Edward Joseph Barrett

Edward J. Barrett, M.D. has returned to his Heavenly Father. He died on June 30, 2014, after a long-fought illness. Beginning his journey in Portland, Oregon, where he was born on November 9, 1935, to Lucy and Thomas Barrett, Ed’s travels would take him through many landscapes across the country. A good Catholic boy who experienced the loss of his father at a young age, he worked midnight-to-morning shifts at the old Wonder Bread factory to support his education. Earning a B.S. at Portland State University, and his M.D. at OHSU, he interned in Southern California and completed his residency and instructed at The University of Michigan – GO BLUE! He would go on to practice Radiology in Oregon, Oklahoma and finally settle in Fresno, where he enjoyed helping all his patients and fellow staff. Many family memories were created in all of the cross country trips made in the trusty stationwagon. Semi-retired, Ed moved to Berkeley, where he continued to practice. He learned Spanish and moved to Oaxaca, Mexico, where he was affectionately known as Lalo. All the while, he continued to volunteer through the Catholic Church. His love of Oaxaca and its people was evident as he proudly received dual citizenship and fostered many relations during his time there. Ed loved to play and watch sports such as football, basketball, tennis and soccer. He was also an avid walker, and liked to live where he could forget the car and explore his surroundings on foot. Musically inclined, he listened to and played music. He especially enjoyed his alto saxophone, which he loaned to Detroit-area jazz musicians on more than one occasion during his time in Michigan. He is survived by his sister Rosemary Lucier; former spouse Patricia Kathleen Barrett (née Charles); children Jeffrey, Jennifer, Jacqueline, Joshua and his spouse Jocelyn; and two grandchildren Elizabeth and Christian. Knowing that he always wanted to return to Portland, Ed officially retired in The City of the Roses, near Forest Park. Over the past few years he experienced several health issues and was so very thankful to the outstanding medical community at OHSU, especially Dr. Christine Mullowney, and the wonderful staff at Hopewell Hospice. Going green was the way Ed lived. He was frugal and tried to ensure that he left a small footprint on earth. At his request, he received a green burial at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, where he will feed the forest in the Saint Francis Section. Saint Francis was Ed’s favorite saint, and it was a true testament for his love of nature, peace and balance that he will forever be linked with the earth. Many people were lucky to know Ed, and he was always there to help. This included his family, friends, the Charles` co-workers, and fellow Oaxacans. A graveside service with Sister Kathleen Hecht was held July 5, 2014. Remembrances may be made to Hopewell Hospice, 6171 S.W. Capitol Highway, Portland, OR 97239.