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Wilson C. Barnes  '54

No. 19764 • December 24, 1930 - September 9, 2012

Died: Pittsfield, MA

Cremated. Inurned at St. Joseph Cemetery, Pittsfield, MA

Wilson Clark ‘Bill’ Barnes was born in Ferndale, MI, a suburb of Detroit, and grew up in Pittsfield, MA. After graduation from Pittsfield High School in 1948, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army. Bill’s assignment was coincidentally at West Point as a member of the Hellcats—famous and accomplished musicians whose main duty was (and still is) to “wake up” the cadets each morning with a rousing military tune. During his enlistment, he applied for an appointment to the Academy and received one in 1950 from Henry Cabot Lodge. Bill became a member of Cadet Company M-2 and remained with this special group throughout his four years at the Academy. The camaraderie among those men is legendary, and Bill was part of it. Bill’s cadet academic achievements displayed strength across the board. In addition to his musical ability, demonstrated by writing and producing a 100th Night Show with Frank Sweeney, Bill managed to meet the high standards of scholarship demanded of every West Point cadet. He achieved success not only in mathematics and the sciences, but in all his humanities courses as well. He accomplished that goal with apparent ease. Military leadership came naturally to him, and it was with great pride that Bill’s M-2 company mates witnessed his rise to Cadet Captain and appointment to Battalion Commander. Couple these achievements with his full participation in the Cadet Glee Club and several other cadet clubs and view an amazingly gifted man. After graduation in 1954, Bill’s initial assignment was with the famous 11th Airborne Division in Germany, better known as “the Angels.” While still serving in Germany, he transferred to the 10th Special Forces Group in Bad Tolz. He served on active duty until 1962 and remained in the reserves until 1987, retiring as a colonel and looking to further his education and enter the private sector.

 

In addition to his B.S. from the Academy, Bill’s education included a Master of Arts in English from the University of Pennsylvania in 1962, a master’s in architecture from Harvard University in 1970, and a doctorate in construction law from the University of Central England in 2000. Bill’s professional registrations in architecture included the states of Massachusetts, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia, as well as the District of Columbia. One of Bill’s most rewarding projects was designing Saint Mark Coptic Church in Fairfax, VA.

 

Bill changed his career to education in the early 1980’s. His rapid rise from Adjunct Faculty to Assistant Professor at Florida International University was followed by an appointment to Southern Polytechnic State University (SPSU) as Professor. He then became Dean of the School of Architecture in 2001. His contributions as an educator received well-deserved recognition from the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE). He served that group

through the years in several capacities: Strategic Planning Group, Board of Trustees, Vice President and President. Bill had the courage to create a framework for leadership and changed the dynamics of educating future architects nationally and internationally. He initiated sweeping changes in curricula and programs accredited by ACCE. Bill also sat on the U.S. President’s Council for National Energy Conservation and was an advisor to the Dean of Architecture at MIT, as well as a consultant to the Arthur D. Little Corp. His awards include recognition from the American Society of Landscape Architects, Commendation from the National Endowment for the Arts, and membership in Sigma Lambda Chi (Construction Honorary Society).

 

Bill developed a reputation for an innovative curriculum and for preparing students for the realities and potential outcomes of professional life. Bill was 81 when he retired and enjoyed every new day as a special gift. The university demonstrated their sadness in losing this soldier/scholar from their ranks by flying the flag at half-staff for several days to honor him. They wished to express their respect and appreciation for his contribution to the world of academia.

 

Bill’s colleagues describe him as a quiet, soft-spoken man who listened carefully, was organized, and worked modestly behind the scenes. He was always a voice of reason. Yet the universal respect he earned from his peers was evident in his election to President of the American Council for Construction Education.

 

In June 2011 Bill was diagnosed with incurable cancer and given a few months to live. He started chemotherapy and, with a determined and positive attitude, survived for 15 months. He continued working and retired in June 2012. Bill moved back to Pittsfield where he passed away in September 2012.

 

Our tribute to Bill would be incomplete without inclusion of his beloved wife, Marilyn. Their 30 joyful years together attest to their mutual devotion. From the Plain at West Point to the halls of the university in Georgia, the loss of this soldier/scholar is clearly felt. He integrated his many gifts, lived them to the fullest, and shared his talents with us all.

 

Paul Brindle (brother-in-law)

 

Originally published in TAPS, Summer 2013

 

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