Biography: Barrett Baker Vogelgesang (Barry) came quietly into this world on November 15, 1984, and left just as quietly on August 22, 2012. He is survived by his mother, Gayle Newton Nicholson and stepfather, Tyler Nicholson; his brother, Ben Vogelgesang (Kelley, nee Donovan), and his grandmother, Imogene (Jean) Ruth Vogelgesang. He was predeceased by his father, James Edward Vogelgesang, paternal grandfather (Bill Vogelgesang), and maternal grandparents (Brantley and Marguerite Newton). Barry was the most pleasant guy who ever sauntered to his own drummer. Always quick with a comeback, he was smart, clever, personable, kind and caring. He loved the common man, and sought out interaction with older people and children - because he knew they were "real." He was unimpressed with conventional society and pretty well ignored it. He loved animals for the same reasons, and was one of the founding members of the Hendrix Society of Animal Friends. Barry attended LR Public schools, graduating from Jefferson Elementary, Pulaski Heights Jr. High and Central High schools. When it was time to apply for college, Barry's counsellor warned his parents not to expect too much, in terms of college choices. Undeterred by her low expectations, Barry went to Hendrix College in Conway, being awarded a President's Scholarship on the basis of his ACT scores, graduating with a B.A. degree in four years. He achieved one of the top scores in the country that year on the Major Field Test in Sociology, a graduation requirement. Unfortunately, Barry was diagnosed with a serious digestive disease soon after graduation, and underwent a series of surgeries that in combination with his illness, left him weak and unable to sustain good health for any significant period of time. Still, he chose to remain independent, interested in life, and tried to help those around him. It was not unusual for him to pick up someone walking along a hot road and give them a lift, or take a homeless person to get a bite to eat. He loved to cook, work on computers (building and repairing), read good literature, listen to cheerful music, play board and electronic games with friends, and was a strong, insightful writer. He created his first website when he was 16, titling it "Mr. Humphrey's Page of Happiness," using his pet rat Mr. Humphrey as his inspiration. Imagine his joy on 9/20/2000 when the website won the "Worst of the Web" award for that day! The world will be a much sadder place without Barry. He made people love him, without even trying. He never sought to impress or to be impressed. He looked for the 'real" in life, and was disappointed when at times it was hard to find. We think that Barry would want to thank all of his friends, both past and present. You all made his life interesting, and bearable at times when health and life issues became too overwhelming. Thank you to his numerous doctors and nurses - especially the ones who saw him as a person, and not just another in a never-ending line of patients. We, his family, would like to thank our friends who gave and continue to give us support over the years, through constant prayers, good wishes, and encouragement. It meant so much when you asked about Barry. Don't be afraid to talk about him now. It keeps him alive in our memories and always in our hearts. Donations may be made to the Animal Rescue associations of your choice. Barry's ultimate goal was to start his own animal rescue mission, as he told his mother during a car ride, with the cd playing the Kinks' song, "On Animal Farm." She can still see his smile and head bouncing along with the music?"I want to be back there among the cats and the dogs and the pigs and the goats?" She likes to imagine that he's there now, smiling and dancing a happy jig among the laughing animals. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 3:00 PM in the chapel of Ruebel Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Collins officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at 2:00PM. Burial services will be private. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com