Ray Barrett

Mr. Ray E. Barrett, entered eternal rest on Friday, September 14, 2012, surrounded by the family who loved him. His last days were at Hospice House of Holland, where he received the best of care until death. He will always be remembered for his endearing smiles and his laughter, together with his joy for life. Born February 5, 1925, he grew up in Kalamazoo, the youngest child of Jay and Anna Barrett. Graduating from Kalamazoo Central in 1942, he was drafted into WWII and sent to Italy, where he was seriously wounded in combat. A Purple Heart recipient, he was in military hospitals for 2 years until being honorably discharged from Fort Custer in 1946. After graduating from Western Michigan College, he became an engineer for Ingersoll Division of Borg Warner, followed by an assignment building submarines in Groton, CT. He then moved to Detroit, entering law school while employed at Modern Engineering, obtaining his juris doctorate from the University of Detroit School of Law in 1967. Immediately passing the state bar exam, he began his career in Kalamazoo and South Haven, serving as a prosecutor in Van Buren County, in private practice, and his final 15 years as a corporate attorney in St. Joseph, specializing in real estate and condominium law until retirement. With a quick wit and wry sense of humor, Ray was a composite of determination, strength, courage, inquiring of mind and always challenged by life's possibilities and expectations. He encouraged others to do their best, yet laugh often and not take life too seriously. A compassionate and generous man, he frequently helped those whose needs were greater than his own, in return asking only that those persons pass on a good deed to someone else. Despite physical handicaps from the war, he enjoyed a full and vigorous life. He played golf, piloted his plane, enjoyed his boat, his hunting & fishing trips to far away places, his motorcycle, and his wood & metal shop. An avid reader, he was intrigued with political and historical works, good novels and intellectual discussions. He taught college level criminal justice classes, played weekly bridge with a local men's group, and spent many hours on his computer. Ray was a member of the Michigan Bar Association, South Haven Elks and Lions Club (president), and Christ Community Church. On October 3, 1992, he married Sue Ellen Hinkle of Grand Haven, the woman he called the love of his life. They built their home in Holland near family. They traveled to all 50 states, Europe, Central America and Canada, enjoying their life together. Ray will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his devoted wife Sue, his care giver for many years; stepson, Jeff (Susan) Hinkle of Grand Haven; stepdaughter, Kaye (Jeff) Hooker of Hudsonville; step grandchildren, Jennifer Moore, David Tompkins; special "granddaughter" Libbie Simington and her parents Chris & Greg of Hudsonville; brothers-in-law, Stuart, David, Stephen and Jonathan Bonney and their families; many beloved nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Maxine & Marian. A tribute to his life will be held on Wednesday, September 19, 2012, 2:00 PM at the Clock Chapel-Grand Haven with Rev. Richard Rhem officiating. Interment at Lakeshore Cemetery in Grand Haven Township. There will be a time of visitation prior to the service on Wednesday, 12 Noon - 2 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Grand Haven. MEMORIAL: Hospice House of Holland or in Ray's name to the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.