The Aftermarket Loses Donald Barker of UK’s Kleen Strike

On August 16, the industry lost one of its heroes when Don Barker, age 77, passed away at home in Rochdale, England. His partner of 35 years, Laura Heywood, was by his side, along with his family.  Barker battled cancer for 17 years.  Heywood reported that he died as he had lived, quietly and peacefully.

Barker and Heywood launched Kleen Strike, an imaging supplies remanufacturing concern, more than 34 years ago.  It was Barker’s expertise and organizational skills that allowed Kleen Strike to evolve and flourish.  His stoic demeanor was offset by his keen sense of humor.

The full tribute, written by RT Media’s and I-ITC’s Tricia Judge, will appear in the next edition of the Recycling Times magazine.