By Pattie Stechschulte
Editor’s note: Today’s Chiropractic, recognizing the legacy of doctors
who have influenced our profession, will feature some of the past leaders and
visionaries of chiropractic in each issue in our Profiles in Chiropractic section.
The goal is to let you, our reader, learn a little more about the people who
have shaped our profession
During his life, Fred Barge, D.C., made tremendous contributions throughout
his professional and personal life because he touched so many people across
so many realms.
He was a well-known lecturer, teacher and writer who advanced the chiropractic
philosophy and gave his time with students or chiropractors because he enjoyed
giving back to the profession that had given so much to him.
For many years, he wrote an interesting column for Today’s Chiropractic
magazine that served to motivate chiropractors and explore the chiropractic
philosophy.
“Like chiropractic itself, Fred was unique and I doubt if we’ll
ever see another like him,” describes Terry Rondberg, D.C. “His
dedication to chiropractic philosophy made his name nearly synonymous with subluxation-based
chiropractic. He never wavered, never compromised.”
He went on to say that when Barge served on the World Chiropractic Alliance
board, Rondberg told him that, “He was the one who would always make sure
we never strayed from our purpose. He’ll always be right here with us,
making sure we do the right thing.”
As his one daughter, Patricia Berkley, tenderly says, “He was an incredible
chiropractor and philosopher, but even a better father. He put every ounce of
energy into everything he did.”
Even though she remembers her childhood being very busy—attending numerous
chiropractic conferences and lectures—her father always spent quality
time with his wife, Audrey, and his three daughters, Patricia, Amy and Sally.
When she was old enough, Patricia followed in her father’s footsteps to
become a chiropractor just as her father followed his father, Henry Barge.
“He never pressured me. He just guided us in everything we did,”
she adds.
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the age of 70, Barge recently passed away on July 2 at his home in
LaCrosse, Wisc., from a heart attack. He is survived by his wife,
Audrey, and two daughters, Sally Barge Rusak, C.T., and Patricia Barge
Berkley, D.C., besides 10 grandchildren. His third daughter, Amy Barge,
preceded him in death. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in
his name to Palmer College of Chiropractic or the International Chiropractors
Association.
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