Herbert Barrett

With his daughters and caregivers at his side singing his favorite hymns, Herbert E. Barrett, 94, passed peacefully into the light of his Lord on March 25, 2015, at the home he shared with his daughter and son-in-law in Lyndon, VT.
Herb was born July 21, 1920, in St. Johnsbury, VT, the son of Clarence and Josephine (Ferris) Barrett. He joined the US Army Air Force serving his country during World War II for three years in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
He married Martha L. Morrison of Waterford, VT, on June 25, 1946. They raised their family in St. Johnsbury where they were active members of North Congregational Church. Herb served on many church committees, was a Deacon, and sang in the choir for many years. They were also very active with the Community School in St. Johnsbury, raising monies for mentally disabled students. Herb served as the treasurer there for several years. Their efforts expanded to the Brandon Training School in Brandon, VT, where they collected items and donations to support the school. He also volunteered at the Fairbanks Museum.
Herb was a hard worker during his 44-year career with Fairbanks Scale in St. Johnsbury. He started as a mail clerk, took night classes at the St. Johnsbury Trade School and became a machinist, and worked his way up the ladder, becoming the Foreman of the welding and sheet metal department. He received several awards from Fairbanks Scale including the Cost Reduction Award in 1979. He retired in 1984.
For nearly 60 years, Herb was a loyal member of the ODD Fellows Caledonia Lodge #6 IOOF. He served in every officer position. He was a dedicated blood donor who donated over 13 gallons of blood to help others.
Herb loved his trips to the coast of Maine, walking the Marginal Way, playing his harmonica, and singing in an acappella group at nursing homes and senior meal sites. Upon moving to Lyndon in 2006, Herb treasured his daily trips to the Bagel Depot for his blueberry muffin and coffee, and greatly enjoyed the royal treatment he received from the wonderful staff and regular patrons. In recent years, he took pleasure in daily outings with his caregivers, watching wildlife and his daughter's horses.
Survivors include his five children, David of Lyndon, Peter of Littleton, NH, Thomas and his wife Patricia of St. Johnsbury, Carol Marut of Plantsville, CT, and Lisa and her husband Joe Newell of Lyndon; 10 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; two brothers, Kenneth and his wife Helen of Sutton, and Clinton of Pennsylvania; a sister, Mabel of St. Johnsbury; his sister-in-law, Dortohy Coombs of St. Johnsbury Center; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Herb is also survived by his wonderful caregivers, Connie, Doris, Jane, Kiki, Heather, Anita and Pat who allowed him to remain at home and maintain his independence to the end.
He was predeceased by his parents; his first wife Martha in 1984, his second wife Rita Metevier MacPherson in 1996; nine sisters, Margaret Smith, Marion Stone, Louise Lundstrom, Elizabeth Barrett, Patricia Barrett, Audrey Blaine, Ruth Friend, Betty Minshull and Katherine Hill; and two brothers, William Barrett and Clarence Barrett Jr; and his brother-in-law, Carlyle Morrison.
Funeral services will be held at Guibord Funeral Home in Lyndonville on Monday, March 30, 2015 at 2:00pm with the Rev. Jay Sprout officiating. Herb will be laid to rest beside his wife, Martha, in Riverside Cemetery in Waterford, VT, on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 2:00pm. There will be an informal gathering in his memory at Bagel Depot on Tuesday morning, March 31st, at 9:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Marginal Way Preservation Fund, mail to P.O. Box 1455, Ogunquit, ME 03907-1455, or visit http://marginalwayfund.org. Memories and condolences may be shared privately at www.guibordfh.com.