Fund established in memory of ‘Spin Skater’

LUBEC – A special fund to help children attain their dreams has been established in memory of Joshua Barker, 24, who died Monday of complications while awaiting heart surgery.

The Joshua Barker-Spin Skater Fund will support Washington County young people between the ages of 10 and 19 to achieve a dream or follow a passion.

As a youngster, Barker had dreamed of becoming an Olympic skater before he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a massive enlargement of the heart.

“I know that Josh would be delighted to see children who may not otherwise get a break benefiting instead of receiving flowers that will only perish,” his mother, Brenda Gay Barker, said Tuesday. “This way, he lives on in our hearts.”

Barker’s funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Christian Temple Church in Lubec.

The fund will be administered by the Cobscook Community Learning Center in Trescott.

Linda Cross Godfrey of Eastport wrote a children’s book based on Barker’s courage and perseverance. “The Spin Skater of Pinpoint Pond” is a stand-alone story that also is part of a collection of stories called “The Quoddy Kids Come Along Adventures” by Godfrey. She has made the story available on-line. To download “The Spin Skater of Pinpoint Pond,” go to www.atlanticleadershipcenter.com/spinskater. Godfrey said the download of the story is free in Joshua’s honor.

To make a donation to the children’s fund, mail it to Joshua Barker-Spin Skater Fund, Cobscook Community Learning Center, 10 Commissary Road, Trescott 04652. Donations also may be made using a credit card or PayPal on the Cobscook Community Learning Center Web site www.thecclc.org by clicking on the “Contribute-Volunteer” link and following the directions provided.