Remembering Dr. Fred Barge

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Dr. Fred ... you will be missed

Words cannot convey the feelings of those of us who had the opportunity to meet, chat and tip "libations" with Dr. Barge. An orator without equal, a born leader, a master of witticisms, a philosopher from the "Golden Age", an author, a clinician of great repute and an all round nice guy, Dr. Fred Barge left his mark on all who met him.

My final interaction with Dr. Barge was at an ICA convention, where he greeted me with the same enthusiasm as he would an old friend, yet I had only a few interactions with him. He was surrounded by many of his peers, Dr. Bob Braile, Dr. Sid Williams, Dr. Gerry Clum, yet took the time to chat with me, to catch up so to speak. I was again taken by the generosity of spirit, and the genuine interest he had in those he interacted with. I learned a lesson in people skills from this man, but do not expect to match it.

  -- Dr. Steven J. Silk, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chiropractic Awareness Council

Dr. Barge helped me many times during my professional career. I heard him speak at Palmer many years ago . It changed my life both personally ad professionally. A few years ago I was involved in a malpractice case. I called and talked to Dr. Barge. He helped me mentally. Everything turned out fine as he predicted. Our profession has lost a great leader and person.

  -- Joseph F. Amato,D.C.

As a first quarter student at Life College I remember seeing Dr. Fred Barge speak for the first time.  I couldn't help but think about what an articulate speaker he was as he helped perpetuate the beautiful principles of chiropractIC to all of us "fledgling chiropractORS".  I remember being so inspired, I ran straight to the bookstore and bought a copy of "Life Without Fear" which I was very honored to have him sign.  During my time at Life, I had the privilege of hearing Dr. Barge speak many more times in his unique and captivating way, never ceasing to inspire me each and every time. Dr. Barge is a man who should truly be honored for his achievements and contributions to the chiropractic profession.  Thank you for your "thots" Dr. Barge.  We shall not forget.     

  -- Douglas R. Hren, D.C., Australia 

I was shocked and sorry to hear about Dr. Fred's passing. I know he will inhabit a special place for Chiropractors on the other side. I had the pleasure to briefly visit with Dr. Fred on one occasion, but always enjoyed his wit, insight, knowledge and understanding regarding subluxation based Chiropractic and his willingness to share these thoughts with us. May God be with him in eternity.

  -- William F. Streiff, D.C.

Those who have been touched by Fred Barge, and those who knew him will attest to his value to the spirit of chiropractic. Some words can express the odd feelings of someone so full of life to pass, but the words should come from a likewise master, Walt Whitman.

Oh Captain! My Captain!
O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done,
The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won,
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring;
But O heart! heart! heart!
O the bleeding drops of red,
Where on the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.
O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up--for you the flag is flung--for you the bugle trills,
For you bouquets and ribbon'd wreaths--for you the shores a-crowding,
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;
Here Captain! dear father!
This arm beneath your head!
It is some dream that on the deck,
You've fallen cold and dead.
My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still,
My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will,
The ship is anchor'd safe and sound, its voyage closed and done,
From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won;
Exult O shores, and ring O bells!
But I with mournful tread,
Walk the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.

I my own tradition in the passing of a great warrior spirit from this world to the infinite. I read the words for you to read that could express the deep emotions that burn our hearts at this moment. The tradition consists of Whitman's very outstanding words. Should you gather with your chiropractic brothers and sisters in the near future read this ode aloud with them in remembrance of Master Chiropractor and Philosopher Dr. Fred H. Barge DC PhC.

Fred Barge was an inspiration who taught many the chiropractic sequences laid down by his predecessors, The Palmer's. He filled his presentations with the illumination of a master story teller. He was a perfect performance each trip to the audience and an efficient researcher. His qualities in emoting fire from his belly in defense of his craft were awesome and robust. It seemed he could stare down a bear.

This day will be remembered for you Fred Barge. You personally answered my letters in short time when I was a fledgling writer. You answered my phone calls when I was a fear filled new chiropractor in my first few months. You stood before us, as a great lecturer and taught me how deliver the Rats in Dump, The Maggots on the Cat, The Liver Pills in the Lava, and the Law of Life to anyone and everyone with great animation. Never will there be another Barge. I am thankful to have witnessed your performance on this plane. Rest in peace, you did a great amount in your duties to chiropractic. You did enuf.

  -- John F. Przybylak D.C.

I think the finalness of Fred's moving on is just starting to sink in. The dis-union of his innate from the matter it chose to reside in is as natural as the original union was at his conception, yet it is always tougher for us to celebrate the former as compared to the latter, yet I truly believe in my heart that he is, in a cliché, "a better place".  Join me in "tipping a libation" in his honour, as so many of us no doubt have and will do.

