Brett Thomas Barnett

Brett Thomas Barnett, born October 30, 1962 in Cincinnati, OH, passed away on November 6, 2011 in Seattle, WA. Brett brought joy to everyone he met; always positive, helpful and ready to please. Brett was a Special Olympian many times over – winning medals in track and field, swimming, and skiing. He was a long time active parishioner at St. Monica’s Parish by participating in the Youth Ministry program and serving as an alter server for many years. Brett graduated from Issaquah High School in 1984. After working at different jobs arranged by job training agencies, Brett took the initiative to find a job without anybody’s help. His initiative paid off because he found a job at McDonald’s on Mercer Island and worked there for 17 years before retiring in 2006. Brett spent countless hours at the Highland Center in Bellevue where he participated in weight training, dancing, and his favorite hobby – musical theatre productions. He was a featured actor in several of the Highland Center’s production including, South Pacific, Grease, Guys and Dolls, and many other plays.Brett lived a joyful and productive life on Mercer Island with his family. In 2005, he moved to Spiritridge Adult Family Home in Bellevue, where Orlan and Babylyn Calayag lovingly cared for him until May 2010. Due to declining health, he moved to Providence Mt. St. Vincent and was cared with love and respect until his passing on November 6, 2011. Brett is preceded in death by his father, Kendrick “Kink” J. Barnett. He is survived by his mother, Kathleen A. Barnett of Mercer Island, brother, Barclay Barnett of Hailey, ID, sisters, Denise Angel, Celeste Stubner and Nanette Fricke of the Seattle area, brothers-in-law, Marc Angel, Jamie Stubner and Steve Fricke, nephew, Stefan Fricke, nieces, Caitlin Stubner, Carly Stubner, Samantha Angel, Alexandra Angel and Cossette Fricke. A Memorial Mass will be held on November 14th at 11:00 AM at St. Monica’s Catholic Church, 4311 88th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Highland Center Donation Fund (14224 NE Bel-Red Road, Bellevue, WA 98007 425-452-7686) or Special Olympics Washington (1809 7th Ave Suite 1509, Seattle, WA 98101 or call 206-362-4949 ext 206).