Michael Barney

Michael Langston Barney was born to loving proud parents, Ernest and Alma Bernice Barney, July 5, 1954, in Anchorage, Alaska.  Ernest and Alma met and married while working on the Alaskan Pipeline. After years of living in Alaska, they made the decision to move to San Diego, California to avoid the harsh, frigid Alaskan winters.  While driving from Alaska to San Diego, a short stop in Portland, Oregon turned into a lifetime of beautiful memories for the Barney family, as Portland became their home. The Barney’s bought a beautiful home in NE Portland, where Michael lived most of his life.

Michael attended Irvington Elementary School and Grant High School, where he played football. After graduating from high school in 1973, Michael returned to Alaska to work on the Pipeline as his parents had. He was proud to work as a general laborer for Alyeska Pipeline Service Company in Valdez, Alaska, retiring in 1978.  Talking about those times brought him immense joy.

In 1960, Alma became a member of Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church. From six years old, Michael was raised attending church and praising GOD. He attended Church surrounded by his mother, his father (who was baptized and joined the Church in 1979), his grandmother, Lela Douglas, his Aunt Earlene Williams, and other cherished family members.

After accepting Christ as his personal Savior, Michael found boundless joy attending Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church for over 60 years, a devoted member, serving until his body would no longer allow him to. Michael faithfully attended Sunday School. He looked forward to the weekly Brotherhood Ministry, singing in the Male Chorus and serving on the Trustee Board. One of Michael’s greatest joys was opening the doors of the Church every week before the 8:00am Sunday Worship Service, ensuring everyone arrived at a warm and cozy building. Having the keys to the Church put such a smile on his face, he served in this capacity for ten years, from 2004 through 2014. 

Michael found considerable pride being a member of the M W St. Joseph’s Grand Lodge, joining in June 1993. Michael genuinely enjoyed sports, finding great pleasure watching football and basketball. He was a faithful, die-hard fan of the Portland Trailblazers, possessing season tickets for over 20 years, collecting bobble heads and other memorabilia.

Michael loved his entire family, the Barney’s and Douglas’s. He had a memory like none other, remembering to call and send birthday cards faithfully.  He was the family almanac.  He loved traveling, visiting relatives, attending family reunions, graduations and just hanging out with family friends.

Michael departed this life, to live eternally with the Lord on September 30, 2024. He was preceded in death by his father and mother. Ernest and Alma Bernice Barney; two brothers, Richard and Gilbert Barney; sister, Mildred (Millie) Barney; niece, Karen Barney; and great-niece, Maya T. Evans.

Michael leaves to cherish his memory, his partner, Lisha Howard;  his daughter, Kimberly Barney; five grandchildren, Fred, Floyd, Elijah, Donald, and Michell;  goddaughter, Jennifer Williams-Hayes; brother, Ernest O. Barney;  beloved nieces; nephews, cousins, Church family and friends.

Michael, we love you dearly, but we know GOD loves you best! He HAS called you to your HEAVENLY HOME. Now your greatest joy and pleasure is with HIM
forevermore.

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