Obituary of Eugene Herbert Barrett

Eugene Herbert Barrett passed away peacefully in his sleep March 19, 2023, at the age of 99 in Spirit Lake, Idaho.  He was born at home in May 1923, in Ogden, Utah to Alonzo Thomas Barrett and Hazel Irene Scott.  He had two older sisters, Avon and Frances, and a younger sister, Charlene, that he liked to call Chuck.  When Eugene first started school, he didn’t answer to Eugene when the teacher called his name.  He didn’t know that was his name because everyone called him Bud!

Eugene entered active duty in the Army in April 1943 and was sent overseas to the Philippines from 1944 – 1946 during World War II.

After the war he married LaRae Anderson in 1947.  After College they moved from Ogden, Utah to Edmonds, Washington briefly and then Renton, Washington and lived there for several years until moving to Bellevue, Washington in 1951 where they raised 5 children.

Eugene worked as an engineer for The Boeing Company right out of college until he retired after over 35 years as an engineer.  He received several awards from Boeing and worked on many special projects during his time there.

He claimed he was busier after retiring than he was when he was working and raising a family.  He fulfilled his lifelong dream of owning his own airplane and taught flying lessons for several years before being called on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with his wife LaRae in Nauvoo, Illinois.  After returning home from their mission they traveled all over the world.

Eugene and LaRae loved spending time with their family sharing traditions, stories, and life lessons.  He always said his family was his greatest joy.  Eugene loved camping, fishing, skiing, woodworking, family history, and flying!

In the 1990’s they moved to Auburn, Washington to be closer to family.  They lived there for 25 years.  Most recently Eugene moved to Spirit Lake, Idaho with his son Chris and Chris’ wife Tracy where they cared for him until his passing.

There will be a private graveside service for family at Sunset Hills Memorial Park in Bellevue, Washington on Friday April 14, 2023.

A Memorial luncheon will be held on Saturday April 15, 2023 at 11am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Auburn building, 1820 F St. SE, Auburn, WA 98002 for those who knew him and would like to join us to celebrate his life.

He was preceded in death by his wife LaRae Anderson Barrett, 3 sisters, and his parents.  Eugene is survived by his five children, Ron Barrett (Linda), Susan Titus, Scott Barrett (Dinah), Linda Barnett and Chris Barrett (Tracy), 22 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.  He has left a wonderful legacy.

In lieu of flowers please donate to your local Hospice organization or the Alzheimer’s Association.

An online memorial is available if you would like to share memories of Eugene.
https://eugenebarrett.muchloved.com/