We’ve lost one of our own

Bob Barci, one of SBS’ finest salesreps for the past 12 years, lost his battle with stomach cancer on Wednesday, April 4th. Bob was 60 years old.

In the Northwest, Barci is well known for his many passions. Whether it was surfboards, photography, skating, snowboarding, cars, or his work, he took on his interests with unbelievable enthusiasm and always at full throttle.

Bob Barci got his start in the bike industry in the early 70’s, helping out his good friend and highschool pal Wally Parcels at Sunshine Bicycles on Orcas Island, on the weekends.

By 1974, they opened the first BIKEFACTORY in Lynnwood, which soon introduced their own brand of folding bike; the PortaBike. For the next 20 years, Bob and Wally operated BikeFactory; and made it one of the Seattle area’s premiere bike and skate shops during the thriving 80’s.

Also during this time, Barci was an instrumental figure in the earliest days of snowboarding. The legendary Mt. Baker Banked Slalom race was Bob’s brain child—as shown in the 2006 snowboard documentary, titled “Platinum.”

In 1995, Barci joined Seattle Bike Supply, where he assisted his customers in more ways than one throughout the next 12 years. In 2002, Bob was awarded the prestigious “Employee of the Year” and “Salesman of the Year” by SBS.

Between his love for work, Barci was actively and constantly involved with the Ski Patrol and his car club. His collection of Subaru’s and a replica AC Cobra have been shown at many car shows around the Northwest.

Bob is survived by his wife Nancy. Friends of Bob have been showing their support and are sharing their best memories on the Bob Barci blog – http://bobbarci.blogspot.com