Fire trustee remembered for financial prowess

George Barr was recalled for the wealth of financial acumen he gained during a distinguished business career, and how it benefited the Wauconda Fire Protection District, where he was a volunteer board trustee.

Mr. Barr, 70, of Lake Barrington, died Sunday after a lengthy battle with lung cancer. A service has been held.

Black bunting in memory of Mr. Barr hung on Wauconda Fire Protection District headquarters Thursday. He served as a trustee there for 10 years and didn't let declining health keep him from meetings, Fire Chief David Dato said Thursday.

"The utmost gentleman," Dato said in remembering Mr. Barr. "Very businesslike. A very, very knowledgeable, very worldly man."

Mr. Barr rose to become a vice president at the former Continental Bank in Chicago, where he worked from 1962 to 1975. He then used his expertise over the next 33 years to stabilize or rescue at least 20 financially ailing banks.

Dato said Mr. Barr's business experience served the fire district and its residents well.

"George used his financial knowledge for oversight," Dato said. "He was a good oversight person."

Dato said Mr. Barr became part of the tight-knit fire district family through his 10 years of service. Mr. Barr was a frequent source of interesting stories, particularly those about his trips across the world with his wife, Marianna, Dato said.