William Henry Barwick entered into this world on May 12, 1929 in Miami, Florida. He passed away on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at Oak River Rehab in Anderson. He was preceded in death five years ago by his wife, Mary Claire Barwick, for whom he was a devoted husband for 53 years. Dad is survived by his brother, Robert Barwick and wife, Suellen of Redding. He also leaves his three children, Curtis Barwick of Anderson, Denise Miller of Anderson, and Amy Barwick of Missoula, Montana. His four grandchildren, Michael Miller, Brittany Van Arsdale, Kimberly Barwick, and Cody Barwick, were his pride and joy. He also leaves two beautiful great-grandchildren, Samantha and Raylan Van Arsdale. Dad was introduced to his new great-grandson, Raylan William, just three weeks before he passed away. Dad graduated from Miami Edison High School in 1947 where he excelled in math and science. He won a full-ride scholarship in track to the University of Miami, where he majored in Chemistry. He ran for the Miami Hurricanes track team, setting a record for the mile. The track coach wanted Dad to train for the Olympics, but after two years at the University, Dad dropped out to work and help support his family, giving his scholarship to a friend and ending his Olympic dreams.

Dad joined the Florida National Guard in 1948 at nineteen years of age. He was a Platoon Sergeant for two years, and then was sent to Officer's Candidate School where he received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves. He served in the Reserves for ten years and was honorably discharged in 1958. In 1951, Dad began working for the Heat, Frost, and Asbestos Workers as an Insulator. He worked on most of the large hotels on Miami Beach, and his work took him all over the state of Florida. He also became a leader in his large local Union. After falling in love with the Redding area on a family vacation, in 1973 the Barwick family caravanned across the country, settling in Anderson. Within a year Dad was hired as a millworker at Simpson Paper Company. He was also active there as a Union steward and retired after 20 years in 1995. He spent his retirement years enjoying his grandchildren and taking care of Mom full-time for the last five years of her life when she was ill.

Dad will always be remembered as a man that worked hard and put his family first. He had a great sense of humor and a huge sweet tooth. He loved listening to Mom play the piano, reading about extra-terrestrials and black holes and Einstein's theory of relativity, fishing with his brother, going to movies, fixing up his house and most of all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren. We will always remember how much he loved his family and sacrificed for us.

Private family services were held at Anderson Community on Saturday, May 5th. Burial was at Lawncrest Cemetery in Redding. The family would like to thank the staff at Oak River Rehab for their wonderful care.

Arrangements were made through Allen & Dahl Funeral Chapel in Anderson (365-5466).