sue barber
I sent this morning’s radio broadcast out in Sue Barber’s honour.
My interview segments concerning upcoming productions from ‘Shot in the Dark’….as far back as her producing Richard Howard gigs at the Purple Lantern. Nothing beat heading out for those dinner theatre local plays. It was amazing to watch and the food was stellar. No interview will ever be the same, ever.

On Saturday night I learned of her passing. I waiting in shock till I could process this tragedy to pen a few words. Thank you for all you gave this community Sue Barber.
Here is the story on my Facebook and at Country 104.3

Lyd asked me this morning.
“You haven’t written anything about Sue Barber yet.”
I said..”I can’t do it. IT’S too damn raw…!”
You see there were so many amazingly wonderful personal stories in over 25 years knowing this delightful spirit and wonderful human being…that for one of the only times I was really at a loss for words and I didn’t know if I wanted to share some. Maybe I wanted my little bit of Sue all to my selfish self.
After seeing your heartfelt posts, I think Sue would want me to share, plus, I don’t think I can take being called an asshole from the Pearly Gates!
Over my career in radio here in the Soo. Our Sue graced my interview microphone dozens of times and I can say without fear….I lit up and the heart raced as I knew…Holy Shit, this chat is going to be close to Epic.
I would be playing a kick ass country tune..I would see her just on fire through the glass into the News Booth…smiling she was…knowing..we are going to have a freekin blast on the air.
You see I can say Barber was a gift….singer….writer…teacher…actor..producer…director and incredible friend..I loved her and told her so a short time ago in the chat..
It not only was her quick as the Road Runner Wit…Which Kept me on my toes..Gawd did it ever..but it’s the behind the scenes..back stage banter we shared that shakes me to the core today.
You see I would have my finger on the trigger on my studio board..cause my gifted friend…would Never say the same thing twice..I had to be ready with split second timing..to kill the conversation for fear we may cross that proverbial line.
…Hey I’d say,’ Sue it’s a General Admission radio show!!!!”
Sue would come to my side of the studio and smile and belly laugh….and I was peeing myself….
You can’t write this stuff…
You see all performers have this huge sense of insecurity. .’Did I do ok?’
SHE’D say, “Was it too much?? “Did I cross the line?”
I would tell her.”..Who cares!!
It was effin brilliant!!!”
SUE could make a basket weaving course a gift from God….She made people feel special….Realized their talents. …
I walked into production at work one morning .after I got off the show..I could literally feel she was being the door..She was..Knitted cap..Sporting her signature Crocs. ..Then she’d unleash that comedic lightning fast comedy on me…
See now Paul Hayes was her captive audience…
“Hey there’s trouble…..McNeice. …is here..lock and bolt all the doors!!!
‘ I saw you on Tami Ya….what an assholes you are…You sucked…Don’t quit your day gig..OMG….!!!!!”
She says “I was on Tami a witch I was…..”
Paul was ghostly white as Sue ripped me to pieces….
He was wondering “Why the Hell is McNeice laughing?”
Because Sue was on a higher playing field my friends.
I texted more than two weeks ago…Told her I loved her..And would always….I kid you not…and week went by…and I get a bling on the cell…from Sue simply saying ” Thanx “….I said “HOW are you…?”
SHE said “shitty..getting better”
I asked ‘What do the doctors say?”
‘THEY are working on it”
“That’s the best news ever!!!!”
That was August 13….and It was not to be…It was the last words I’d ever see in print from my dear friend.
Now we all sit…and recall this incredible human being whom we will all smile…get tingly all over ..warm inside….Sue.I thank you from the bottom of my heart….for giving me these accounts to share ….over and over again.
YOU will always be remembered…Forever..to me as the finest …most funny..caring..loving passionate artist the World has ever known….
I always was cognizant of our radio segments and…..how the Hell would I keep up with you. .but I didn’t have to….You took the horse speeding down the path and I was incredibly satisfied to ride in the buggy behind…
Oh how I can empathize with Aubrey your hubby and my friend at this sad, sad moment…..The void you have left can never be filled…
As I give you a high five..fist bump…a wee smile…
REMEMBER everyone…..You all have a spot in your heart….for Sue……
SHE alwayd said..”I’m too damn busy to think about dying”
NOW Sue ..Rest……IN peace.
“When we meet up yonder….We’ll stroll hand in hand again…..’
HEAVEN has just received our Beautiful Gem.. She will shake up the Big Production…
And Make em all work for it…
My condolences to my incredible musician friend..Aubrey today and in the future. ..
MISS BARBER…Your Grade..A plus…..in your case..We need to create an elevated special status….for you have set the bar…So High!!..Beyond Excellence…
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