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| Original News Release |
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| Original News Release |
Irving K. Barber, 85, is widely recognized as one of B.C.’s most
prominent entrepreneurs. Over six decades, Dr. Barber has worked hard to ensure
that B.C.’s forests benefit British Columbians and that B.C.’s forest industry
stays competitive in the global marketplace.
Born in Edmonton, Dr. Barber first came to the University of British
Columbia in September 1945. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree in
forestry in 1950. In 1952, he qualified as a professional registered forester,
and he has been involved ever since in the B.C. forest industry, working with
people at all levels and throughout the province.
In 1978, at the age of 55, he founded Slocan Forest Products Ltd., which
he built into one of the leading lumber producers in North America. Dr. Barber
retired as chairman in February 2002.
In 1996, he was awarded the Forest Excellence Award in Communications
for his involvement in the publication of The Working Forest of British Columbia.
In 1997, he was given the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award for
the Pacific Region. The Registered Professional Foresters Association named
Barber the Distinguished Forester of the Year in 1999. In May 2002, the
University of Northern British Columbia awarded him an honorary doctorate of
law degree. He has been appointed to the Order of Canada and to the Order of
British Columbia.
Dr. Barber’s generosity has been instrumental in helping to establish
programs to promote research with the creation of the I.K. Barber Enhanced
Forestry Laboratory at UNBC, the Irving K. Barber Chair in Diabetes Research at
UBC, and the Ike Barber Human Islet Transplant Laboratory at Vancouver Hospital
in partnership with UBC.
Dr. Barber and his wife Jean have three children, nine grandchildren and
15 great-grandchildren.
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contact: |
Press Secretary Office of the Premier 604 307-7177
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UBC Public Affairs 604 822-3213 604 828-3867 (cell) E-mail: lorraine.chan@ubc.ca
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Communications Officer UBC Library/Irving K. Barber Learning Centre 604 827-3434 E-mail: glenn.drexhage@ubc.ca
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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