Got an email from my dad the other day about one of the "old Guard" surveyors in the Mid-Hudson Valley. Growing up he was one of the names that you saw on just about every project being researched. I personally never met him.
From the Poughkeepsie Journal:
Richard G. Barger
Wappingers Falls - Richard G. Barger, 79 a lifelong resident of Wappingers Falls passed away peacefully, Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at his residence .
Born in Poughkeepsie, on November 24, 1933, he was the son of the late Fred and Helen Linser Barger. Richard earned his Bachelor's Degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and was a successful self employed Engineer and Land Surveyor. He proudly served in the U.S. Army at Fort Brag in Fayetteville, NC.
Richard enjoyed pitching for softball and became inducted in the Dutchess County Fast Pitch Hall of Fame.He enjoyed playing golf, traveling and spending time with his family.
When I first started out, I remember the three major firms in the Mid-Hudson Valley (at least working out of Poughkeepsie) were Milton Chazen Associates, Hayward & Pakan and Barger & Rusk (Russ?).
I remember constantly running into their crews, or working off monuments in their subdivisions. Sorry to say, most of those who were in business when I started out are gone.