Walter Barber

Walter Barber of Bedford, New Hampshire, passed away unexpectedly on December 14, 2025, following a brief illness. He was born on April 20, 1947.

Walter loved to drive, and he loved people—and those two things shaped much of his life. If you became friends with Walter in grammar school, high school, college, or at any point along the way, you were his friend for life. He truly enjoyed catching up with people, going out to lunch, and hearing what was going on in their lives.

Walter was a proud graduate and track star at Masconomet High School in Boxford, Massachusetts. In high school, he was a proud winner of the Cape Ann Championship for track and field. He went on to graduate from Northeastern University in 1970, earning a business degree that served him and his family well throughout his life. He often credited—and enthusiastically preached—the teachings of Professor Lovely, whose lessons on sound financial planning and discipline became a lifelong guiding philosophy for Walter.

Long drives were often accompanied by country music, especially Willie Nelson’s SiriusXM station, Willie’s Roadhouse. A proud New Englander, Walter could usually be found wearing L.L. Bean whenever possible. He also quietly and faithfully took care of his parents’ gravesite with semi-annual visits, something that meant a great deal to him.

Walter loved hearing from his kids—phone calls, emails, and visits were always welcome. He was famously organized and careful with money, always ready with financial advice and happy to help whenever he was needed.

Some of Walter’s happiest times were spent driving to Maine and exploring the coastline. His wife Ellen’s dreams of European river cruises were lovingly replaced with trips to Maine, where Walter would happily load the bikes onto the back of the SUV and head out. He especially loved biking in Acadia National Park and took bi-annual trips to the Cape Cod bike trails.

Walter spent many years as a traveling salesman for Scott Paper and later Huish, where his natural ability to put people at ease made him truly exceptional at what he did. In retirement, he found the perfect job as a chase driver for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. It combined his two favorite things—meeting great people and long drives on the open road—and he loved every minute of it.

Walter was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He was optimistic, kind, and generous, and he always tried to see the good in everyone. Following his example, Ellen often told their granddaughter McKenna that she should look for a husband like Walter—one with a lifelong love of vacuuming, which Ellen believed was the key to both a happy marriage and a clean house. We all hope McKenna takes this advice to heart.

Walter is survived by his wife, Ellen Barber; his sister, Gretchen of California; his children, Courtney, Michael, and Patrick; his daughters-in-law, Kim Barber, and Kirstin Barber; and his beloved grandchildren, McKenna, and Callen. He also leaves behind an incredible group of friends—from Enterprise, longtime neighbors, high school classmates, and a loyal crew from Dunkin’ Donuts.

Walter will be remembered for his kindness, steady optimism, and the friendships he treasured throughout his life. Those who knew him will no doubt think of Walter on a long drive with country music playing, or while sharing a cup of coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts with friends—doing the simple, meaningful things he loved most. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life will be held at the Puritan Backroom Restaurant on December 28th from 1 pm to 4 pm. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, Manchester. To view Walter's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.