Richard “Dick” Vernon Barger, “Grandpa” age 93, passed away on Tuesday, November 30, 2021. A native of Los Angeles, CA, Richard was born on November 3, 1928, to the late Leslie Vernon Barger and Edna Dorothea Fredericka Schroeder Barger. Dick graduated from San Jose State College in 1951. Following his marriage in 1952 to Virginia Mae Atkins, he and his family lived in various states while in the U.S. Air Force until settling in Newport News, VA. He was a graduate of the Air Force Officer Candidate School in 1953 and retired from the Air Force Reserve in 1980 as a Lt. Col. He worked at Newport News Shipbuilding and retired in 1993 after 39 years of service. Dick also worked for Busch Gardens for 15 years and retired as a Boat Captain on the Rhine River. He was the patriarch of the family and a rock on which we could always depend. He was for so many the most colorful, caring, and joyful person we met. Truly one of a kind, unforgettable, and deeply influential.

Dick’s passions included the Newport News Bridge Club, Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club, Peninsula Ski Club of Virginia, Peninsula Bicycling Association, and Bike Virginia. He was a Senior Olympic Virginia Runner and ran in the 9th World Veterans Championships in Turku, Finland. He lived every day to the absolute fullest and told the best stories.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Leslie Barger, and his loving wife of 41 years, Virginia. He is survived by his four children, Mike (Kerri), Randy (Linda), Larry, and Linda (Alan), his grandchildren, Katy Hampton (Reggie), Keith Barger and Lindsie Tomita, and great-grandchildren, Clinton and Paris along with many wonderful friends, including fellow adventurer, Susie Nims Scott.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 6, 2021, at Peninsula Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to a charity of your choice or plant something beautiful in remembrance.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23601.