Malcolm Barr Sr. Expresses Gratitude to Community of Friends

It was a packed house, or should we say “Museum”, for Malcolm Barr Sr.’s birthday party Monday, March 10. Friends and colleagues from near and far gathered to wish Barr a Happy 92nd both inside and outside the Virginia Beer Museum with a blast of Spring-like temperatures in the 60s cooperating to let the overflow crowd surrounding Barr and a variety of snacks packing three indoor tables in the Museum’s George Washington Room, get a breather outside.

A bartender with a birthday cake presentation, that might be a clue as to why we are here and beginning to sing. And just in case you missed what number it was, below is a clue. And further below, Mother Nature must have also been invited, bringing early Spring temperatures and sunshine with her to be enjoyed from the Museum porch. Royal Examiner Photos Roger Bianchini unless otherwise indicated.

We later asked Malcolm about the crowd of friends at the event co-organized by his son, Malcolm Junior, and Virginia Beer Museum proprietor David Downes. This is what he told us after some reflection:

“Malcolm Jr. and I were overwhelmed by the number of friends, associates, colleagues, 50-70 estimated, who came out for the party. But who could resist two hours of free food and drink?!? — Just kidding. I was honored by all of those who took time to stop by to greet me on my 92nd birthday.

Able Forces’ ‘Skip’ Rogers and HSWC Executive Director Kayla Wines toast lifelong animal advocate and birthday boy Malcolm Sr. Below, doggie guest reminds Malcolm that he directed birthday gifts to, not only the Humane Society directed Wagner Animal Shelter, but also to hungry doggie guests. – Hungry doggie photo courtesy of Steve Herman.

“Also, I thank all who took the opportunity to support the animal shelter with food, toys, cash, etc. for the cats and dogs that totaled more than a thousand dollars that were donated in lieu of birthday gifts, for which I was most appreciative.

“Thanks to the Beer Museum’s David Downes and my son for hosting. The outpouring of love and affection reduced me to tears, just temporarily! It was a delight to see so many of my friends and colleagues come out for Monday’s 92nd birthday event (3-10-25).

Birthday boy Malcolm with co-party organizers, first, Museum owner David Downes, and then Malcolm Jr., the latter as Susan O’Kelly looks on with some rowdy American revolutionaries marching over her shoulder.

“I was most honored by the personal greetings from everyone who came by. I guess I never realized how many friends I have in the Front Royal community, and I thank them all for their support of my efforts in behalf of our community. Hey, its been a fun 20 years for me and my late wife, Carol, to meet up with, socialize, and work with all of you. Thank you for your support and for your expressions of love for both of us. Upon looking back, you all have made our lives worth living! Aloha!”

Malcolm Barr Sr. and late wife Carol during their D.C. federal jobs assignment era where they met. While gone a couple years after a lengthy and brave battle with cancer, Carol’s presence at her husband and son’s side was surely felt by those who knew and loved her. Below, former AP co-worker and friend Steve Herman, recently with Voice Of America, travelled to be a part of Malcolm’s birthday celebration.

From here, we’ll let the camera do the talking as we joined the crowd in birthday wishes to our friend and colleague, and in surrounding those snack tables.

No, the ‘ship’ was not listing to starboard, just a tough camera angle for first of two photos of three of the four food tables of snacks prepared by culinary-inclined guests. And who could resist a stop or two, or however many, to help absorb the liquid refreshments.

And there were things to do for guests of all ages.