Aldin Maurice Barrett Sr. was born on September 11, 1930 in Colón, Republic of Panamá, to Emaline Barrett and Mr. Thomas. Both Mom and Dad were from Kingston Jamaica, and later immigrated to the Republic of Panama, and together they had 10 children, he was the eighth child.
Aldin had a very upbeat and infectious personality. He had many hobbies that he enjoyed in his life like scuba diving, golfing, exercising and dancing. However, his favorite activities were playing the bass guitar and singing. Music played a big role in Aldin’s life. In the 1950s Aldin started a band, The Goombays, with two of his friends, Ricardo and Taco. Aldin and his friend/band mate Cecilio were the lead singers. The Goombays started playing in Colon and later played on the SS Miami Star cruise ship that sailed from Miami to the Bahamas. After adding other members to the band in 1963 and 1964 The Goombays continued to play local venues, parties, clubs, and even appeared on TV occasionally. The Goombays became a very popular group in Panama, because they played a variety of genres, such as Calypso, Salsa, Reggae, Boleros, and Rock and Roll. When the band came to America back in the early 70’s, they performed with Carlo and George Santana in Los Angeles, California.
In 1966, Aldin married his wife, Cynthia L. Wilson in the Republic of Panama. Together they united a blended family of 6 children and 2 more children were born from their union. In 1972 Aldin and Cynthia immigrated from Panama to the United States and sent for their family two years later in 1974. They initially began their new life in San Francisco, then moved and settled in San Jose California for 25 years. While living in San Jose, Aldin became a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church where he was baptized. Aldin truly loved God; his deep spiritual relationship led him to join the male choir at Emmanuel Baptist Church and became a lead singer in the choir.
In the early 2000s Aldin relocated his family from San Jose, California to Fresno, California, where he later retired from his 35-year career at Xerox Engineering Systems as an Electronic Technician Supervisor. In Fresno, California he joined Second Baptist church and continued singing for the Lord in their male choir. It was during this period of his life that he became more deeply involved in the church and his relationship with God.
Aldin was a great man, a practical man, and he always spoke the truth and was strong in his convictions; with a beautiful voice that loved to smile and tell jokes. He loved his family and friends deeply and always made sure that his loved ones were well provided for. Aldin leaves behind his wife Cynthia L. Barrett, 9 children, an abundance of 25 Grandchildren, and 27 Great Grandchildren.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Barrett family.
