By Nicole Hamilton
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Just the mention of Timothy F. Barker's name made people smile.

"He had a truly extraordinary heart and that was felt by all that came into his presence," said his son, Timothy S. Barker of Brooklyn, New York.

The elder Mr. Barker died Jan. 27 at his home after a year's battle with small-cell carcinoma. The Loveland resident was 60.

"Family was really important to him," his son said. When there was a holiday or birthday, "he felt it was important to get together... He knew family is truly the root that makes the tree grow."

Born and raised in Anderson, Ind., Mr. Barker graduated from Madison Heights High School and earned a bachelor's degree in business at the University of Cincinnati in 1965.

He remained active in his college fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha, throughout his life, and was instrumental in its Stratford Heights Development, Founders' Day programs and an annual golf outing. In 2002 he was elected chairman emeritus of UC's Greek Affairs Council.

Mr. Barker worked for Cincinnati-based Burgoyne Marketing Research for almost 20 years. He started in sales for the company immediately after graduating from UC and eventually was named vice president of sales.

In 1990 he started his own promotional products company, Tim Barker & Associates, and was an independent representative for a Lewiston, Maine-based company, Geiger.

"The close friendships and sincere bonds he formed with everyone who made up the Geiger family influenced and enriched his life tremendously," said his wife Pamela.

Passionate about golf, he also enjoyed following UC Bearcats basketball games, and gardening and landscaping at his home.

His mother, Vivian; and a sister, E. Diane Venard, preceded him in death.

Besides his wife and son, other survivors include his father, Fay of Anderson, Ind.; and two sisters, Gloria Sanders Dean of Great Falls, Mont., and Christi Kunkle of Bourbon, Ind.

Services have been held. The body was cremated.

Memorials: Hospice of Cincinnati, 4310 Cooper Road, Cincinnati, 45242.