Robert Barkin

March 24th, 2026

I met Bob when I was a police officer, Range Officer. Bob and his friends wanted to shoot on the range. So Thursday night they would come to the range. I was an instructor and shot competition a lot. Bob asked if I could draw and hit the target. Without thinking I drew and fired. The bullet hit dead center in the X. Bob was impressed, thankfully he did ask me to do it again. We were friends from then on.
Whenever I had a health problem Bob would tell me what Doctor to see. There were many. , and Bob always gave me great advice.
Bob liked Cowboy hats and boots, just like me. Bob i will see down the trail.

~William Behnke
~Friend, Terre Haute, IN

March 23rd, 2026

I worked with Bob for many years at the Skokie Pain Center. He was brilliant, insightful and so funny. I had a great time with him.

~Steven Blum
~Colleague, Skokie, IL

March 22nd, 2026

Bob lived for his family. He was also an invaluable source of drug information that I relied on often in my dental practice.
But more than anything, Bob was a character—and a lovable one.
Over 40 years ago, driving home late one night with my wife, I was pulled over by the Deerfield police. The officer had me step out of the car, put my hands on the roof, and spread my legs to be frisked. As he examined my driver’s license, he said, “Oh, your name is Funkberg.”
I replied, “No, it’s Freydberg.”
We went back and forth for a while until the officer finally said, “Your license might say Freydberg—but Barkin says it’s Funkberg.”
Bob had gotten me—through his buddy on the force.
I will miss him deeply—our joke-sharing, his professional advice, the stories about his kids, and most of all, his deep love for Diana, with whom he was inseparable.

~Barry Freydberg
~friend, IL

March 18th, 2026

I am very saddened to hear the news about Bob’s passing. He was a close family friend who became a mentor to me when I decided to pursue a career in medicine. He ultimately played a very special role during my four years of medical school at Rush, which went on to shape my career. I always appreciated his ability to lecture us as students in a manner that was very informative, entertaining , and memorable. It’s been over 25 years since I left Rush, yet I think of him often. My heartfelt sympathy to his wife Diana, daughters Stephanie and Stacey, and the rest of the Barkin family.

~Alex Horowitz
~Family Friend, Larchmont, New York

March 18th, 2026

So sorry to hear about Bob.

~Hedy Horowitz
~Cousin, Hallandale Beach, Florida

March 17th, 2026

We are so sorry to hear this sad news. Our thoughts are with Diana, Stephanie, Sydney, and family/friends. Thinking of you

~Marci
~Neighbor, Deerfield, il

March 17th, 2026

March 16, 2026

A Tribute to My Friend and Mentor, Robert Barkin

When I look back over the past 55 years, I realize how fortunate I was to have Bob Barkin as both a mentor and a dear friend.

I met Bob in 1971 when I was a freshman at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy. We worked together one night a week at a community pharmacy in Chicago. Bob took every opportunity to teach me the business of being a pharmacist. For a freshman student, the opportunity to actually fill prescriptions and learn from him was invaluable.

After my graduation, Bob helped me find a position at a retail chain pharmacy. Eighteen months later, he recommended me as his replacement at a hospital, where I worked for the next 15 years. Many years later, when my son applied to pharmacy school, Bob once again generously offered to write him a letter of recommendation.

At that time, I was the only member of my family living in the United States, so Bob and Diana represented my family at my wedding in 1976. Bob and Diana were also one of the first visitors to meet each of my three children. Years later, when I lost my oldest son in 1998, Bob and Diana gave my wife and me unwavering emotional support during one of the darkest times of our lives. Their kindness and presence meant more than words can express.

Bob was truly a giver. In the 55 years that I had the privilege of knowing him, I saw countless examples of his generosity, wisdom, and willingness to help others. He never asked for anything in return.

For more than 55 years, Bob was a steady presence in my life as a mentor, a trusted advisor, and a dear friend. He helped shape my career and my life in ways I will always remember. I will Miss him deeply.

My heartfelt condolences go to Diana and the entire Barkin family. Bob touched so many lives, and his kindness and legacy will never be forgotten.

Your friends always,
Jim, Naiyana, Robert, Anna Eursiriwan

~Jim Eursiriwan
~Friend, Northbrook, IL

March 16th, 2026

I worked with Bob at Skokie Hospital for many years. He was a fixture at our departmental meetings. I appreciated and recognized his expertise in his field of knowledge in the pharmacology of treating pain. In addition to our professional relationship, he also became a member of our motorcycle gang. And I always enjoyed his company and his stories. Collectively, our group is so sad about his passing, and we will miss him dearly.
Philippe C

~Philippe L Cochran
~Physician colleague, and fellow motorcycle rider. Part of “Breakfast with the Boys” Saturday am ritual, Highland Park

March 15th, 2026

Celebration of Life for My Dad, Robert
Before I begin, I just want to say thank you to everyone who is here today. It means so much to our family to see so many people who cared about my dad and whose lives he touched.
Today we are here to celebrate the life of my dad, Robert.
My dad was many things in life. He was hardworking, dedicated, and compassionate. But more than anything, he was a man who loved his family deeply. Family was always at the center of his life.
Growing up, I have so many fond memories of time spent with my dad. Some of the ones that stand out most are the simple moments. I remember sitting on his lap behind the steering wheel while he let me “drive.” I remember him teaching me how to ride my bike and being there with patience and encouragement.
And one memory that always makes me smile was when he kicked my two imaginary friends out of the house and told them they were never allowed to come back. Somehow… it actually worked.
That was my dad. He had a way of making ordinary moments memorable.
He also loved motorcycles and the freedom of being out on the open road. But even with the things he enjoyed, nothing ever meant more to him than his family.
He loved my mom, Diana, deeply. Their partnership and love created the foundation of our family.
And he had such a special bond with his granddaughter, Sunny.
To most people she’s Sunny, but to my dad she was always “Squiert.” She brought him so much joy and pride. The way his face lit up when he talked about her or spent time with her is something I will always remember.
My dad also believed in setting goals and working hard to achieve them. One of the things he was very proud of was reaching over 5,000 citations in his career. It was a goal he set for himself, and through dedication and determination, he accomplished it.
But when I think about my dad, what stands out the most are the times our family spent together. The conversations, the laughter, and the moments that didn’t seem extraordinary at the time but now mean everything.
My dad leaves behind a family who loves him deeply—his wife, my mom Diana; my sister Stacie; my husband Matt; our daughter Sunny; and so many others who were fortunate enough to know him.
Dad gave us so much—his love, his guidance, and memories that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.
Dad, thank you for the life you gave us and the love that will stay with us forever. We love you.

~Stephanie Barkin
~Daughter, Deerfield