In Loving Memory of Stephen Paul Barker

On Thursday, May 19, 2022, the world lost an amazing man. Stephen was born November 2, 1952 in Averly, Essex, England. He grew up in the Sale area of Manchester in a loving family with his parents, Mary and Bob, and two brothers Christopher and Nicholas.

Soon after starting university in Coventry, England, Stephen met Debbie Davies, who was still at school at the time. They quickly became inseparable and within 18 months, at the ages of 20 and 18, they were married.

Stephen graduated with an honors degree in economics the following year and subsequently went into articles with the large accounting firm Coopers and Lybrand, based in the City of London. Two years after qualifying as a chartered accountant he took on the role of Chief Financial Officer at Hawley Group and, after a few years, moved on to the same role at the Albert Fisher Group, before becoming Chairman and Chief Executive of the acquisitive publicly traded hosiery and leather goods company, Hartstone.

In 1978, Stephen and Debbie welcomed their first daughter, Kathryn (Kate) and in 1980, their second daughter Nicola (Nikki) was born. Stephen's career led the family on many amazing adventures around the world including trips to Europe, the United States and Asia.

In 1994, the family decided to relocate to Marco Island, Florida, where they built a home and purchased two small businesses, Crystal Blue Pools and The Marco Review. Stephen loved the lifestyle in Florida and spent a lot of time fishing, boating and enjoying the beautiful beaches and wildlife, especially birds, which the state had to offer.

In 2006, Stephen and Debbie welcomed their first granddaughter, Sophie, who was joined in 2008 by grandson Dylan and granddaughter Caroline. In 2011, the couple's final grandson, Max, was born.

Stephen worked many long hours while building both the businesses and when he sold Crystal Blue Pools it was the largest pool company on Marco. However, he enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family, eating good food, especially fresh local seafood, gardening and supporting his grandchildren’s many activities, especially soccer. In 2006 Stephen and Debbie purchased a tiny beach cottage on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas and they enjoyed many wonderful family times on that beautiful island.

A life-long Manchester United fan, Stephen could almost always be found watching Premier League soccer games whenever he could and was very much looking forward to watching England win the world cup later this year!

Stephen was the kindest, sweetest, most honorable man with a great sense of humor. An analytical thinker, he was the person everyone came to for advice. He was a devoted husband, brother, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.