Remembering Bernie Barribeau (1945-2023)

OSHKOSH, Wis.- Bernie Barribeau, who competed for the UW-Oshkosh football team and officiated countless athletic contests across the country, passed away Wednesday, June 14 at the age of 77.

Barribeau played defensive back for the Titans, earning All-WIAC Honorable Mention recognition in 1966 and helping Oshkosh to a 6-3 record and a third-place conference finish in 1967. He remained involved with the UW-Oshkosh Athletics Department after graduating, assisting in the fundraising efforts for the UW-Oshkosh Final Four Extravaganza Party, which raised nearly $270,000 for UW-Oshkosh Athletics from 1992 to 2019. He also sold apparel to the athletics department through his business, J&B Sporting Goods.

Barribeau started his officiating career as a college freshman, officiating a high school varsity basketball game in Beaver Dam. Across his 60-year career, he officiated men's and women's basketball, baseball, football, softball, and volleyball, including countless WIAC contests. His career highlight was officiating NCAA Division I men's and women's basketball in the Big Ten, Big Eight and SEC. In 2022, the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association honored Barribeau for his years of service as an official by inducting him into its Hall of Fame.

Barribeau was born July 22, 1945, in Oconto. He attended Oconto High School, where he was a standout athlete in basketball, football, and track. After high school he enrolled at UW-Oshkosh, majoring in education. He took a brief break from college when he was drafted into the United States Army, serving from 1969 to 1971. During his time in the military, Barribeau was able to officiate AAU and armed service games while stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash. After he concluded his service, he returned to UW-Oshkosh and graduated in 1973. He then went on to play for the Manitowoc Chiefs, a semi-professional football team.

Barribeau's true pride and joy was the family he built. He married Laurie (Seckar) in Lake Tahoe, Nev., on April 3, 1979, and they were married 44 years. Together, he and Laurie raised three daughters. He enjoyed traveling with his family, golfing, fishing, landscaping, and watching any sporting event, especially when it involved cheering on his three grandchildren.

Visitation and Mass will be held Monday, June 19. Visitation at St. Raphael the Archangel Church (830 South Westhaven Drive - Oshkosh) begins at 9:30 a.m. until the time of the 11 a.m. service.

Memorials: All monies received will be donated to Father Carr's Place 2B Mother Teresa Center. Barribeau enjoyed delivering meals on Thanksgiving Day with his girls. He loved donating his time to those in need.

Barribeau's obituary can be found here.