- Date Of Birth: May 19, 1942
- Date Of Death: July 11, 2022
- State: Colorado
Victor Glee Barnes Jr., age 80, passed away on Monday, July 11, 2022 at his home in Westcliffe, CO. Vic Barnes was born on May 19, 1942 to Victor G. and Anita (Walker) Barnes and raised in Colorado Springs. Vic graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management and a Master of Science in Wildlife Biology. While at CSU, Vic was a member of Acacia Fraternity. He completed his graduate work on the activity of Black Bears in Yellowstone National Park. Vic was then hired by the Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife and moved to Olympia, WA. In 1970, Vic moved to Bend, OR to work on Animal Damage Control and focused on reforestation interactions. In 1982, he had the opportunity of moving to Kodiak, AK to begin his research on Kodiak Brown Bears and participated in cooperative bear research and management programs of the Refuge and Alaska Department of Fish and Game. While working in Alaska he had the opportunity of making two trips to the Soviet Union to work on Polar Bears, as well as working on Grizzlies in Denali National Park.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jacke (Gilliam) Barnes; his three children, Joe (Kristi) Barnes, Amy (Garey) Barnes, and Jack (Sheryl) Barnes; five grandchildren, Garrett Barnes, Hailey (Michael) Williams, Brianna (Steve) Dial, Cideahzia Barnes, and Nathan Dial; two great-grandchildren; aunt, Willdra Ruzanski; sister, Marci (Roger) Gregg and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Vic was preceded in death by his parents, Victor G. and Anita Barnes; and his brother, Tom Barnes.
