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Jerry Barnett Obituary
1941 - 2018
Danville, CA
Steve Barnett, engaged citizen, former NCAA wrestling champion, University of Oregon Duck All-American, Chicago Bears NFL football player, and Rotarian passed away peacefully at his home in Danville, California on Tuesday, January 2. He was 76. The cause was congestive heart failure.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lynn, his children Kelli Smith (Brant) and Elizabeth Barnett (Will) and his sisters Linda Swiger and Stephanie Barnett.
Steve was born in Sand Springs Oklahoma and came to Fremont in 1950. He was a gifted athlete and became one of that city's most famous sports figures.
After his retirement from Sunnyvale's Barnes Hind Pharmaceutical Company, he made the Bay Area community's life richer with his many volunteer activities. Notably the Niles Rotary Club, in which he was an active member and Club President. Steve also mediated landlord tenant disputes for Alameda County, was a member of the Contra Costa County Grand Jury that published an influential report on cleaning up the San Joaquin delta; and in 2014 was named "Volunteer of the Year" by the Danville Police Department.
Steve will be greatly missed by family and friends. His kindness in the community is legend, but he was best known for his sense of humor and the heartiest and most heartfelt of laughs. He loved to play bridge, bocci ball, and just about any other game.
Steve was known as "Captain" to all the young people in his life; "The Bear" at the University of Oregon; Partner at the Bridge table; Steverino in his amateur theater group; Daddy-O at home; and My Friend to so many.
A memorial service and reception to honor Steve Barnett's life will take place on Sunday, January 28 at 1:00 p.m. at the Round Hill Country Club in Alamo. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Steve & Lynn Barnett Scholarship c/o Fremont Bank 210A Railroad Avenue, Danville, CA 94526. The Steve & Lynn Barnett Scholarship funds scholastic pursuits for Washington High School students who are outstanding athlete-scholar-citizens.
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Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Barnett
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
5 Entries
Leslie Lea
January 23, 2018
It was a great honor serving on the Contra Costa Civil Grand Jury with Steve. He had the unusual quality of being serious about the business at hand and making it fun all at the same time.. Steve was a very respected and loved member of our team. He was always willing to be available to do what was needed. After our term was served, several of us met together with Steve about four times a year for 10 years.. We tried to solve the problems of the County, State, Nation and World. These meetings were a great time of fellowship and camaraderie . Steve will be sorely missed as a colleague and a friend.
January 19, 2018
My deepest condolences, I'm so sorry for your loss. It's never easy to lose a loved one in death.
Craig and Linda Hannum
January 18, 2018
Steve was usuallly quite but always around. Always listening and participating. A Pied Piper with young people. A helpful assistant to those around him. A truly loving person. We loved Captain and he certainly left his mark to the world.
January 17, 2018
Had classes with Steve Barnett at WUHS (1959). Always thought he was a great inspiration for our class.
Judi Schwindt
January 16, 2018
I will always remember Cousin Steve for his smile, caring attitude and the love he gave to family and friends. We will miss him.
Our Prayers are with the family.
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