We are saddened to announce the passing of John R. Barton ’54, a treasured member of our community and a dedicated protector of the CHS Memorial Forest. As a former Vice President and influential figure, he played a pivotal role in preserving the CHS Memorial Forest and securing it as a legacy for us all. Known for his sharp wit and generous spirit, John crafted his own obituary for the Seattle Times with the humor and insight that those who knew him will fondly remember.
Please join us as we honor our Fallen Eagle, John.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 24, at 12:30 PM at Bonney Watson Funeral Home in SeaTac. All who wish to celebrate John’s life are welcome. Following the service, at 2:00 PM, there will be a special military flag folding ceremony in recognition of John’s honorable service. Bernie Moskowitz, a longtime friend and former president of the Alumni Association, will honor John’s memory by playing taps.
In memory of John, we encourage donations to the CHS Memorial Forest in lieu of flowers. His final endeavor, affectionately termed Project #1, aimed to enhance the forest’s entrance and gate—a vision that deeply engaged him until his last days.
Project #1’s enhancements include:
- A granite entrance sign complemented by strategic lighting to welcome visitors with warmth and visibility.
- New, robust fencing around the entrance to ensure security and aesthetic appeal.
- An ornamental, electronic gate, which requires the installation of necessary electrical infrastructure at the front entrance.
Your contributions will not only honor John’s legacy but also help bring his vision to fruition, ensuring the CHS Memorial Forest remains a cherished sanctuary for all CHS students and alumni.
Share your photos, thoughts and memories about John.
If you have a special story or thoughts about John, we welcome them here as comments below. Please send any photos via email to webmaster@clevelandalumsea.org and they will be added here.
3 thoughts on “Honoring Our Fallen Eagle: Remembering John “Roger” Barton ’54”
I will always cherish the day I made the “trek” to the rock with my stepdad. His radiant smile in this photograph captures the essence of how I’ll remember him. “Roger,” as we called him, was fervently dedicated to preserving the CHS Memorial Forest—a place acquired by CHS students to honor the “Gold Stars” from World War II. His passion for sharing and safeguarding this story was boundless.
You will be truly missed. I loved you as my own dad and I wish I had more time with you. Love you!
I ‘m a ’56 CHS graduate, living in California since ’66, and had not heard of the CHS Memorial Forest until just a few years ago. While planning a visit to the “Old Country” in 2022, I enlisted the help of my Seattle-based sister Myra, in setting up my first-ever visit to the Forest. Myra contacted John Barton who very graciously arranged for me, my wife Gail, Myra and other sister Marilyn, all to be greeted by caretaker Robert Hodges at a prearranged date and time. Robert gave us an excellent tour, peppered with history, which was thoroughly enjoyed. I still remember how determined John was in making sure we would be able to see the Forest. His kindness was very much appreciated by all of us.