David Barrett

Wilmer David (Dave) Barrett, February 19,1937- March 24, 2024, died peacefully surrounded by his family at age 87 years young. He fulfilled his lifelong desire to "die young as late as possible".

Dave loved meeting new people, whether in the grocery store or on a ski lift, and he would make instant deep connections. He had a sincere interest in other people and being in his presence made you feel loved, appreciated, and encouraged. Dave had many lifelong friendships that he continued to nurture, and always had room for more. He was a lifelong learner and was always challenging himself to try new things, up to his last days. Expressing gratitude and being present in the moment was his way of being all the way to the end. He made the world a better place and it will continue through all who knew him.

Dave sought out many adventures like skiing Tuckerman's ravine, trekking in Nepal, floating rivers and hiking in southern Utah, backpacking throughout the Rockies, towing an Airstream trailer to Alaska with Bill Ashley, and many trips to Europe and Africa to see the world with his typical wonder and awe.

Born in Brockton, MA to Evelyn Marie Anderson and Wilmer Dwight Barrett, Dave was the eldest of three sons, followed by Philip Barrett of New Castle, NH and Robert Barrett of Toronto, Ontario, CA. They grew up in Reading, MA, where Dave took his first ski run on a pine needle covered hill on homemade skis. Dave graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in business in 1960.

Dave was married to Elaine V. (Prouty) Barrett for 42 years. They lovingly raised four children in Andover, MA and Bennington, NH. Dave and Elaine and family were early 'Sugarloafers' and shared many good times at the farmhouse with the Kents, the Maxwells and many other friends, challenging anyone nearby to join him for the 'last run of the day'. Diamond Island on Lake Winnipesaukee was also a favorite place for Dave and the family. After a full day of fun and work he would make a point to watch the sunset and would inevitably proclaim that it was always "the best sunset ever".

Dave was a successful and skillful entrepreneur and helped others realize their potential and visualize their success.

Dave's spiritual home was in Wilson, WY where he spent many years of his life skiing, biking, hiking and simply taking in the beauty of the Tetons. He and his partner, Jean Barash, had many years together traveling and sharing in the joys of their respective children and grandchildren on both sides. Most recently, Dave found love once again at Falmouth House in Maine with Ann Knowles. They shared a passion for the outdoors and spent time laughing, loving, and spreading joy as a couple.

Dave was predeceased by his parents and his brother Philip Barrett.

He is survived by his brother Robert Barrett (Francine), and sister-in-law, Margery Barrett. His children, Peter Barrett (Emily Ojala), Laura Barrett Geggis (Gerard), James Barrett (Lynette), Jean Nielsen (Brad), grandchildren Leo Gannon Geggis (Katie), Elisabeth Geggis (Jeff), Hallie Ojala-Barrett, William Barrett, Molly Barrett, their mother Ty, Kerstin Nielsen, and Andrew Nielsen, great-granddaughter Lisanna, as well as children and grandchildren from the Barash, Murphy, and Hubbard families.

Dave had friends of all ages and many became like family to him. While we are unable to list them all here, please remember how much he cherished you.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Red Barn at Outlook Farm, 310 Portland Street, South Berwick Maine on Sunday, May 5, 2024. Guests are welcome at 11:00am with services to start promptly at 11:30am.

A second Celebration of Life will be held at the Old Wilson Schoolhouse Community Center in Wilson, WY Monday, October 14, 2024 from 2:00pm to 5:pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to The Jackson Hole Community Housing Trust www.housingtrustjh.org and the Northeast Wilderness Trust www.newildernesstrust.org