Wesley Barber

Jul. 22, 1940 - Jan. 7, 2015

Wesley Barber died January 7, 2015. Wes was born on July 22, 1940, to Amy Barber and Mamo Snooks, in Woodfords, California. He was raised and grew up in Woodfords, lovingly cared for by his grandfather and grandmother, Tom and Nettie Barber, while his mother worked in Los Angeles and in Genoa. Wes loved hunting and fishing and was raised as a speaker of the Washo language. His knowledge of traditional places and the customs, history, and stories was considerable.

Wes attended Douglas County High School, and went into the Army on September 11, 1963. His duty assignment was in the USA Arctic Test Center in Fairbanks, Alaska. He drove trucks and operated heavy equipment in the Army, and became quite a mechanic during his term of service. Wes returned to the Carson Valley and drove truck for Doc Hansberry out of Lake Tahoe. For many years he and his Uncle, Don James, cut Christmas trees at Lake Tahoe and sold the trees on lots in San Francisco and Los Angeles. He worked on many of the ranches in Carson Valley and surrounding areas of the Eastern Sierras. He is survived by his daughter, Jody Steele; grandchildren, Colin Steele and Amy Tyler and great grandson, Connor Tyler, all of Fallon. His son, Robert (Colleen) Barber, and grandson, Cody Barber, both of Carson City. Also a brother, John Snooks, Gardnerville, sister, Diane Marks, Jackson, CA, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Sunday, January 11th, at the Woodfords Indian Cemetery.