Ronald Barrett

Ron Barrett, age 83, died peacefully on Monday, Dec. 30, 2013, due to complications from Parkinson’s.

Born in Connecticut to Hannah Olson Barrett from Sweden and Silas Barrett, Ron grew up with his twin brother and two older brothers. In 1952, he graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in civil engineering. After serving two years in the U.S. Air Force and four years in Greenland, Ron began a distinguished career with the Walla Walla District Army Corps of Engineers.

In 1961, Ron met his wife Mary Ellen Battershell, and married her four months later. For the past 51 years, Ron and Mary have made their home in Walla Walla where they raised their three children and celebrated 52 years of marriage. Ron retired from the Corps of Engineers in 1989 after 34 years of service as a civil engineer.

A devoted husband and father, Ron was an avid fisherman and enjoyed taking his family skiing, boating, and camping. Ron’s civic legacies include starting Walla Walla’s first recreational soccer league in 1974 and initiating and project managing the installation of a sidewalk along Plaza Way.

Ron is survived by his wife, Mary Barrett; and their three grown children, Greg (wife Nitzi) Barrett, of Yakima, Stan Barrett of Monroe, Wash., and Lynn (husband Carl) Anselmi of Kirkland, Wash.; as well as his 10 grandchildren; one great grandchild; his three brothers, Al, Howard and Richard Barrett.

A memorial service to celebrate Ron’s life will be held at the Village Seventh-day Adventist Church in College Place on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014 at 3 p.m. All who knew Ron are welcomed to celebrate his life with family and friends. Contributions in Ron’s honor may be made to www.GiveBackHope.org.