  -- Steven J. Silk, D.C., Canada

Dear Fred! Thank you for inspiring dedication to this beautiful profession that we share.
Your "thot's" were always filled with passion and has helped to keep the chiropratic "fire" burning thruout the world. Say hi to the Palmers and the other GREATS of Chiropractic from me! Thanks again

  -- Kristian Baekkel, D.C., C.C.S.P., P.C.C 4-87

What a respected man of Chiropractic! I had the privilege to know him and I always will remember his kindness and heartfelt joy that he expressed when he discussed our profession and what we do to "change the world for the better" through Chiropractic! Good travels Dr. Barge!

  -- Candace L. Croft, D.C., Harrington, Maine

I was very saddened to hear of Dr. Barge's death. I first me him while a student at Logan College of Chiropractic and was enthusiastically charged about chiropractic after meeting with him. He had a unique quality; inspiring all those whom he met. Since reading his book "Are you the Doctor, Doctor?" I have changed the way I practice and have seen my practice grow, simply by using the principles he outlines in his text. I will miss him. Chiropractic will miss him. The world is a better place because he had walked upon it.

-- Dr. Randy Follett, BSc, D.C., St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada

Dr. Barge was instrumental in my becoming a principled, subluxation-centred Chiropractor despite graduating from CMCC. In my third year Dr. Barge came to speak. I was fortunate enough to sit down to dinner and a few “pints” with Dr. Barge. I learned more in those few hours about Chiroprac-TIC than I did in my four years at CMCC. I have always held a special place in my heart for Dr. Barge. He will be sadly missed.

  -- Dr. Jeff Koep

I was truly saddened to learn of Dr. Barge's passing. His dedication and strength of conviction will be doubted by none. Whether standing at the podium or holding a pen he delivered his message with passion, bringing an air of theater and eloquence rarely found. He will be missed.

  -- Myron Brown, D.C.

As a boy I would ride my bike down to my "Dad's" clinic at 322 Cameron Avenue.  Sure, the building said "Barge Chiropractic" but it was still my Dad's clinic.  Many a hot summer day was spent weeding out the gardens around the place.  I never really did a very good job but Dad and Dr. Fred would always be encouraging, especially when I would peek in the office for a hello and a drink.  Who knew that Dr. Barge was known anywhere outside of La Crosse, WI?  You know, that somewhat eccentric guy who drove around town wearing a beret with a pheasant feather.  You loved him or you tolerated him.

When my father decided to head out and start an office of his own Dr. Fred gave my dad the perfect going away gift.  You see, my Dad, like me, always rode his bike to the clinic.  Hence, the gift...a new bicycle.

As I grew up and made a career decision late in life it was only natural for me to choose Chiropractic.  Both my Dad ( Dr. Eugene "Gene") and Dr. Fred wrote recommendations for me to attend Logan Chiropractic College.

My Dad was proud but so was Dr. Fred.  Any time he would visit the school Fred would always look me up.  Even when he would make speeches to students he would say, "Why even my gardener is now a Chiropractor".

What an inspiration to the Chiropractic profession he was!  You may have been an icon to the profession but to me you'll always be the lovable, wacky guy with the beret.

Rest in peace Dr. Fred.

Enuff said.

Dr. David Schaller, St. Louis, MO

An icon in our profession, I join the chiropractors everywhere, who as students, were influenced, amused, and inspired by the legendary Fred Barge. Now, as a doctor, I join the legions who will mourn the loss of this truly generous servant of chiropractic, Dr. Fred Barge.

 -- Debra Babcock, D.C.

Dr. Barge was responsible for straightening my mind and heart out after graduating from NYCC in 1993.  When he explained the one cause - one cure at a seminar I took, all of the chiropractic philosophy that I did not pay attention made sense.  He opened my mind and heart to what might be possible with an unsubluxated nervous system.  I count myself lucky to have heard him speak a few times, as his deep oratory voice will ring out in in my mind every time I read his texts and philosophy books.  We have lost an amazing warrior for chiropractic, one who will be surely missed.  His like will not pass this way again soon.  I hope we are worthy of having hade him as one of our brethren.

Dr. Barge you will be missed!!!

  -- John P. McAtamney, D.C.

As a recent Palmer grad, I am paraphrasing one of my favorite Dr. Bargeisms. "Call the condition whatever, 'Mucky-Hucky-Whuk' disease, chiropractic works to adjust the cause."

  -- Brent Wyman, D.C.

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To add your tribute to this page, e-mail your message to the WCA.