Dale Coulam Barratt

1949 - 2014

Dale Coulam Barratt
5/22/1949 ~ 11/11/2014
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away Tuesday morning after courageously and humbly enduring his 3 ½ year battle with "stupid" ALS.
Dale was born May 22, 1949 in Salt Lake City to Eloise Coulam and John W. Barratt. Dale attended Highland High School, served in the Utah Air National Guard and graduated from the University of Utah where he met the love of his life, Laurie Polson. Dale and Laurie were married on June 11, 1970 in the Salt Lake Temple. Shortly after they were married, they moved to their first house on Stratford Avenue where they made friends for life and started their family. Dale began his career in the insurance industry as a commercial underwriter, where he was well known as an expert in his field for the next thirty years. Their family continued to grow and in 1979 they moved to their current home in Holladay where they were blessed with more great friends.
Dale was an expert woodworker and enjoyed making much of the furniture in his home. One of Dale's proudest accomplishments was completing a family room addition to their home. He could fix anything - he was an electrician, a plumber and an auto mechanic. He was an avid outdoorsman who grew up hunting, camping and fishing with his parents - traditions he carried on with his children. He loved spending time with his family on the golf course, where he taught them to "swing easy." He and Laurie enjoyed traveling and have special memories in Europe and Mexico. They loved attending their children's and grandchildren's sporting events and performances.
Some of Dale's favorite things include: tools, St. George, his backyard deck, long bike rides, driving his Corvette, the swing of a golf club and a hot dog cooked over a campfire and slathered in mustard.
Dale was a lifelong member of the LDS faith and exercised his priesthood in both church callings and at home as father and husband. He and Laurie were blessed with six children who were the pride of his life.
Dale is survived by his wife Laurie Barratt; his children Brett Barratt, Kimberly Jensen (Brent), Greg Barratt (Shelly), Kristen Hunter (Aaron), Jeff Barratt (Megan) and his youngest daughter Kaitlin, with whom he had a special bond. He is also survived by his sisters Carol Frost and Jeanne Farnsworth. Dale is the proud "Pops" of 11 beautiful grandchildren who enjoyed his backyard zipline, warm smile, homemade wooden block sets and other thoughtful inventions.
The family would like to thank all of the dedicated friends and caregivers who gave him comfort and aid during his time of need.
Dale had many mottos in life including, "don't force anything," "slow down [Laurie]" and the most fitting was "pack light." Ironically, as he leaves for his next adventure, he is packed heavy with a legacy of service, love and memories of the many lives he has touched.
There will be a viewing at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Friday 11/14 from 6 to 7:30 pm. Another viewing will be held Saturday 11/15 from 10 to 11am prior to the funeral service, which will start at 11:30am at the LDS Chapel on 5400 South Holladay Boulevard.