Barry Scribner, R.I.P.

Barry Lee Scribner (June 23, 1952–February 6, 2023) was my uncle and godfather. Sadly, he died today at the age of 70.

Dr. Scribner graduated from Fergus Falls Senior High School in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, in 1970. After high school, he earned a B.S. in engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point. Lastly, he earned a Ph.D. in public economics from Harvard University.

Early in his career, he taught economics and was the director of the Office of Economic and Manpower Analysis (O.E.M.A.) for the United States Military Academy at West Point. At the time of his death, he was president of JLL’s Department of Defense and federal services.


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7 responses to “Barry Scribner, R.I.P.”

  1. Patrick Johnson, Col (ret) USAF Avatar
    Patrick Johnson, Col (ret) USAF

    I roomed with Barry for a month during summer training at West Point. We got along well and I enjoyed our short friendship. We graduated from the USMA in 1974. I’m sorry to hear of his passing and offer my condolences to his family.

  2. Herman M. Winkels Jr. Avatar
    Herman M. Winkels Jr.

    May he rest in peace. A brilliant mind. Was in debate with him, though a more junior class man. Sympathies to Becky and the rest of his family.

  3. Mike Connors Avatar
    Mike Connors

    I served with Barry many years ago in the 2nd Cav. To this day, he remains one of my favorite people of all time. He was an amazing combination of personality, intellect and wit. He had a unique ability to interact with anyone whether it be a general, academic or lowly private. I recently reconnected with him by phone after many years and was looking forward to meeting him in person. We were shocked to learn of his death and our condolences go out to Becky and the family. I will be telling “Scrib” stories until the day I die. We will miss him!

  4. Randy Overton Avatar
    Randy Overton

    I worked for Col Scribner in the Dept of Soc Sci/OEMA and truly enjoyed having him as a boss. I learned a lot from both him and Col Tom Fagan. he was always positive and upbeat. When I retired and got my first job in indurty, I sat with him over lunch in the Pentagon, to get his advice. It is through their mentoring, that I was able to succeed in my current career. It was a shock to hear Col Scribner had passed. As I watch the video of him dancing on YouTube, it brought tears to my eyes. Rest in Peace Sir!

  5. Charkes Barr Avatar
    Charkes Barr

    Today, 23 December 2023, I received a Christmas card from my former Headquarter & Headquarters Troop (HHT) Commander, Michael P. Connors. I was very surprised to learn from Mike’s letter that Colonel Barry Scribner had died in February. Barry and I served together as Platoon Leaders in the 2d Armored Cav Regiment in 1975/76 in Bamberg, Germany. We hit it off right away when Barry arrived at 2/2 ACR. He was a West Point grad and I was ROTC from the Univ of NE. Barry was a short guy. I’m very tall. I suppose the troops called us Mutt and Jeff behind our backs. He was a great platoon leader and got along well with his Soldiers and Sergeants. He was a well-liked officer. I kept in touch with him over the years as he served in the active army and I went back to the farm but stayed in the active reserves. Barry’s parents, Lee and Elaine and his brother Rod, came to Germany to visit Barry while we were stationed there. His dad would stop by my farm in Nebraska on his travels with his job and when he visited his sister in nearby Falls City, NE. We were lifelong friends with Barry’s parents after that. Barry was a smart man and I knew he was a star cadet at USMA from what other USMA classmates of Barry told me. He wore a star on his uniform sleeve as a cadet that denoted academic excellence. After I departed the 2d Cavalry in Bamberg, Barry stayed on and was selected for company command as a lieutenant, a rare thing in the mid-70’s. He was on the “fast track” as a junior Army officer and was asked to teach at West Point. I was surprised to learn from Barry that he retired from the Army after being selected for promotion to Colonel. He told me he “got and offer he couldn’t refuse.” That was typical Barry. He was witty and personal. He enjoyed a good bottle of Wild Turkey when the mission was complete. It seems that my wife, Marsha, was able to meet Becky and Barry at Fort Leavenworth, KS when he was there for an Army course. We served a lot of months in different cavalry troops in the 2/2 ACR, Barry in F Troop and I in G Troop next door. We pulled a lot of duty on the Iron Curtain border between East and West Germany in those Cold War days. “Only the Shadow Knows” was one of Barry’s famous sayings throughout our squadron. One of his good friends and fellow USMA classmates was Jimmy Hogan, who served in an Infantry Battalion “across the street” in Warner Barracks in Bamberg. I am sorry I did not know of Barry’s death. Barry was a great American patriot whose service to our nation will not be forgotten, as his grave will be noticed by many in Arlington National Cemetery. Our sincere condolences to Becky and Barry’s children as they mourn his loss. May Barry rest in peace in God’s eternal kingdom, saved by the grace of Jesus Christ who paid for our sins on the Roman cross of torture. I’ll see you in Fiddler’s Green again someday, Barry Lee Scribner. Once Cav, Always Cav. Toujours Pret!!! Very respectfully, Charles J. Barr, Major General, U.S. Army, Retired.

  6. Patrick Moran Avatar
    Patrick Moran

    Just saw this. Barry got me interested in economics while I was a cadet. His passion tremendously helped me become passionate about Econ and led me to success in life.

  7. Anthony Guzzi Avatar
    Anthony Guzzi

    The then Major Scribner, was a wonderful teacher and role model for me as a cadet, he was brilliant and made hard work fun, he stimulated intellectual curiousity, great guy

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