Barrie H. Simonson, DMD, MS

1929 ~ 2015

Barrie Simonson passed away peacefully on February 14, 2015, at after a very brief illness. Barrie received his Bachelor of Science degree and DDS at the University of Pittsburgh and where he was president of his graduating class in 1959. He headed west with his family for a residency at Seattle's Public Health Hospital. Upon completion of his residency, he opened his first dental practice in Issaquah, Washington in 1961. In 1963, Barrie accepted his next academic challenge and moved with his family to St. Louis, Missouri where he attended Washington University's Orthodontic School to earn his MS in Orthodontics. In 1965, they returned to the Northwest where Barrie opened his first orthodontic practice on Mercer Island.

Barrie loved treating his young patients and took away great satisfaction with in patients showing off their beautiful smiles. By the end of Barrie's career, he had added two additional practices, one in Friday Harbor, Washington and one in Juneau, Alaska.

Barrie also served in the US Air Force as a 2d Lt. Fighter Pilot with the 65th Fighter Squadron stationed at Elmendorf AFB in Alaska. During this period, Barrie developed two lifelong passions, one for flying and the other for the Pacific Northwest. Barrie's other interests included sailing, ski instruction, running, biking, mountain climbing, spending time with his family, countless friends and above all, with his four-footed best friends, his Golden Retrievers. Barrie lived his mantra that "Life is not a spectator sport" to its limit.

Barrie was active at Mt. Baker Presbyterian Church and at the Seattle Museum of Flight. He was also active in the Mercer Island Rotary Club.

Barrie is survived by his children, son Peter M. Simonson and his wife, Cindy & son, Max Nabbefeld, of Wisconsin; son Tod Simonson of Sedona, Arizona; daughter Jen Simonson of Issaquah, Washington, and two granddaughters Hanna and Sara Simonson of Sarasota, Florida.

The Simonson family extends a warm welcome to join them for a memorial celebration of Barrie's life on February 21, 2015 at 11:00 am at Mt. Baker Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Barrie's name to The Humane Society for Seattle/King County (13212 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue/ www.seattlehumane.org) or to

The Seattle Museum of Flight

9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle 98108. www.museumofflight.org).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times from Feb. 17 to Feb. 18, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Barrie Simonson

Sponsored by The Family.

16 Entries

Fred Johnsen

October 18, 2023

I remember Barrie as a gracious and level-headed pilot who enjoyed showing his World War II Harvard training aircraft at air shows in the Northwest in the 1970s. Thanks for the memories.

Ann Nelson

February 11, 2021

Remembering Barrie from years ago when Barrie and my late husband were in the Air Force stationed at Elmendorf AFB in Alaska. Then a surprise meeting as neighbors in St. Louis in 1964. Lots of ragtime and a AF52A reunion. Moving away but meeting yearly in St. Louis on the "Goldenrod" showboat for more ragtime. Meeting Barrie on the island of Majorca and sailing in his trusty sailboat in which he had crossed the Atlantic. Getting together the last years in Seattle. Barrie was a fine, adventuresome and loyal friend who will always be missed.
Ann Nelson

KIM CONDRIN

February 11, 2021

In remembrance of a good, kind man! Barrie - you are certainly missed. Thinking of you today as we near the anniversary of your graduation to Heaven where the Golden Retrievers will be so loved and cared for especially! You will be feeding them carrots. :) Miss you my friend!!

March 12, 2015

We learned just today from a fellow dog walker in Madrona Park that Barrie died last month. We always loved seeing Barrie with Beau, and then with Merlin. He was a wonderful dog owner, and we will greatly miss him in the park. We are very surprised to learn that he was in his mid-80s, we would never have guessed his age. We hope that Merlin has found a good home, and we offer our condolences to his family.

-- Jeff Burkhardt and Larry Jackson

March 3, 2015

I was unable to attend the lovely service for Barrie but my son, Peter Nelson, took my place and was there to hear the heartfelt tributes.
Ann Nelson
Fairway, KS

Francine Ruley

February 25, 2015

I'm so sorry to hear of Barrie's passing; my heart goes out to his family. He loved my Golden and was helpful with advice. Barrie was one of those people I was always glad to see at the dog park because I knew a great conversation was in store (usually about world travel - and his stories were a lot better than mine!). I'm lucky to have known him, but will miss seeing Barrie and Merlin.

Lori Hamilton

February 24, 2015

Im lighting this candle for you Barry. Sure miss your smile, your wonderful energy, running into you at the lake with your dog and his ball, helping you gather a cup of carrots for him after church. You are definitely missed, and I'm so happy to have known you. ;}

Kim Condrin

February 23, 2015

So very sorry to hear of the loss of this wonderful man and friend who also loved Golden Retrievers and who volunteered with me at Evergreen Golden Retriever Rescue. He will be missed! He even sent my dog a card once from his dog when Maggie wasn't feeling well. An all around great person and my dog adored him, too. We walked our Goldens at Luther Burbank Park on Mercer Island and enjoyed great talks. So very sorry for your loss and to hear of his passing. Heaven's dogs will be in good hands now.

February 20, 2015

Marianna and I am so sorry to hear of Barry's passing. I had just talked to him a month ago. We enjoyed working with him in our office. Great guy.

February 20, 2015

Tod, Peter, and Jen,
I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad so suddenly. I, along with all of his Mt. Baker Park Presbyterian Church friends, miss him already. We also miss his dogs who came to church with him. You are all in my prayers.
Betty Cook
Seattle

Judy and Esteban Guevara

February 19, 2015

The people we love will always live on in our memories.

February 19, 2015

Dear Peter, Tod, Jenny and family,

Your wonderful father was one of a kind - multi-talented and accomplished. Stan and I were fortunate to know him and be friends with him and your family. We shared many happy and meaningful experiences with him. I know he was proud of you and loved you very much. I wish I could be with you to celebrate and remember his remarkable life this Saturday, but I will surely be with you in spirit.

With sympathy and love,
Ann Nelson

Laurie Thompson

February 18, 2015

I'm so sorry to hear of Barrie's passing. I had the joy of spending many hours through the years sharing a laugh and stories of our Goldens (especially the wonderful Beau!). It was always a joy to find him at Genesee Park with his warm smile and ready laugh. My Tucker and I will miss him

Liesl Testwuide

February 18, 2015

Peter,
My deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your father. You and your family will be in my prayers. I miss seeing you. Thinking of you during this difficult time.

Kara Church

February 18, 2015

In honor of Barrie's life.

Kara Church

February 17, 2015

Peter, Tod, and Jenny,
I am sorry for the loss of your dad. I have lots of memories of your dad...one of the happiest days of my life was visiting him and my mom on their boat in Greece. He was definitely The Captain, but for a short while he left me at the helm with instructions for where to steer. It was a fantastic experience.

Barrie was always trying new things and keeping busy--riding the waves and windsurfing with his maddening parrot, Crackers. That is the picture I have of him, keeping active and living life to the fullest.

Again, my condolences.
Kara

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