We regret to report the passing of Kleenstrike UK’s Donald “Don” Barker, aged 77 after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer.
Don and Laura Started their Kleenstrike business in 1983 refilling/reloading ribbon cassettes or assembling them from new with freshly inked ribbon. The emergence of laser and then inkjet printers saw their business grow. Don’s engineering background was the cornerstone of Kleen Strike and there was nothing Don wouldn’t tackle.
Laura may have been the Voice and the ‘frontman’ of the Company, but Don’s engineering background, ingenuity and ability to understand a problem and solve it was its foundation and skills he successfully transferred to the Kleenstrike team.
Don was diagnosed with cancer seventeen years ago and bravely fought it with one therapy after another and remained active in the company until recently.
Don passed away peacefully at Manchester’s Christies hospital on the 16 August with Laura, his partner and Allistair his son at his bedside.
From one customer – “his wry sense of humour was wonderful and he was always a gentleman”.
Our sincere condolences to Laura, Allistair and all at Kleenstrike.