Art Barab passed away on March 6, 2025, in Sudbury, Massachusetts, after a lengthy bout with dementia. He was born in Syracuse, New York, on June 1, 1942, to Max and Dorothy Barab, and attended Cornell University before moving to California, where he spent his entire adult life, save for a stint in the United States Military in Lucca, Italy, in the early 1960s.
Art spent 30 years as a letter carrier In San Francisco and then retired to the natural beauty of Humboldt County. Art deeply appreciated Humboldt’s fabulous redwood groves. He was also an avid fan of the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, where he served as a docent for many years. Art had a passion for history, which he indulged through volunteer and professional work as an archivist at the Clarke Historical Museum, where he staged several exhibits.
Art loved photography, capturing the dramatic coast of Humboldt Bay, local birds and animals, abandoned factories and warehouses, and interesting tombstones in Ferndale’s cemetery. He was especially proud of photographic exhibits staged at the Clarke Museum and other sites, where his work was widely admired.
He also had a great love of cats, and was fortunate to spend his last years in Arcata with Pruna, and a sizable menagerie of other felines. As his need for care intensified, Art moved to a memory care facility in Sudbury to be near his relatives. He is survived by his sister Faye Kline, niece and nephew, JoAnn and Mark Kline, niece Penny Kline, and nephew James Kline, as well as several great nieces and one great nephew.
Please remember Art as you enjoy the Humboldt Coast. His heart and soul will always be there. His family has designated Humboldt Humane Critters Without Litters, in Fortuna, California, for any donations in his honor.
This article appears in 10 Foliies Anniversary.