Ward Barbee 1938 -2006

It is with great regret and sadness that I announce to you the passing of a great friend, Ward Barbee. The founder and publisher of Fresh Cup Magazine , Ward was on the forefront of this third wave, of the coffee scene. He left us last Saturday while traveling in Rome with his Grandson and girlfriend Paula.

A huge advocate of quality coffee and education in the industry, Ward is responsible for bringing news of the coffee industry to the masses. His advocation for coffee went beyond Fresh Cup. He created an organization in the late 90's called NASBEV, to combat the deficiencies he found within other organizations. He also along with business partner Jan started the NASCORE trade show series, and the new Fresh Cup road show.

So, it has taken me a few days to get my head wrapped around the idea that Ward is gone, and the very few people I have spoken with about Ward, are also at a loss for words. Sure we all can share a funny story and toss about memories,but I still need to say a few things.

In 1992, I was knee deep in running several espresso carts in the south Puget Sound area. In my constant search for coffee information, I learned of Ward and his new magazine. I contacted Ward, and had a very long and interesting conversation, about coffee and business. I had just started Espresso Cart Parts Northwest and needed a vehicle to advertise my new business. Fresh Cup was that vehicle and Ward was the driver.

One day,Ward, called me to let me know about a trade show in Los Angeles, that he said would help me get started, so off to LA I went. I had a photo copied catalog sheet of my product offerings,a sample of my water pump system for carts with me and the determination of a new business owner.

Ward told me to meet him at the show, and so I did. It was funny, because I had never been to a show of this magnitude, as it was in three buildings! The great thing was that after walking into the first building, I heard someone call out my name. It was Ward with his cart full of magazines. Amazing that he found me, or that I found him, or what ever that was, but it was truly the way Ward was, a little mysterious and sorta funny.

So off we went schlepping magazines and racks to who ever would take them, and introducing ourselves to who ever would listen. Ward made me a terrific espresso on a Victoria Arduino espresso machine and showed me that sugar does float on the crema of a well pulled shot. As it turned out the show was a success for both Espresso Parts, and Fresh Cup, and the beginning of a long friendship.

Ward, inspired me to write for Fresh Cup. It was a great honor to see my articles published in his magazine, to be sure, and it has lead me other opportunities in the publishing world as well. More than once Ward proof read his magazine while traveling, and would call me to let me know that he "Fixed" the typos in my adds! Good stuff I tell ya.

I remember helping letter the side of Fresh Cup World Headquarters. HQ was always a large custom Ford van, with a plush interior, sporting all the latest gadgets, that's the kind of guy Ward was. It was always a Ford, but both he and I knew it should have been a VW ;-)

Over the years, Ward was a great supporter of my business ventures and I of his. We often bounced ideas off each other, and as friend do, got angry with each other. The first time he got mad at me, I clearly remember thinking to myself " This guy really cares about me" Ha, it was true. Of course as friendships go things change, times pass, and we get busy and go about our lives. Ward and I kept in touch throughout the year and of course always at trade events.

Speaking of trade events, this is where Ward Shined the brightest. Always one to attract attention, whether it be the Blond hair, the T shirts with suit coats or those damn ruby slippers, Ward was the life of the coffee trade show circuit for sure.

Ward always said, " Hey let's go fishing!" yet we never did. I guess my biggest regret, is that in all the years I knew Ward, I did not take the opportunity to spend this time with him. Not that I didn't want to, I simple did not take the time to. Geez, and now what?

Coffee is what I do, day in and day out. Ward lived this as well. The difference is that Ward knew how to take the time to enjoy the coffee and his time here with us. I know that time is a precious thing. I have seen allot this year, and I'm doing my best to not put off the things that really matter, like spending time with friends and family. Something I seem to continually learn from my friends.

I wish Ward and I had gone fishing, I really do. I'm going to miss him, but I will always remember him as well.

Peace Ward, Peace.