"Because of domestic and international duties he didn't play a hell of a lot for us," said the 68-year-old who has fond memories of Crowe occasionally visiting the family home in Taradale for a meal and red wine.
He said it wasn't unusual for Bay fans to flock to the training nets just to watch New Zealand's most elegant and wristy batsman smash countless number of balls.
Barbour said Crowe and fellow former Central Districts batsman Scott Briasco, also a Taradale player, often helped coach club members.
"Marty's energy in the practice nets saw up to 50 players turn up for training some nights because we used to have five teams."
Crowe's signing here was the collaboration between the then HB Cricket chairman, the late Ken Hawker, a former editor of the defunct Daily Telegraph, ex-Auckland rep John Whiltshire, who now lives in Hamilton, and Crowe's manager, Darryl Sambel.
Barbour, who also was on the club committee, said Crowe had a job as house master at Lindisfarne College in Hastings where he was provided free accommodation for three seasons but during that period he coached pupils as well.
Crowe took a shine to The Station Napier Old Boys' Marist, scoring two centuries against them - 107 in 1986-87 and 141 in 1989-90.
"The 141 was the most glorious innings I ever saw. He attacked the bowling from ball one," he said of Crowe who made countless 50s between innings.
One day he had missed his flight to Auckland so he played in a 50-over match.
"We were, for the want of a better word, in the shits," said Barbour, who was hanging tough on the crease at No 5 when Crowe took his mark at No 6.
"I ended up getting 100 and he got 50 with just a few overs left to go."
Crowe's funeral will be held on Friday next week.
A CD delegation, with Briasco, will attend.
