Victor Glee Barnes Jr., age 80, passed away on Monday, July 11, 2022 at his home in Westcliffe, Colorado. Vic Barnes was born on May 19, 1942, to Victor G. and Anita (Walker) Barnes and raised in Colorado Springs. Vic graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management and
a Master of Science in Wildlife Biology. While at CSU, Vic was a member of Acacia Fraternity. He completed his graduate work on the activity of Black Bears in Yellowstone National Park. Vic was then hired by the Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife and moved to Olympia, WA. In 1970, Vic moved to Bend, OR, to work on Animal Damage Control and focused on reforestation interactions. In 1982, he had the opportunity of moving to Kodiak, AK, to begin his research on Kodiak Brown Bears and participated in cooperative bear research and management programs of the Refuge and Alaska Department of Fish and Game. While working in Alaska he had the opportunity of making two trips to the Soviet Union to work on Polar Bears, as well as working on Grizzlies in Denali National Park. In December of 1997, Vic retired from the Fish and Wildlife Service and moved back to Colorado. He continued his involvement with bears by returning to Kodiak each year for various research projects, to work at the Kodiak Brown Bear Center as a bear viewing guide, and became the Trust Manager for the Kodiak Brown Bear Trust. Upon moving back to Colorado, Vic spent time working as a Wildlife Technician with the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Vic spent the past 25 years in Westcliffe, CO, giving back to the community through his service in San Isabel Land Protection Trust, Custer County Planning Commission, High Mountain Hay Fever Festival Association, and Wet Mountain Valley Community Foundation, among others.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jacke (Gilliam) Barnes and his three children Joe (Kristi) Barnes, Amy (Garey) Barnes, and Jack (Sheryl) Barnes. In addition he is
survived by his five grand-
children Garrett Barnes, Hailey (Michael) Williams, Brianna (Steve) Dial, Cideahzia Barnes, and Nathan Dial, and two great grandchildren. He is survived by his aunt Willdra Ruzanski, his sister Marci (Roger) Gregg and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Vic was preceded in death by his parents Victor G. and Anita Barnes, and his brother Tom Barnes.
Services will be held Saturday, July 16th, at 11 a.m. at Hermit Park, 400 Hermit Ln., Westcliffe, CO. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Kodiak Brown Bear Trust (PO Box 1740 Kodiak, AK 99615) or Wet Mountain Valley Community Foundation (PO Box 718 Westcliffe, CO 81252).
Please be aware of other community events and their potential impact on the morning of Saturday the 16th as you come to join us to celebrate the life of Vic.