Ivie "Mike" Barber, also known as “Pep” to family and friends, passed away at his home, surrounded by family, while under the care of Hospice of Eastern Idaho.

Mike was born May 1, 1962, in Portsmouth, Virginia, to Marlowe and Colleen Barber. He was the youngest of three children, preceded by his sister, Karen, and brother, Paul. He spent his early years in Newport News, Virginia, where he formed lifelong friendships and cherished many fond memories of childhood adventures, including riding bikes with friends and siblings and swimming at the Windsor Great Park neighborhood pool. Family vacations to Florida were among his favorite memories.

From a young age, Mike showed remarkable talent and passion in gymnastics, excelling in the sport and earning numerous blue ribbons. He also developed a love for English-style horseback riding, competing with his horse, Bernie, and earning many ribbons.

Art, however, was Mike’s greatest passion. Beginning in elementary school, his natural talent quickly became evident. Over the years, drawing became central to his identity. Though he sold his work professionally at times, Mike most often chose to gift his artwork to family and friends, leaving behind treasured pieces that will be cherished for years to come.

Mike graduated from Pointe Option Alternative High School in 1980. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Idaho, where his family had relocated, and later settled in Salt Lake City, Utah. While there, he pursued his education in the arts, earning three associate degrees and completing the Graphic Design Program at Salt Lake Community College.

Mike loved living in downtown Salt Lake City, where he enjoyed the nearby mountains, walks through the canyons, visits to museums, symphony performances, and attending Mass in Catholic cathedrals. Mike was a kind and generous man, his sister recalls him often giving to people in need, even during times when he himself had very little.

Later in life, Mike returned to Idaho Falls to help care for his aging parents. His faith remained an important part of his life, and he found comfort attending Mass at Holy Rosary and Christ the King, often alongside his mother.

Mike had a remarkable memory, his love of sharing funny stories and memories that some had forgotten provided many laughs at family gatherings. Mike loved music, especially jazzy soul and Catholic hymns. He admired artists such as Bonnie Bramlett and Etta James and would often mention how he wished he could sing. He also had a well-known fondness for Hershey’s chocolate, which never failed to bring a smile to his face.

Mike never married or had children but deeply cherished his role as “Uncle Pep” to his nieces and nephews, as well as his great-nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his sister, Karen Smith; his brother, Paul (Linda) Barber; his niece, Nichole Hernandez; his nephews, Blake Smith, Jason Barber, and Troy Barber; and seven great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marlowe and Colleen Barber.