Franklin C. Barrett, 69, Oak Harbor, passed away suddenly Sept. 16, 2002.

He was born May 26, 1933, in Vancouver, Wash., and was raised mostly in Cheney. He graduated from Cheney High School and joined the Navy in 1953.

Mr. Barrett met Alicia West in 1953 and they were married Oct. 30, 1954, in Spokane. They celebrated 47 years of love and friendship in marriage before Alicia’s death Feb. 1, 2002.

In 1962 Mr. Barrett was stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station with VA-145, and Oak Harbor became home. During his Navy career, he also kept busy volunteering, first with Cub Scouts and then with Boy Scouts as his sons grew older. Although he wasn’t in Boy Scouts as a child, he received many scouting awards as an adult, including the Silver Beaver. He was also involved with St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in a variety of ways including religious education and being a eucharistic minister.

In 1973 he retired from the Navy and started a second career as an assistant naval science instructor at Oak Harbor High School. He thoroughly enjoyed the cadets and co-workers and was respected and loved during his 20 years at the school. He retired again in 1993, and he and Alicia traveled together and enjoyed each other’s company.

Family and friends were an important part of his life and he loved to spend time with them. Among his greatest blessings he counted his Christian faith, being born in the United States, finding the love of his life and sharing a lifetime with her, and his children. He attended countless sporting events, concerts, plays and religious events to be there for his children and grandchildren. He and his wife also enjoyed attending plays and watching the Mariners at home and at spring training in Arizona.

All who knew Frank well knew that he was a phenomenal person. He lived the Scout Laws and the Ten Commandments every day. To him they were much more than words. He was the ultimate teacher, whether he was dealing with family, students, Boy Scouts or friends. His calling was clear, and people learned from him. His granddaughter described him as her hero, and she was not alone in that view.

He is survived by three children, David Barrett and wife Sue of Renton, Bruce Barrett of Lynnwood, and Shannan Dumke and husband Mark of Freeland; grandchildren Frank, Conor and Lauren Barrett in Alabama and their mother, Kim; Kristina and Erin Barrett of Lynnwood and their mother, Eileen; Danielle Dumke of Lynnwood, and Aimee and Brianne Dumke of Freeland; a brother, Robert, and his wife, Nadine, of Spokane; a sister, Donna, and her husband, Walt, of Spokane; numerous nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends the Ratcliffs.

Rosary will be held at 9:30 a.m. today, Sept. 21, followed by a memorial Mass at 10 at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Oak Harbor with full military honors. A reception with follow.

Donations can be made to the St. Augustine’s Church Building Fund, 185 N. Oak Harbor St., Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Arrangements are by Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.