Barry S. Sarver was born September 10, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan and died June 7, 2023, in Denver, Colorado following a short illness.  He was surrounded by his beloved wife, Brenda Riske, and his much loved son, Asa, as he left this world.

Born to Louis and Rebecca Sarver, Barry spent his childhood in Detroit and Miami.  In high school, Barry was a standout football player although he loved all sports.  He played college football at both the University of Miami and Wayne State University from which he graduated.  Following graduation, he worked with his father in the dairy distribution industry serving numerous auto plants in the Detroit area.

Barry loved to ski and came to Colorado to ski every year finally deciding, in 1970, that he should live and work in a place where he could ski.  He worked as a broker in the real estate business for several small companies.

Barry married Leslie in 1970 and divorced in 1974.  They had one son, Asa.  He married Brenda Riske in 1983 and they would have celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on July 30, 2023.  Brenda and Barry loved to travel and toured many countries in Europe. They traveled to Argentina and Brazil and Thailand as well as Mexico and Canada.   They were planning a trip to Eastern Europe this fall.  During their travels, Barry would take cooking classes and sample all the local wines.  Barry and Brenda went to many concerts, mostly of classical and jazz music.

As a community participant, Barry was active in the Colorado and Denver Democratic Party for the entire time he lived in Colorado and served as a ballot judge for the city and county.  He also volunteered on the neighborhood association board for nearly 10 years and was a contributing member of the Tuesday Progressive Group in Denver.

Barry is survived by his wife, Brenda, his son Asa and wife Julia and two much loved grandsons, Caleb and Evan as well as his dog companion, Copperfield.  He has 3 nieces and 4 nephews, a sister and brother-in law and their respective spouses and well as numerous cousins.

A celebration of Barry's life and contributions will be held in Denver on September 9, 2023.  If you plan to attend, please contact Brenda at brendariske@gmail.com. In lieu flowers, please consider a donation in Barry's name to the Denver Botanic Gardens , the Colorado Symphony Orchestra , or a charity of your choice.  No flowers, please.

"Barry was my one true love.  I will miss him always and forever.  He gave me love, courage, companionship, and fun."  Brenda R.

"An amazing person.  I am so lucky to have called him a friend." Mark F.

"Baruch Dayan HaEmet.  May his memory be for a blessing." Mordechai K.

"He leaves a living legacy in his family, his friends, and countless folks he mobilized and engaged to make a better community, starting on the streets where we live.  Thank you, Barry, always and forever!  We are all better for having known him." Owen P.