Richard "Dick" Barclay's Obituary
Obituary
Richard “Dick” Barclay passed away Friday, January 4, 2019 in Rogers, Arkansas. He was born June 5th 1937 in Oberlin, Kansas to parents Francis and Margaret “Peg” Barclay. Dick is survived by his wife, Jan Barclay; three children, daughter, Jill Gulick, her husband, Jay and two children, Kelsey and Emily. Son, Rick Barclay, his wife, Georgia, her son, Timothy Gibbons and his wife, Kelera, children Slater, Jordan and Sherry; son, John Barclay, his wife, Sherri and four children, Lexie, Jack, Kate and Max.
Dick graduated from Topeka Kansas High School and Kansas State University. Dick married Jan Forbes in 1960 and honeymooned in Rogers Arkansas. And shortly thereafter relocated to Rogers to begin his accounting career with his brother, Charles “Chuck” Barclay.
Dick developed a successful certified public accounting firm in Rogers before retiring in 1999. He also served in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1976 until 1992. Dick later served in the role of Executive Director of Budget, Legislative Affairs and Policy on Arkansas Governor’s Mike Huckabee’s first executive team. Dick later served as the state’s Chief Fiscal Officer and Director of Finance and Administration.
Dick believed in community service and served in many organizations. Some of the notable achievements include the following:
-Served on the Board of Directors of Northwest Arkansas Community College Foundation. As a member of the Arkansas legislature Dick helped to secure funding to establish NWACC.
-Dick served as the Chair of the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber recognized Dick in 2018 with a special recognition by creating an award in his name (Barclay-Matthews Award).
-In 2018 the Rotary Club recognized Dick with the Dick Daniel Distinguished Citizen Award.
-Served as the President and Board Member for the Rogers Little Theater.
-Served as a Commissioner for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.
-Served as the Chairman for the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce.
-Served as a Member and President of the Northwest Arkansas Council.
-Served as the Chairman of the Benton County Republican Party.
Dick, always strong in his faith, attended the First Christian Church in Rogers. He served as a board chair and an elder. More recently Dick and Jan enjoyed attending the Fellowship Bible Church to see their son John lead service.
Dick also loved music and singing. He played in a bluegrass band with his good friends Dr. Jerry Hines and Dr. David Jeffery. He also sang in a barbershop quartet.
Dick always had a tight group of friends and socialized regularly.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to one of the following organizations would be appreciated.
-NWACC Foundation: One College Drive, Bentonville AR 72712
-Friends of Hobbs Estate: P.O. Box 802, Rogers AR 72757
-Rotary Club of Rogers Foundation for Frisco Park (in recognition of Dick Barclay): P.O. Box 489, Rogers AR 72757
Services will be held on Friday, January 11th in the Chapel at Fellowship Bible Church, 1051 W. Pleasant Grove Rogers Arkansas. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. with the service beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services. Words of comfort or memories may be shared at stockdale-moodyfs.com
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