MIKE BARBIS WAS OUR HERO
The Rowayton Civic Association would like to honor and thank a man who devoted his life to making Rowayton thrive. A selfless leader, neighbor, father, civil servant and friend, whose dedication to the well-being of Rowayton, the Sixth Taxing district, and all of Norwalk will far outlive his physical presence.
Mike fought for our kids without any agenda other than making our schools-- and all that they provide -- accessible to students of all abilities and backgrounds. He spent a decade on the Norwalk Board of Education, fighting to preserve and grow the greatness of our school system. He remained an active advocate at the highest levels, even long after his son had graduated, probably because he considered all of us -- and all of Rowayton -- family too.
We are forever grateful for his leadership as Commissioner of the Sixth Taxing District. He represented all of us, and our varying viewpoints, with determination and patience, and yes -- even humor. The amount of work he put into this role is often overlooked but we appreciate it and will not forget it. Time spent updating Facebook and NextDoor to let us all know when a garbage day had changed due to a holiday or a reminder to shovel your sidewalks was second nature to him. We looked to him for leadership and endless historical knowledge of issues in our town. He was the original champion of getting the big trucks off our streets, making town safer for everyone. He spent countless hours in town meetings making sure that 06853 was recognized and heard. It didn’t hurt that he had such a distinctive and booming voice.
He suited up and rushed to our homes when fires or other disasters threatened his neighbors. He fundraised, grilled hotdogs, and recruited to make our Rowayton Volunteer Fire Department the undeniable gift that it is to our town. But, of course above all, along with his brothers in the Company, he risked his life for us. Thank you.
When the pandemic threatened lives and livelihoods, he was a steady hand working to keep everyone safe. He offered the RCA counsel on our events, and advice on how we could still proceed, and best support the community -- he always looked for ways to fight for those who needed fighting for.
He was the consummate partner, ensuring that the Sixth Taxing District and the RCA were always in lockstep. Mike served on the RCA in the early 2000’s, a stunt that many say ignited his passion for community service. He was our “go-to” for questions -- and favors -- around the clock. He always listened. He never judged. He was often the most experienced, and yet the most humble person in the room. As our president, Heather Drstvensek, recalled, “he would call me to give advice -- or to ask for it. And that made him the most likeable person.”
He made us all feel welcome. Whether he helped us land in this special town in his role as a real estate agent, or simply greeted us at town events once we were here, he set an example of kindness -- a trademark of Rowayton. Because it was a trademark of Mike Barbis.
He spent his last night with us, celebrating 100 years of the 6TD and bidding farewell to summer, a summer which, tragically and unexpectedly, would be his last. On that now-fateful Sunday evening, from the stage his booming voice spoke of our shared history, and his infectious smile made us all feel at home and grateful as the sun set on Bayley Beach.
Finally, he made us laugh. As we work to heal our breaking hearts, and look for ways to honor his memory, we will all remember that all he ever really wanted us to do was just show up; work hard, fight for a “yes” for Rowayton, and, above all, keep smiling.
Thank you, Mike Barbis, for sharing your incomparable life with us.
With Heavy Hearts,
The RCA Board
