As part of a family that included 19 chiropractors, Frederick H. Barge graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1954 with not only the doctor of chiropractic degree, but an additional doctorate: the coveted Philosopher of Chiropractic (PhC). He performed postgraduate work at Logan College of Chiropractic and interned with chiropractic pioneers B.J. Palmer, Clarence Gonstead and his father, Henry Barge, before opening his own practice in La Crosse in 1957. That year, he also married Audrey Thompson, a union that lasted until his passing.
In 1962, Dr. Barge returned to Palmer as a continuing education faculty member; in 1989, he became a visiting professor at the college's division of chiropractic sciences; and in 1998, he joined Palmer's philosophy department as a special advisor to the president's office. He also maintained visiting faculty status at New York Chiropractic College; Life Chiropractic College West; Logan Chiropractic College; and Life University, and was a guest lecturer at the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse for 15 years.
A prolific writer, Dr. Barge authored nine books, including Wryneck and Giant vs. Pygmy + Thots. He also was published in several journals and was a regular columnist for Today's Chiropractic, The Beacon and the ICA Review. In 1992, shortly after ending a six-month term as acting president of Life West, he began writing for Dynamic Chiropractic (which he described as "where the profession goes to get the news"), signing off each column with his familiar "Enuf Said!" Dr. Barge also was known for his frequent use of the term "thots" in writing and conversation.
Dr. Barge also is credited with the invention of a line of cervical technique chairs, a cervical adjusting pillow, and the Barge Tortipelvis Bench. He held patents on a reclining radiographic table and a full-spine adjusting apparatus.
Commenting on Dr. Barge's passing, Palmer President Guy Riekeman, DC, said, "Chiropractic has lost a warrior and Palmer has lost a prince." The school's flag was flown at half-mast in observance of Dr. Barge's passing, and a floral tribute was displayed at the Palmer Hall of Philosophers in his memory.
Dr. Barge's influence was multigenerational, noted Vickie Palmer, chair of the Palmer Board of Trustees: "We have lost a great friend and a legendary presence at Palmer. My father, Dr. David Palmer, valued his friendship with Dr. Barge very much.... No doubt he is now enjoying conversations with the other great chiropractic philosophers who preceded him in heaven."
Working closely with Dr. Barge in his last days was ICA President C.J. Mertz, DC: "Dr. Barge was always one of my heroes. I was somewhat in awe of him and very proud and honored to have him run with me in the recent ICA elections. His wisdom and his vision for the future of chiropractic was an inspiration. The profession and the ICA have lost a great and wonderful person, but his spirit will always be with us, because Fred was larger than life. He may be gone, but he will not be forgotten."
ICA Past President Bob Braile, DC, recalled one of many "Bargisms," from his contemporary: "We affectionately referred to each other by the presidential numbers we both held in the ICA. I would often get a phone call that started with 'Greetings, number 11,' to which I would reply, 'Greetings, number nine.'"
"The world is much better having had a Fred Barge," added Dr. Braile. "And my own life is much better having known Fred Barge."
Among his many activities outside the ICA, Dr. Barge was a member of the national advisory board of the National Back Foundation, and was named a director of the campaign board for the Republican National Committee in 1991. His professional life was highlighted with several awards, including the Daniel David Palmer Chiropractic Scientific Award (1977); a fellowship in the Palmer Academy of Chiropractic (1986); ICA Chiropractor of the Year (1991), and recipient of the association's Lifetime Service Award; Faculty of the Year Award from Palmer (2000); and the Faculty Achievement Award from the Palmer College of Chiropractic International Alumni Association.
Dr. David Koch, vice president for professional and international affairs at Palmer, spent a great deal of time with Dr. Barge over the final two years of his life, and remembered him as a man "for whom retirement was not an option."
"Why would he retire from doing the things he so loved to do? Fred embraced life to the fullest, and knew that this is what chiropractic is truly about: living your own life on your own terms. The best way we can honor his life is to carry on with his work, which is truly our own work - of bringing chiropractic to the whole world."
Dr. Barge is survived by his wife; two daughters: Sally Barge Rusak, CT, and Patricia Barge Berkley, DC; and 10 grandchildren. A third daughter, Amy Barge, preceded him in death.
The sudden loss of the newly elected ICA vice president leaves the organization's executive board with an unexpected void. According to ICA Executive Director Ron Hendrickson, DC, the board will elect a new vice president to fill the remainder of the term. No specific date for the election of the new executive board member has been set as of press time, and as Dr. Hendrickson was quick to note, "Dr. Barge is an impossible individual to replace."
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