Erwin O. Barnett

Erwin Orlando Barnett, 48, passed away on Tuesday evening, January 5, 2016 following a valiant two yearlong battle with colon cancer. Born on March 06, 1967 in Spanish Town, Jamaica; he was the son of Phyllis Roache, of Avon Park, FL and the late Alexander Barnett.

Erwin moved to Chicago, IL at age 13. He graduated from Sullivan High School on June 28, 1985. Erwin continued his education at the University of Chicago where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree on June 10, 1989 and a Master in Business Administration on June 10, 1994. Always eager to learn and grow, he furthered his education by obtaining a second Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2013 and Master’s Degree in Economics. Prior to becoming ill he was in the process of applying to PHD programs to obtain doctoral degree in Organizational Behavior. He was an avid reader and collected hundreds of books on various subjects. He studied several languages and was learning French. A relentless scholar and life coach to many; Erwin was also a member of Mensa and volunteered with the American Cancer Society.

Erwin worked at Pilot Catastrophe as a Dispatch Leader/Report Analyst for 8 years. He often participated in races as running was one of his favorite past times. Those who knew him would tell you his smile was contagious and his energy would brighten any room. He was a gentle soul with a loving and generous heart that impacted many lives.

He is survived by his mother (Phyllis Roache); by five siblings: Orrett Morgan and wife Margaret and their children: Orrett, Jr., Maurice, Melissa, Michael and Malcolm, all of Orlando, FL; Joan Garrick, of Port St. Lucie, FL; Colleen Smith and husband Cory and their son: Ethan, all of Cary, NC; Dr. Nicola Roache Ashley and husband Winston, of Chicago, IL; Talbert Roache and Stephanie Dixon, of Evanston, IL and their children: Emanuel and Xavier; and by many aunts, uncles and many other relatives, running friends and close friends, including Erica & Javier Melendez and their children: Alma & Samuel in Phoenix, Arizona and his best friend: Kitsy Johnson in Mobile, AL.

A Celebration of Erwin’s Life will be held at 4 PM on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at Apex Funeral Home (550 W Williams Street in Apex, NC). Family will receive friends following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made in Erwin’s memory to the American Cancer Society.

I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course and remained faithful. 2 Timothy 4:7