The obituary notice of Jack BARKER

One of my most significant memories of school was ten tors training. We went out what I’m sure was every weekend rain or shine and it did rain a lot, and mist or no mist. We met at the school car park with our kit (think borrowed bits from school) and off we hiked.

It was hard work, the moors was never easy, tuffty grass, bogs, hills, big hills, rivers, overnight camps. I remember calculating the routes down to the meter and minute, navigating to tors and then appearing at the last minute through the mist, wet boots and newspaper in wet boots, spicy goulash, best friendships and Jack Barker at the helm.

I still to this day remember Jack. The dedication he had to take us out, teach so many of us resilience, hard work, the outdoors and how to look after ourselves and prepare us for ten tors and so much more was just incredible.

I am forever grateful and Jack is forever remembered. Rest in peace and walk the skies Jack. Thank you from the bottom of my heart

Sandie xxx
(1988 to 1995)

Sad to hear about Jack's passing. He would always stop and ask how I was when he was sorting out the D of E equipment at college after a weekend training , Rest in peace . Linda Elliott 21/12/2025

We knew Jack from his long connection with Ivybridge Community College and were always impressed by his tireless support for so many students over several decades.

With Jack's help and support, our daughter Zoe completed all of the Ten Tors and all 3 levels in DofE awards between 2011 and 2013

Jack did an amazing job treating horrendous blisters caused by new boots and enabled Zoe to complete that particular practice walk.

He was so impressed by her quiet determination that he awarded her the Jack Barker trophy in 2013
Zoe treasured this award.

We all thought the world of Jack who was a kind, thoughtful and caring person.

Sadly, Zoe passed away in April 2025 following a tragic accident. Jack came to her funeral and we were lucky enough to chat with him and had hoped to catch up with him at a later date.

He will be greatly missed, a fantastic character.

Rest in peace, Jack.
With deepest sympathy and love
Peter, Lynne and Luke Roughley

Jack,

I have many great memories of you, as a student at Ivybridge Community College, you helped inspire me to take part in The Ten Tors Challenge. You had your own particular brand of no nonsense training , which definitely got the best out of me, my brothers, and my friends!

We took part in many training walks and expeditions, including the snow in 1996 when we did the 55 mile event. You were always encouraging, and we always knew you were thinking of us, through thick and thin.

My recent memories of you are popping into see you in the Ivybridge tent at the Ten Tors event, We would laugh together, share old times, and check to see how our respective teams were progressing.

Jack, you have always been a dear friend to me, and my family, your legacy in helping young people in the great outdoors will always live on.

With love, Ben Venables

Remembering a very ,special gentleman ,Lee Mill has lost a true legend ,may you rest in peace …..dear Jack .

So sad to read of Jack’s passing. He taught our daughters about Dartmoor and to navigate 10 Tors. Rest in peace. Sylvia and Graham

To Gentleman Jack who saved our lives. Always grateful Sara Nigel pups xxx Our Angel