Brian Barkus

We say goodbye to a cherished soul, Brian Dean Barkus, known affectionately as "Big B" and "Uncle Brian" to many. Born on October 25, 1963, in Enumclaw, Washington, Brian lived a life rooted in love, loyalty, and service to his family and community. His birth city was also his longtime home, where he committed twelve years of his life, returning after a brief stay in Bonney Lake to aid his parents. Brian's life was a testament to the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well."
Brian was not just reliable; he was a beacon of steadiness to all who knew him. As a dedicated fuel station associate at Walmart, he personified the definition of a hard worker, rarely missing a day of work. His humble demeanor belied a man of many talents, from tinkering with electronics to playing computer games, and his knack for fixing nearly anything that went wrong was an ability he inherited from his grandfather. As he scoured garage sales for treasures, collecting tools, bottles, flashlights, and items of personal interest, Brian was just as much an explorer as he was a collector. His compassion was most visible in his interactions with his family, particularly his nephews and great-nephews, whom he loved dearly.
Family was the cornerstone of Brian's life. He was a devoted son to his parents, Jane and Dean Barkus, and a loving brother to Lisa and Tony Barkus. His nephews, Tyler Perry, Zachary Perry, Nathan Barkus, and Steven Wagner, will remember their Uncle Brian for his kindness and readiness to lend a helping hand. Brian was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dexter and Thelma Hunt, and Vern and Jean Barkus. His memory will continue to live within those who knew him, a testament to a life lived fully, marked by humility, reliability, and compassion.
We invite all who knew and loved Brian Barkus to share their memories and photos on his memorial page. Let's celebrate his life by remembering the good times, the laughter, the love, and the brightness he brought into our lives. As Brian's story continues in our hearts, let's remember these words from Maya Angelou, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Brian made us feel loved, secure, and valued. Let's cherish these feelings as we remember him.