David Barkus

Mom named David after Dwight Eisenhower.  He was born in Lacrosse, WI. Family moved a lot and ended up in Madison, WI.  His sister, Kathy, remembers David teaching her to do a back flip in the lake.  She also says girls would come up to her to “tell David they liked him”.

David was one of the first to graduate from Malcolm Shabazz High School.  It was a turbulent time; Vietnam protests were a constant in Madison, and David participated.  It was about this time that David began to show signs of struggles with inner conflict. 

One of David’s favorite memories was a trip he made out West with his brother’s Mike and Pat. He talked of the sheep herder’s hut and becoming blood brothers with Mike and Pat.  He spent some time hitchhiking around the country. In between those years he worked various jobs, his favorite being Cecils’ Sandals where he worked with good friend Chris Cox. 

His father had a life-long connection to New Melleray Abbey in Dubuque Iowa.  David visited there numerous times.  At one time he thought of becoming a monk.  He immersed himself in philosophical studies, spiritual aspects of life.  In some cultures he would have been considered a “mystic” or “holy” man.  One man he studied was Gurdjieff, who remained a constant throughout his life.  Another constant was George, who he knew in the 1980’s.  George became an inner voice playing mentor and nemesis.  David practiced yoga for many years, giving brother Mike credit for his introduction.  He became acquainted with the Bahai faith and enjoyed visiting their teachings.  David spent much of his time later in life drawing pictures.  He had also written a book entitled “Philoontosophy” that he was also very proud of.  The book contained many drawings and his “Leprechaunese” writings.

David was a kind and gentle soul that everyone loved.  He was unique and will be sorely missed by all who were lucky enough to meet him.  He loved music, frequently sang songs – “kicking down the cobblestones, life is groovy…”  Those that knew David understood the magnitude of being given the gift of his presence, as we are only often blessed with meeting someone so special perhaps once or twice in a lifetime.  He inspired everyone he came in contact with to appreciate the simple joys in life as he did. 

The last years of his life he lived at Badger Prairie Health Center where the staff took good care of him and where he also formed many lasting relationships.  Over the years at Badger his sister Mary would take him on outings and to family holiday dinners.  David had a remarkable memory and at holiday meals he would recite the “Desiderata”, “…You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here…”.  On outings Mary and David would frequently end up at Tully’s, a supper club in Monona.  There they played pool which David was very good at, often getting all his balls in before Mary got any.  He would always order hashbrowns and give the waitstaff a drawing he had made.

He was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy Barkus (Kufahl) and his father Edward Barkus. He is survived by brothers Michael, Patrick and Vincent, and sisters Kathy and Mary.