Chet Cole Barrett was born on November 24, 1963, in Helena, MT, to Kenneth and Vola Barrett, the 5th of five sons. He died on January 2, 2015 in San Diego, CA, where he had lived for the past 25 years.
Chet’s mother, Vola, was extremely sick in giving birth and perhaps that is why she so dearly loved her son, as did Chet’s father, Kenneth. While still a youth, Chet became very sick, causing him to drop out of school. He had been the star on his elementary and Jr. High basketball teams and was surely missed by his fellow teammates. But the fact that Chet was not involved in a formal education did not stop his love of knowledge and of reading. Even at that early age he loved reading books of all kinds and on all subjects. He studied statistics, religion, politics and sports and loved biographies of presidents, including Ronald Reagan, who was his favorite. There was not a subject that family and friends could speak of that Chet wasn’t so well versed.
Chet left home at age 18 and moved to Salt Lake City and eventually to San Diego. He loved the ocean, the beaches, and the warmth and sunshine of southern California. His friends were innumerable as his personality attracted everyone. He was a favorite by dozens of his nieces and nephews. They all wanted to hang around their “Uncle Chet” at all the family reunions in Idaho and Utah. Some of his nephews stood at 6’3” and 6’4”, but he had them all beat at a height of 6’5” and everyone laughed when no one could stretch to equal him. Chet was good natured and a lot of fun to be around. We have lots of fond memories of this Christ-like man, son, brother, uncle, and friend. His life blessed us all. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As his parents were sealed to one another in the Idaho Falls Temple, Chet was born under the covenant and sealed to his family.
Upon Chet’s death, in the heavens, he is again reunited with his mother and father whom he missed and dearly loved.
Chet is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Vola Barrett. His surviving brothers include, Roger and Greg who live in Idaho Falls, ID, Dwight, in Salt Lake City, UT, and Brett, in Provo, UT. Chet will be buried next to his parents at Forestvale Cemetery, Helena.
A Viewing will be held Saturday, January 10th, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a. m. at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Ave., Helena, MT. A Funeral Service will follow the viewing at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be held after the service at Forestvale Cemetery.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Chet.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 10, 2015
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 10, 2015
Retz Funeral Home Chapel
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
After the service
Saturday January 10, 2015
Forestvale Cemetery
690 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 10, 2015
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 10, 2015
Retz Funeral Home Chapel
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
After the service
Saturday January 10, 2015
Forestvale Cemetery
690 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Lynda Reisbeck says
I am so sorry for your loss. Chet was always a delight to be around! Oh, how Vola & Kenneth loved him, as they did all of their sons! My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you during this difficult time.
Lynda Reisbeck
Helena, MT
Andrea Jankovich says
I was so fortunate to meet Chet in San Diego but only saw him 2-3 times. However I loved his quick wit and sharp mind, especially about politics. We were both like-minded and enjoyed talking about the political affairs of the day.
My sincere sympathies to his family and many friends. After reading his obituary, I can see that his like was full and his family and friends have many wonderful memories of him. May your memories sustain you in the days to come.
Andrea Jankovich
San Diego
Dutch Burman says
My dear dear friend. How I have not felt this way for ten years when I lost my parents. I am just heavy with pain. I miss you so much and so wish I could be in Helena with you to say goodbye. I love you with all my heart and more. I hope all of the Barrett family knows what love and kindness you spread here in San Diego. I will come to
Montana to
See
Your resting place next to your loving Mother that you spoke of so often. Rest my beautiful friend, Rest.
We will have a Celebration of Life here in San Diego for Chet Saturday 17 January at my home.
Dutch Burman
Sa Diego
Marlene Bennion says
Goodbye dear little cousin. How great is your reunion with your mom and dad, grandparents and uncles and aunts and others who love you in heaven. Thank goodness for our knowledge and believes of the here after. We know death is but another step in the Lord’s great plan of happiness. We wait to see you again.
Brett Potter Barrett says
Dearest friends and family that may read this.
It is with a grateful heart that I write this to say thank you to those of you who LOVE Chet. To those of you who showed your love truly in you actions, I say thank you. Special and sincere thanks to you, Dutch Burman, for your kindness and goodness and loyalty to Chet. Thank you to you amazing family of friends that are Chet’s family left here on this earth.
I am certain, that Chet is mindful of you and will watch over you. He misses all of you the most.
No greater love hath a Mother or a Father for their son…. It is not possible to exceed the love that our Mother and Father have for you, Chet. Give Mom and Dad extra hugs from each one of us left here behind.
Love ya, Love ya,
Your brother,
Brett
A Friend says
Chet,
It would’ve been your birthday today, I miss you very much. It was about the same time in November 2013 (here in Downtown San Diego) when I last saw you. If I only knew how to reach out to you. You were a mystery still I love you as friend. I’ll never forget you.
RIP
A Friend says
Chet,
Missing you too much in 2016. Hope your happy wherever you are.
You ain’t missing much here on this big blue marble.
RIP
Billy Blackmon says
Chet,
Missing you my friend I hope your safe in Heaven with Mom and Dad. Today you were heavy on my mind in San Diego my friend