Onya Jack- story on Jack Barker

saintbrat · Post: # 851852Post **saintbrat** » Fri 23 Oct 2009 3:59pm

http://www.sportingpulse.com/club_info. ... onID=56266

Jack the great Saint

By Paul Amy, Bayside Leader

JACK Barker would much prefer to be living in Black Rock with his wife, Evelyn, getting out in the garden and helping her with the grocery shopping.

But, at 83, he's not in the pinkest of health. Time is staking its claim.

A throat operation prevents him swallowing food and he must be fed tinned food through his stomach.

His legs have packed up, too. He blames sugar diabetes. If only he had the spring that made his son Trevor such a wondrous high mark for St Kilda.

Six months ago, Jack took up digs at the Mentone Gardens aged-care centre

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St Kilda fans thought the world of Trevor and have great affection for Jack. Every door opens for him at the club and Saints people generally fuss over him.

A friend, Tony Flavell, takes him to matches and training and he likes to talk to the players.

``People think I'm a hero because I'm Trevor Barker's father,'' he said. ``Everywhere you go they say, `Oh, Trevor Barker's father'. I'm proud they love him so much. But I'm not a hero.

``I wouldn't get all this stuff if it wasn't for Trevor,'' he said, nodding to the memorabilia.

Jack Barker's body may be ailing but his mind remains sharp. As he discussed StKilda's trade-week dealings, he noted Andrew Lovett's pace and reckoned it could be a factor in 2010.

``They're almost there,'' he said of the Saints. ``The young blokes will be better for this year. We'll all be supporting them.''

bendigo bob · Fri 23 Oct 2009 4:10pm

A great read and very touching. I loved watching Trevor and greatly admire Jack's passion for both clubs.

Milan Faletic · Fri 23 Oct 2009 5:13pm

If ever there is a motivation to bring it home it is for people like Jack Barker and Trevor Barker. What a thrill it was to see Barks play.

Saint Bev · Post: # 851890Post **Saint Bev** » Fri 23 Oct 2009 5:53pm

Can't get the link to work, yet it is obviously working as other have read the article. Any suggestions anyone?

SENsei · Post: # 851965Post **SENsei** » Fri 23 Oct 2009 11:39pm

I disagree with Jack.

He is a Saint and Hero.

Great man.

Schillaci · Post: # 852009Post **Schillaci** » Sat 24 Oct 2009 7:37am

Fantastic.

saintnick12 · Sat 24 Oct 2009 9:29am

A great read. The players do certainly seem to have great respect and admiration for Jack. I remember that photo of Kosi bending down to chat to him after the prelim...

Post: # 852066Post **n1ck** » Sat 24 Oct 2009 11:32am

SENsaintsational wrote:I disagree with Jack.

He is a Saint and Hero.

Great man.

This.

Stephen Theodore · Sat 24 Oct 2009 12:08pm

A great read, brings a tear to the eye. Wasnt aware he has buried both of his children.

stinger · Post: # 852121Post **stinger** » Sat 24 Oct 2009 4:15pm

a great man who fathered a great man.......the barkers will always be a part of saints history.......

barks4eva · Post: # 852134Post **barks4eva** » Sat 24 Oct 2009 5:43pm

I was seated within about 5 metres of Jack at the Grand Final, I left my seat in the last ten minutes pacing around, anyway when the siren went, I went to him, put me arm around him and said something like "you're a legend Jack" can't remember exactly what else I muttered, we both were obviously disappointed with the result.

I hope he is around when we win the premiership next year in 2010!

He is a legend, he fathered Trevor Barker!

PJ · Post: # 852159Post PJ » Sat 24 Oct 2009 7:23pm

This is what St.Kilda is about the people we've produced some absolute champion human beings - Jack typifies this.