Aimee Kathryn Barton

March 31, 1959 - July 4, 2012

Aimee Kathryn Barton, 53, of Port Angeles passed away at home peacefully on July 4, 2012, after a 41/2-year battle with ovarian cancer. Aimee faced her cancer with characteristic grace, courage and resilience, and lived until her body could not contain her brilliant spirit a minute longer. She was deeply loved by her family and friends.

Aimee was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on March 31, 1959. She was raised in Howell, Michigan. Her favorite memories are spending long, hot summers on the beach at the family beachfront cottage on Lake Michigan near Harbor Springs, Michigan.

After high school, Aimee studied briefly in England and completed her education with a bachelor's degree in psychology, gerontology emphasis, from Metropolitan State College, Denver, Colorado, in 1981.

Aimee's desire to help the vulnerable and disadvantaged was fulfilled by a challenging career. She first worked in Everett (1984-1987) as a case manager, investigating reports of child abuse and neglect.

She served for 10 years as a crime victim child advocate at the Seattle Police Department, where she supported child victims through the court process and helped them beyond the court process.

From 2000-2005, she worked as a mental health practitioner in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, where she ran an adult day-treatment program for seriously and persistently mentally ill people.

Her last job was with Clallam County, where she helped clients with developmental disabilities find and access community services.

Through her career, she made lifelong friends and gained the love and support of many of her clients.

Aimee was a terrific gardener and cook. She had a wonderful sense of color and style, and enjoyed applying her skills to her wardrobe, yard and home.

She loved the beaches of the Big Island, the cliffs of Zion National Park and the beauty of the Olympics.

Aimee is survived by her husband, Dan Flynn; mother Inez Barton; brothers David Barton, Mike and Joany Barton, and Tom and Kathy Barton; five nephews/nieces; and four grandchildren.

Aimee was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Barton; sister Ann Barton; and nephew Joey Barton.

Aimee was an exceptional person. Those who knew her were blessed by her generosity and wisdom. She developed an appreciation of humanity and caring in all those she met.

Aimee was consistently witty, energetic, sincere, intuitive and brilliant yet humble. She will be dearly missed.

We love you, Aimee.

A public celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 4, at the Port Angeles Yacht Club, 1305 Marine Drive, Port Angeles, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, Amiee asked that any donations be made in her name to Peninsula Friends of Animals, P.O. Box 404, Sequim, WA 98382; or to Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County, 540 East Eighth Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362.