Daniel Barrett

1949 - 2025

We're heartbroken to share the news that Dan Barrett passed away in the early hours of October 21, 2025, in Wenatchee, WA, with his wife, Nancy and oldest daughter, Jamie at his side. Dan meant the world to his family, friends, and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Born on May 18, 1949, Dan lived a life of service to others and made a difference wherever he went.
Born in Spokane to David and Geraldine (Peachar) Barrett, Dan grew up with his siblings Elaine and Dean. He graduated from Shadle Park High School in 1967 and earned a bachelor's degree in social sciences from Washington State University. He met and married Marsha Tomlinson in 1970, and together they raised two children, Jamie and Nick.
Jamie and Nick have fond memories of their early years helping Dan at food shows, dressing up in Western or Clown attire while handing out samples to prospective customers. Nick and Dan played hours of 'HORSE' basketball in the driveway of their home in the Spokane Valley. Dan was a true Wazzu fan and the family were season ticket holders, enthusiastically celebrating the COUGS in the field house before every home game. Priest Lake and Lake Chelan were favorite summer gathering spots for the family with plenty of boating, fishing, and waterskiing. Family trips to Steamboat Rock, Epcot Center and Disney World are special family memories.
When Dan married Nancy Wills in 1993, he lovingly became a second father to her daughter Jessica Drake and together they moved to Colfax, WA with Nick and Jamie, where their daughter Kaitlynn was born to the family in 1995.
Dan and Nancy's marriage of 32 years started with a mutual commitment to follow God's leading, and that led to them living an adventurous, faith filled life in various cities and states, including Idaho, California, Florida and back to their home state of Washington in 2016 to be near family in Wenatchee. Dan's faith was a vital part of his life, and he was dedicated to serving God and people in every community they lived.
As a business owner and entrepreneur, Dan brought a sense of ministry to the marketplace by opening and operating a Christian bookstore and teen youth center and opened three locations of the Firehouse Cafe and Coffee Roasters. Memorable family time included cross country road trips, and extended time at Priest Lake and the Oregon coast. From 2017-2025, Dan was an enormous volunteer support to his wife's creative art studio and local business, "Class with a Glass" in Wenatchee. Meanwhile, he continued to work full time until the end of his life in social services at Aging and Adult Care and then Catholic Family Charities in Wenatchee, offering crucial care to vulnerable populations.
Characteristically kind, with his natural white beard and custom red suit, Dan transformed into a professional Santa Claus from Thanksgiving until Christmas for almost 3 decades. From New York to Idaho, from California to Hawaii, from Washington to Florida, Santa Dan's gentle spirit and sincere smile touched the hearts of kids and adults alike, and he genuinely loved playing that role for over 30 years. Dan's daughter Kaitlynn, a.k.a his "Head Elf", would often accompany him to Christmas parties and holiday events, making each occasion even more memorable for them both.
Dan Barrett leaves behind his wife of 32 years, Nancy (Wills) Barrett, daughter Jamie Keller (Brett), son Nick Barrett (Angela), stepdaughter Jessica Drake, daughter Kaitlynn Barrett (Greg) and grandchildren Lyndi (Keith), Gabe, Gracie Lu, Cody, Alicia, Emily, Jace, Mikenzie, Kaden and great granddaughter, Kinsley Grace.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, sister Elaine, and in-laws James and Joyce Wills.
A celebration of life will be held on Nov. 14 at 2:00 pm in the Fireside Room at Sage Hills Church, Wenatchee. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Show Mercy International, a ministry serving communities in Uganda (showmercy.org).
Dan will be remembered for his faith, compassion and generous heart - a man who made a difference everywhere he went.