By TIM KELLY
When Dennis Noble passed away recently, Zack Barr lost more than his assistant.
“Because of the man Dennis was, a friendship blossomed,” said Barr, 35, of Ocean City, who has cerebral palsy.
The 56-year-old Noble was killed in a motorcycle accident in late April when his Harley-Davidson veered off Route 9 in Upper Township and struck a utility pole. Since then, a huge void has existed in Zack’s life.
“I’m a social person,” Zack said. “I like to get out and about. Dennis would show up on time. He was reliable. He would get me where I wanted to go.”
The two quickly forged a bond based on Zack’s sociability and love of pro sports, and Dennis’ selflessness. He lived not far from Zack, and would show up at a moment’s notice in times of need large or small.
After about a year and a half of service, the relationship had grown to a point the pair would chat every day.
“Dennis would call me all the time,” said Zack. “It didn’t matter if he was working that day or not. He would just call and we’d chat.”
Sometimes it would be to discuss the logistics of getting Zack to an event or a doctor’s appointment. But more often it would be about life in general or about the teams Zack cheers for – the Phillies, Lakers and Cowboys (sorry, Eagles fans).
“We would bust each other’s chops and laugh and enjoy each other’s company,” Zack recalled.
As the shock of Dennis’ death began to fade and the grief subsided a bit, Zack realized the business side of their relationship needed replacing.
“I don’t like the word caregiver. I don’t need one,” he said. “I prefer the word assistant.”
The applicant “does not have to have a caregiver’s certification. I tell people what I need is for somebody to show up on time, get me where I’m going and to be my ‘arms and legs,’” Zack explained.
Zack lives on Roosevelt Boulevard with his brother Bob, an Ocean City councilman, and his mom, Sue.
“I think they turned out OK,” Sue said of her sons with a smile. “They’re healthy and they’re happy. Unfortunately, they have some physical challenges. They have not allowed that to slow them down.”
Since Dennis’ passing, Zack’s best friend of 24 years, Brian Leatherwood, has tried his best to help his buddy get around. But Leatherwood works as the assistant to Bob Barr, who also has cerebral palsy. The demands of that job won’t always allow Brian to assist both brothers.
Thus, the Barrs are issuing an open call for any male interested in becoming Zack’s new assistant. A male is required, he said, for safety and relational reasons.
“Sometimes, language may go along the lines of being a little rough, and the physical strength required can be more suited for a man,” Bob said. “There really are a multitude of reasons why Zack is more comfortable with a guy.”
Anyone interested in the job should call Bob Barr at 609-703-0750.
“I’m not looking for anyone (to feel the pressure of) replacing Dennis as a friend,” Zack explained. “You can never replace losing a good friend. All I’m really looking for is getting to places on time and getting physical help when needed. Maybe it can grow into its own friendship.”
