Dean Martin Barrett's Obituary
Dean Martin Barrett was born to Phyllis and Dean at Madigan Army Hospital on August 20, 1951. After a short illness, Marty passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2008.
Growing up in Tacoma, a few of his interests included music, sports, and working on cars with his dad and brother. Marty graduated from Lincoln High School in 1969. After graduation, he joined the Navy, where he was a fire control technician on a LST. During this time, he was also taking a correspondence course in electronics. Through this he found his career choice. He just seemed to have a knack for finding the problem and fixing anything mechanical or electronic. His sons' friends often called Marty "Mr. Wizard." For the past 25+ years he has worked for Tacoma Public Utilities in the communication shop. He truly loved the work he did there and the people he worked with.
Marty met his wife, Sue, in high school. He was a senior and she a junior. After their first date, he told his best friend, "that is the girl I'm going to marry." They were married on January 11, 1975. Except for his time in the Navy, they have rarely been apart for almost forty years. Together they had two sons, Matthew and Shaun. Both, Marty's pride and joy. Family was everything to him. He was a great involved father. Marty enjoyed being the baseball coach, the scout leader, a mentor and not just to his own sons, but for many other kids over the years. He loved the fact that the Barrett house is known by many as the "Commune." He opened his heart and his home to many. Some of the happiest times in his life were the camping trips with his family and friends. He was a tent camper and loved the challenges that sometimes occur when camping in the northwest.
Marty enjoyed life and interacting with people. He believed "humor" to be the key in getting through life and its challenges. His quick wit, warm smile, and infectious laughter will truly be missed by his family and friends.
Marty was preceded in death by his father, Dean G. Barrett and by his sister, Linda Fritts. He is survived by his wife, Susan; his two sons, Matthew and Shaun; his mother, Phyllis; and his brother, Michael Barrett.
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