Rick Alan Barr

It is with profound sadness and great hope we share in the passing of Rick A. Barr. Born in Tacoma Washington to Chester and Elaine Barr. He had a profound love of the Lord and was sure to pray for you and ask you where you went to church. His second love was music. Deeply rooted in Rick was the joy of classical music. Growing up he would frequently lay on the living room floor and listen to his sister practice the piano. He cycled through dozens of performer favorites enjoying Christian, pop, rock and even a bit of jazz. He had a special love of Josh Groban and dreamed of performing with him.

Rick began school in Ellensburg in a bucolic blue one room school house marking the beginnings of Special Education. He culminated his formal schooling by graduating at 21 from Everett High School. Rick was a life-long reader, and thanks to his sister, amassed an Antiques Roadshow worthy collection of ’50-60’s grade school primers such as Jack and Janet, Fun with Friends and Tip & Mitten. He never left home without one or two books. Equal to Rick’s love of books and music was his mastery of the 100 piece Ravensburger XXL puzzles. Boxes have shipped from around the world to obtain designs not sold in the US. Picture if you will, a five foot stack of pure gold puzzles. He would spend hours working on them and sometimes doing odd things like hiding the picture and putting it together without a guide. What an unique skill!

Following school he worked 30 years for Diversified Industrial Services. Highlights of his day was often the pop he bought from the vending machine and those who were chosen to have one too. He brooked no fools at work – on days the staff were learning skills versus performing paid tasks he was a great socializer. Throughout his life and into retirement with his parents they traveled all over the country from Disney Land to Yellowstone on to Kansas and Indiana to see family and as far north as a couple cruises to Alaska.

Rick excelled in fancy etiquette of eating out to managing complex social occasions. He rarely met anyone he didn’t like. He made many, many, friends and if they shared in this friendship were long remembered. In blessed form, wouldn’t remember those uninterested.

Rick’s life would not be complete without CAMP. Rick faithfully attended Camp Easter Seal at Vaughn. Big double win for him as well as his parents who escaped to the Oregon Coast. He filled his social bucket up with activities ad friends, often returning home hungry, tired and ready for some puzzle and music time in his room.

In the last five years of his life, his sister, Diane, lived at their family home to care for Rick and his mom. He passed at Northwest Hospital where he was staying as a guest with his sister while she had surgery. He was a social butterfly on the post-op floor and leaves a lasting memory of his cheerful demeanor and conversation. Special thanks go to 2nd floor Post-Op – who showered love and kindness upon him.

Rick is survived by his mother, Elaine – Marian – Nurse – Housewife or Muther who resides in an Adult Family Home; and his sister, his uncle and aunt Byron & Marlene Jensen and a whole host of cousins. Our imaginations picture Rick in heaven having coffee with his beloved Dad, someday to be joined by other family. Forever taught and touched by his love.