Barrett Wysling

Barrett (Barry) Jean Wysling I Feb. 6, 1935 - Oct. 2, 2009 Resident of Bethel Island Born in San Jose, Barry was the only child of Paul and Etta Wysling. A product of the Alameda, California school system, he graduated in the Class of June 1953. In the years to follow Barry was very involved in class reunions and subsequently formed the Hornet web site that increased communication between alumni. Barry's next stop was the US Marine Corps where he served a tour of duty as a corporal at 29 Palms, CA. He built the first darkroom while being the base photographer and photo journalist in the Base Special Services Section. The following two years were spent at San Francisco City College studying criminology and another year at Oakland City College where prior to graduation, with an AA Degree, he was accepted as an Oakland Police Officer. In 1957 he started a career in law enforcement that lasted 22 ½ years. At OPD Barry served in many capacities that included Patrol, Jail, Communications, Community Relations, Internal Affairs, Criminal Investigation and his first love, Juvenile, where he did two four year tours. Barry served on the Oakland Council for the Boy Scouts and was Post Advisor and Institutional Representative for OPD. While in the police department Juvenile Division, Barry was Officer Friendly for the Romper Room show on Channel 2, KTVU. Barry obtained two lifetime teaching credentials from the State of California vocational educational department and was accredited to teach Police Science and Family Legal Needs and Responsibilities. Barry assisted the Oakland area Red Cross and trained United States Navy life guards for the Oak Knoll Navel Hospital. In 1978 he retired as a Detective Sergeant in the Robbery Section. Barry is the father of three sons: Michael, Bradley, and Jeffery who live in St. Joseph, Missouri with their families. He has two grandsons: Barrett J. II, and Anthony Joseph (AJ); and a granddaughter Barbara Jean. Upon retirement from Oakland, Barry started a new career in marina management by becoming the Harbor Master of Beacon Harbor on Bethel Island for eight years. That was followed by another seven years as Harbor Master for the City of Martinez. Always active in recreational boating, Barry was the Commodore of Encinal Yacht Club in Alameda in 1972 and 1973, and Commodore of the Northern California Power Cruiser Association in 1977. When Barry passed, he was the oldest member of the San Joaquin Yacht Club of Bethel Island, where he and his wife Marguerite joined in 1969. He was also a member of the International Order of the Blue Gavel. Barry was a member of Alameda Elks Club #1015 for approximately ten years, and was a member of the 1995-96 Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury. Active locally, Barry spent several years on the Bethel Island Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and was active in the B.I. Marina Owners Association. His participation included photographing various local events like the Meals on Wheels, Safety Fair and Citizen of the Year, to name a few. Barry concluded his Harbor Master carrier at Beacon Harbor as the widower of Marianne Holmes Wysling. He subsequently sold Beacon Harbor and permanently retired in 2005. Recreationally Barry enjoyed underwater photography in Hawaii where he frequently visited, while house/animal sitting for several friends. He also restored nautical artifacts which decorate the home of the San Joaquin Yacht Club, the M/S Sutter. Recently Barry took the opportunity to host his own "Going Away Bash" by inviting many club members, high school classmates, friends and neighbors to a cocktail party and pot luck at his home. He had long and deep friendships with many, some of whom dated back to kindergarten, including his previous wives, Frances Hazard of Rancho Mirage and Marguerite Lawry of Bethel Island. Most recently care was given by Kaiser Hospice and a wonderful significant other, Penny Givens-Berry, who provided home care which was equal to none. Contributions can be made to Kaiser Hospice.