Kenneth Paul Barrett, age 88 passed away on May 23, 2011 at his home in Helena.
Kenneth was born on April 16, 1923 in Missoula, Montana. He was the sixth child of Jesse and Alice Barrett. He grew up on the family farm in the small community of Belknap, MT, where he worked at the store and post office owned by his father. He worked on the farm milking cows, hauling hay, and mending fences and when the chores were completed he hunted and fished, and rode his horse. And in fact, he met a beautiful girl who lived fifteen miles west in the town of Trout Creek named Vola Potter. He frequently drove there to dance with and date the girl who would become his wife.
On June 3, 1944, a year after graduating from Thompson Falls High School, Kenneth and his high school sweetheart were married in Missoula, MT. In 1954 they were sealed together for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple together with their five sons. Kenneth and Vola raised an all-boy family: Roger and Gregory live in Idaho Falls, Idaho; Dwight lives in Salt Lake City, Utah; Brett resides in Provo, Utah and Chet in San Diego, California. They have 29 grandchildren, and 55 great grandchildren. He is survived by an older sister, Della Cook from Hot Springs, Montana.
After marriage, Kenneth and Vola moved to Vancouver, WA, and spent a year working in the shipyards in behalf of the war. They relocated back to Thompson Falls where Kenneth worked for the soil conservation service and in the logging industry.
In 1951 he moved to Butte, MT where he was employed by the BA&P Railroad and shortly thereafter became a general contractor and homebuilder. When the economy worsened, he relocated to Helena in 1962 where he resided the remainder of his years.
In Helena, Kenneth designed and built numerous beautiful homes, many of which Vola and he lived in. He became a Master electrician, plumber, and heating specialist. He was a farmer, mechanic, millwright, switchman, landlord, and a business entrepreneur. Free enterprising was in his blood. He loved a “good deal” and was always searching for ways to increase and better himself and his family. He taught numerous of sons the building business and together they helped one another build dozens of new homes. He was a role model in so many ways.
Kenneth was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was an ordained Elder, Seventy, and High Priest; he served as Sunday School President, Elders’ Quorum President, High Priest Group Leader, as President of Seventy, and a Stake Missionary. He was actively involved in conservative politics. If there was laughter among a group of people, Kenneth was probably the initiator of it with a one liner of sorts or teasing someone. Kenneth was a friend to everyone and loved by all. Heaven will enjoy immensely this dear husband and father and friend.
A viewing will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 28, 2011 in the Relief Society Room of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1610 6th Ave., with a funeral scheduled for 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will be held at Forestvale Cemetery. A dinner will follow the burial at the church. To offer condolences to the family or share a memory of Kenneth, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com.
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Dwight Barrett says
I want to thank those who wrote a note about my dad. My dad will be missed. I am glad that I got my fill of being with my dad. He lived a full life. He was healthy and sharp up until the day he died.
Jack and Loraine Darlow says
We liked Brother Barrett very much and he was a great inspiration to us. I’m sure he will be greatly missed. Our hearts, prayers, and thoughts are with his family at this time of grief and sorrow.
Gloriane says
Tnhkas for the insight. It brings light into the dark!
Aaron Potter Barrett says
I am so grateful that I am part of Grandad’s posterity. I will always remember his famous Words at family gatherings “I Love Ya, Love Ya, Love Ya!” I will miss you Grandad and remember you always for your kindness, laughter and jokes, and your love most of all.
Love,
Aaron Potter Barrety
Sherri Staats says
My husband John & I have fond memories of Ken when we attended the Mormon Church. Ken had a wonderful sense of humor that reminded me of the dad (that always made me smile). I know he touched the lives and hearts of many people. He wil be missed by many. God Bless You Ken, rest in peace with your beloved Vola. God’s Blessings to all of your family
Sherri Staats says
My husband John & I have fond memories of Ken when we attended the Mormon Church. Ken had a wonderful sense of humor that reminded me of the dad (that always made me smile). I know he touched the lives and hearts of many people. He wil be missed by many. God Bless You Ken, rest in peace with your beloved Vola. God’s Blessings to all of your family
Alan Egge says
Sorry for your loss. I have many fine memories of learning from Mr. Barrett and enjoying his company in my youth in the company of my best friend Dwight, one of his sons. Losing a parent is hard. I am very glad I knew Mr. Barrett.
Tom Anderson says
Dwight,
I want to offer you my condolences at the passing of your father. He sounds like he was a wonderful son, husband, father, church leader, and friend.
Although you will miss him greatly, you can rejoice knowing he is with loved ones and that you will see him again.
You are in our prayers my friend.
Naomi Rennerfeldt (Scruton) says
I would like to express my sincerest sympathy and deepest condolences to the Barrett family. From what I remember, Mr. Barrett was a wonderful man. He will be sadly missed by all of those that knew him…Dwight you and I go back many years and I know how close you were with your father. Be strong and know that he is in Gods hands and at peace in Heaven. God bless and take care.
Victor W. Heinitz says
We mourn the departure from this life of Ken Barrett whom we have known since February 25, 1957. He and his good wife raised a very dedicated, successful and trustworthy family of boys, emulating the integrity of their mother and father. We hope our friendship extends into the realms of eternity. We will be unable to attend the funeral because we must be in Idaho on that day! Our love and deepest heart felt sympathy to all of the family.
Vic and Norma Heinitz
Naomi Rennerfeldt (Scruton) says
I would like to express my sincerest sympathy and deepest condolences to the Barrett family. From what I remember, Mr. Barrett was a wonderful man. He will be sadly missed by all of those that knew him…Dwight you and I go back many years and I know how close you were with your father. Be strong and know that he is in Gods hands and at peace in Heaven. God bless and take care.
Bishop Tony Smith says
Kenneth Barrett was a great father who lived life to its fullest. Kenneth gave away more than $3 million dollars first to friends and relatives in need. His last will and testament was torn up by the executors of his estate his 3 oldest sons. He predicted that Roger and Dwight could not be trusted.
He is ashamed of his 3 oldest sons who tore up his last will and testament. Only the IRS can tax the money they took illegally from the Barrett estate. As the Bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I condem the dishonesty and stealing of the Ken Barrett estate. Sincerely, Tony Smith