Jack Edward Barbash
1956 – 2015
After a valiant fight against cancer, Jack Barbash passed away at home on September 7, 2015, surrounded by those who loved him best.
Born in East Orange, New Jersey on September 13, 1956, Jack had an innate, life-long thirst for knowledge of all things in the natural world, a drive that led him to pursue advanced degrees at Harvard University, University of Waterloo, and Stanford University in the fields of geological sciences, hydrogeology, and environmental engineering, respectively. It was while obtaining his doctorate at Stanford in 1988 that he met fellow graduate student and beloved life partner, Kathryn Sposato, whom he married in 1996.
After earning his Ph.D., Jack landed his dream job at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), an agency where he proudly spent his 24-year career as a groundwater specialist and research chemist. When asked about his profession, Jack always expressed profound gratitude for his tenure at the USGS, his fervent belief in its mission, and a deep respect for his colleagues. While at the USGS, Jack became a recognized specialist in the field of pesticides, publishing the book “Pesticides in Groundwater: Distribution, Trends and Governing Factors” in 1997, which became a standard text in many university environmental studies programs.
After Jack and Kathryn moved to Vashon Island in 1998, he quickly became an integral member of the Vashon community and an ardent advocate of all things Vashon, including his commute. Twice daily, rain or shine, Jack could be found on the upper deck of the south end ferry chatting with the ferry crew, watching for wildlife, and catching up with his fellow commuter friends. Jack variously served as a board member of the VMI Community Council, a member of the Vashon Maury Island Land Trust, and as part of the founding team of the Vashon Forest Stewards. Jack was perhaps best known on the island for his musical talent, and the joy he had in sharing this gift with friends. An accomplished piano player (he also played the accordion, clarinet, trombone, and upright bass), Jack was a valued member of numerous bands on Vashon and beyond including Fishflop Cuba, Hot Trivet, Spike Rivet, Lifters, Parchers, Boogie Witch, Rhythm Method, This Way Up, Big Wood / Expresso, Backroads, Tastes Like Chicken, 501, Turner Down, Island Fusion, and Cinq à Sept. Jack played at numerous Vashon music venues and was a frequent volunteer musician at Vashon Community Care, but his favorite Vashon gig was playing at the Blue Heron during gallery openings. He last played there on August 14 with his friend Steve Meyer of Cinq à Sept.
Jack was a man of strong values and convictions guided by the Buddhist principle of ahimsa. He regularly supported more than 300 organizations dedicated to habitat preservation, animal welfare, and biodiversity education. Jack was most passionate about his role as a founder and Board Member of The Alliance for Tompotika Conservation (AlTo), a non-profit organization established to protect habitat and endangered species in the waters and lands surrounding Mt. Tompotika in Sulawesi, Indonesia.
In addition to the legacies Jack leaves in the worlds of science, music, and protection of the natural world, Jack will, above all, be remembered for his wondrous gift of conversation, his boisterous laugh, and the boyish joy of life he shared with all.
Plans for a celebration of Jack’s life will be announced at a later date.
Paid Obituary.
