Beloved ACA International member from Michigan passed away on Nov. 15.
11/18/2022 2:00 P.M.
1.5 minute read
Bob Barden, IFCCE, age 67, from Ypsilanti, Michigan, passed away Nov. 15, 2022. Barden was president of the Ann Arbor Credit Bureau, having taken over the family business from his father. Barden retired in 2019. The company is now known as Arbor Professional Solutions.
Barden was a leader in the accounts receivable management industry, serving as 1993/94 president of the Michigan Association of Collection Agencies as well as in several other unit leadership roles.
He was extremely active within ACA International, serving on the Ethics Committee, Fair Credit Reporting Committee, and as chair of the ACPAC Committee. He earned ACA’s Scholar and Fellow designations, and his accomplishments in government affairs were recognized with an ACA Gold Beacon Award in 2000.
Growing up, Barden attended St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Ann Arbor and graduated with an associate’s degree in business from Washtenaw Community College. He married his wife, Marti, on June 12, 1982, at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Saline, Michigan.
Barden was very involved in his community, serving as president of Kiwanis, a youth support nonprofit; as a member of the Jaycees, and assisting with the Ann Arbor Blues & Jazz Festival.
Barden loved to travel and ride his motorcycle on the open road. He was an avid music lover and played guitar for decades in a local band, Stormfront. Most of all, Barden treasured the time he spent with his family and friends.
Barden is survived by his wife of 40 years, Marti Barden; his children Beth Barden, Bobby (Katie) Barden, and Jenni Barden; grandchildren Briar, Lily, Ruby, and Corabelle; his mother Marge Barden; siblings Kathy Barden, Barb (Tom) Carlson, and Mary (Rob) Perry; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Robert J. Barden, who was also an active ACA member.
If you have executive leadership updates or other member news to share with ACA, contact our communications department at [email protected]. View our publications page for more information and our news submission guidelines here.