J. Sydney Barrett

BARRETT, DR. , J. Sydney (Syd), died peacefully on March 5, 2014 at age 98. Born in Canada, he was married to Eva M. Barrett for 67 years. He was deeply proud of his family: children, Jim (Patti), David (Rica), Marna, and John (Cindy); grandchildren, Sarah (Josh), Alix, Mahria, and Isabel; and dear friends he considered family, Doris, HuiYi (George and children Robert and Edward). Syd was an ordained minister, pastor and teacher. He pastored churches in Canada, North Dakota, Minnesota and Florida, was founding Director of Big Brothers of Tampa, and Vice President and teacher of Steppin' Stone Farms. With his dear friend, Abe Brown, Syd ministered to prison inmates and their families, continuing this work through Ken Cooper Ministries. For more than 20 years Syd taught History at Chamberlain and Leto High Schools. In retirement, Syd and Eva taught conversational English in China and traveled the world visiting and supporting missions. Dad had a deep faith and trusted God in any circumstance. He was a fine example of a believer. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 9, 2014, at 2:30 pm EDT at University Village, 12401 North 22nd Street, Tampa. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HCJB (Reach Beyond), http://reachbeyound.org, a Christian radio network.