working on and racing muscle cars, a passion that began the moment he laid his hands on his first toolset. His love for cars was so intense that it led him to become a mechanic for his family's golf course, Fore Lakes, where he worked for 40 years alongside his father, brothers, and nephews. As Robert Ingersoll once said, "We rise by lifting others," a sentiment Bryan embodied throughout his life, notably through his dedication to his work and family.

Bryan was a devoted husband to Dianna, whom he married on February 4th, 1983. Together, they created a lifetime of memories and raised five beautiful daughters: Heather, Crystal, Tasha, Shilo, and Chanclee. His family was his greatest joy, and he was the best dad any child could wish for. He was always there for his girls, teaching them everything from golf to fishing and many more life skills. As a loving and generous father, Bryan made sure his girls were always okay, extending his love and kindness to everyone around him.

Bryan leaves behind his wife, Dianna Barker; daughters, Heather (Tom) Nez, Crystal (Christian) Giese, Tasha (Brian) Rosario, Shilo Barker, and Chanclee Barker; his mother, Lois Smith; sisters, Susan Barker, Vaunalee Fordham, Robyn Barker, and Nancy Fields; his brother, Todd Barker; stepsister Pam harmer; stepsister-in-law, Norma Asplund; and his eight grandchildren, Sienna, Kaia, Dominic, Kashlee, Isabell, Bastian, Alexander, and Ellis, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Vaughn Barker, stepmother Betty Jean Barker, stepbrother Brad Asplund, and grandparents.

As we navigate the sadness of our loss, we find comfort in the words of Leo Buscaglia, "I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought, and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories." Bryan's love and memory will indeed live on in all of us.

In honor of Bryan, a celebration of life will be held at Fore Lakes Golf Course ClubHouse (1285 West 4700 South Taylorsville UT 84123) on Friday, April 5th, 2024, from 7 to 9 pm. Please wear spring colors and if you have a muscle car, don't hesitate to bring it in his honor. We also invite you to share your memories and upload photos of Bryan to his memorial page to celebrate the unique and loving individual he was.