Bennett "Louie" Louis Barei

As a teen, Louie had an opportunity to spend a school year in Italy, where he became fluent in Italian. In high school, Louie met his future wife Pamela Foster at her “Sweet 16” birthday party. They married after high school, before Louie graduated from Seattle University and taught in the Renton School District. After obtaining his Master of Education, he became a principal in the Highline School District.

Civically minded, Louie served on the Renton City Council. One of his proudest achievements was the role he played in locating the Renton Library over the Cedar River. Louie obtained his pilot’s license at age 50 and enjoyed flying small planes for many years.

After retiring from the Highline School District, Louie and Pam enjoyed traveling in the US, Europe and on cruise ships.

He was a kind and generous man who helped many people with his words and support. He was an avid reader of history and had a wealth of knowledge on all types of history from Greek, Roman, to the wars of the world.

Louie is survived by his wife of 64 years Pamela; his two children, Alaina D’Unger (Mike), and Bill Barei; his three grandchildren, Jessica (Will) Schmick, Kayla and Angelo Barei; and three great-grand daughters, Hannah, Emily, and Natalie Schmick.

To honor Louie’s love of history and Renton, memorials are suggested to the Renton History Museum (235 Mill Ave. S, Renton WA 98057).