Iral Dean Barrett

Iral Dean Barrett, 90, of Salem went to be with Jesus peacefully in his sleep on April 28, 2024. He was born on February 8, 1934 in Anthony, Kansas. He moved out west in 1953 to marry the love of his life, Gwen Williams.

He pursued his education at Central College in McPherson, Kansas and completed his undergraduate degree at Oregon State University in 1957. He ultimately went on to UCLA for an MBA in Computer Science.

Iral started his professional career in Seattle at Boeing as a computer scientist. He bought in 1963, a small two-employee Salem business, Supra Products; grew it to over 200 employees and sold it in 1994 to a conglomerate, Berwind Industries.

In 1963, Iral helped start a church plant. That church, Trinity Covenant, initially met at the YWCA before constructing their own building in 1967.

In 1970, Iral and Gwen purchased the large home on Lincoln Street that is now the governor’s residence. Salem Young Life club started here in the ballroom in 1973, where kids were always welcome. Iral and Gwen took in teens and were instrumental in getting their lives changed for the better.

Iral loved Rotary and its organizational goals. He was the Downtown Rotary Club President in 1980 and accomplished 30 years of perfect attendance. Iral received the 1989 Distinguished Service Award from the Salem Chamber of Commerce. Iral chaired the Oregon Young Life committee that secured what was once the Rajneeshpuram property that eventually was donated to Young Life, now known as Washington Family Ranch.

Iral served on many Boards, including Commercial Bank, Seattle Pacific University, Central College and the National Young Life Board.

Although Iral accomplished much in his lifetime, he will be best remembered for who he was, a highly relational person who loved, followed and lived for Jesus. He garnered great respect, admiration and relational success due to him being a man of great mercy, fairness and humility with a clever sense of humor.

He will be dearly missed and is survived by his loving family:

Wife of 70+ years: Gwen Barrett

Children: Philip and Debra Barrett, Martin and Beth Barrett, Ruthann Barrett, Elizabeth and Gordon Harris

11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren

Iral was preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Edna Barrett; his brother Marky Barrett and his sister Marietta Lee.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Greater Salem Young Life Campership fund and/or Capital Manor Foundation.

Iral’s earthly life will be celebrated on the 25th of May at 2 PM at Illahe Hills Country Club.

Welcome home good and faithful servant.