Frank Lee Barney
Frank Lee Barney
Frank Lee Barney (Sherman, NY), artist, visionary, teacher, and founder of Brushwood Folklore Center died peacefully at home Jan. 5, 2021, surrounded by family, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was a creative, kindhearted, and passionate man who meant so much to so many. He was married to the love of his life, Darlene for 61 years and they had a daughter, Teresa who has been helping them for many years.
Frank was born in 1940, in Erie, Pa., the son of Frank Robert Barney and Beatrice (Harned) Barney. He graduated from Sherman Central School in 1958 and later served on the Board of Education for 14 years. He was raised as a farmer and went on to receive an associate’s degree from Alfred Ag and Tech, a bachelors degree from Indiana University (Blooming, Ind.) and a Master’s of Fine Arts from the University of Kansas. Early in his life, he drew farm homesteads and newspaper cartoons, taught art and hunter safety classes. Frank was a man of many talents and was always creating with his hands. His artistic talents included drawing, painting, calligraphy, photography, jewelry making, and hand engraving. He had a wonderful mind and was a voracious reader of history, art, philosophy, civics, and religion. He was a great storyteller and loyal friend to many, always willing to give a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on or a kick in the butt, whatever was needed.
Frank and his wife founded Brushwood Folklore Center in 1970 which became one of his greatest accomplishments. Originally founded as a place for artists to live and refine their craft, Brushwood evolved into a sanctuary for the open mind and campground welcoming thousands each year. Brushwood continues today, encouraging creativity and spiritual growth in a community setting. Frank’s beautiful spirit continued to show throughout his illness. He and his family are incredibly grateful to the many aides who cared of him throughout the years so he could remain at home in the cabin he built.
He is survived by his wife, Darlene Robinson Barney; daughter, Teresa (Dave) Guzman, grandson, Max Guzman. and his sister, Edith (Charles) Stansbury. all of Sherman, N.Y.; his brother, James Barney (Theresa Duello) of Madison, Wis.; his nieces: Jill (Steve) Hejza of Gowanda, N.Y., and Tina (Ian) Williams of Harborcreek, Pa.; his nephews: Richard (Annaliza) Barney of Westfield, N.Y., and Fredrick Barney of Ripley. N.Y.; as well as many grandnieces and grandnephews.
A celebration of life will be sometime this summer.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his name to the Stanley Hose Company or Brushwood Folklore Center, Sherman, N.Y.
Arrangements by David J. Dengler, Spitzer Funeral Home, Sherman, N.Y.