Jack Barbash

Jack E. Barbash, 58, of Vashon, Wash., died Sept. 7, 2015. He lived in South Orange and Short Hills before moving to Vashon 17 years ago.

Mr. Barbash spent 24 years as a groundwater specialist and research chemist with the U.S. Geological Survey.

He graduated from Millburn High School and Harvard University. He received post-graduate degrees from Harvard, University of Waterloo, and Stanford University.

He was a member of Vashon Maury Island Community Council and Vashon Maury Island Land Trust and founder of Vashon Forest Stewards and The Alliance for Tompotika Conservation, a nonprofit established to protect habitat and endangered species in Indonesia.

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He was a pianist and a member of a number of bands. He was a frequent volunteer musician for Vashon Community Care.

Predeceased by his father, Ira Barbash, he is survived by his wife, Kathryn Sposato; his mother, Eleanor Barbash (Herb) Berman of Morristown; a sister, Laurie Barbash of Scottsdale, Ariz.; and a brother, Andrew Barbash of Rockville, Md.

Arrangements were handled by Island Funeral Services, Vashon. Memorial contributions may be made to The Alliance for Tompotika Conservation, 21416 86th Ave. SW, Vashon, WA 98070.