Obituary

Dad’s Life Remembered

Richard H. Barnett was born in Berkeley, CA on November 18, 1924 to Leroy Michael Barnett and Corinne Barnett. He spent his childhood years in Sacramento, until his family moved to Redwood City, CA. Richard was an only child. He attended Sequoia High School, then spent his first year of college at San Jose State before enlisting in the Army Air Corps (now Air Force) at the age of 18. He completed officers training and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. He was stationed in Italy for several years, and he loved talking about the years he served during the war and flying over Italy. When the war ended, he enrolled in Stanford University on the G.I. bill. He met Jeanne Williams while he was attending Stanford. Richard majored in journalism at Stanford, and won an award for the best script, “I’ll Fly Anything”, which was produced as a radio show. He entered a career in broadcasting and worked for NBC in San Francisco. Richard and Jeanne were married in Palo Alto, CA on March 18, 1951. Shortly afterwards, Rich accepted an exciting position with Radio Free Asia, and they moved to The Philippines and lived overseas for nearly two years. They traveled the world before returning home to the states, where they lived briefly in Seattle, and then settled in Palo Alto, CA in 1954. Michael Scott Barnett was born shortly after, followed by Kimberlee Barnett two years later, and they lived in Palo Alto and Los Altos for over 18 years.

Richard was involved in the Palo Alto Community Theatre, and played the leading man in musicals such as Lil Abner, Anything Goes, Oklahoma, and Kiss Me Kate to name a few. His incredible baritone singing voice and his passion for entertaining others remained central throughout his life.

In 1969, Richard accepted a position with Hyatt Medical Enterprises and the family moved to Newport Beach, CA. Rich and Jeanne lived in Newport Beach for 35 years, until moving to Laguna Woods 11 years ago. While living in Newport, one of his favorite pastimes was sailing in Newport Harbor. He owned or co-owned 3 sailboats which were docked at his bay front home for 3 years, and he was an active member of both a sailing club and a Yacht Club. Richard was a passionate sailor for nearly 3 decades, and sailing was a regular weekend activity.

Richard had a phenomenal career that spanned many industries including journalism, broadcasting, hospital administration, health care consulting and facilitating start-up ventures. Following retirement he was an active member of SCORE, helping others to launch new businesses. Richard was an over-achiever with an incredible passion for life and learning. He loved music, people, entertaining, traveling, world affairs, staying healthy, and spending all his waking hours with his beautiful wife Jeanne. They were married for 64 years, and had a very rare and enduring love that will live on forever and ever throughout eternity.

——————————————————————————————–

To Our Beloved Family and Friends,

Memorial Service for my Dad, Richard H. Barnett, will be held this Friday, April 10 @ 12:00PM as follows:

Clubhouse 6, Laguna Woods
24061 Algarrobo, Laguna Woods
(enter through Gate 10 off Santa Maria Avenue)

12:00PM Service Begins
Food and Drinks to be provided
You are welcome to share your favorite story or memory of Richard
(please limited to 3 minutes)

Call or text Kim with any important questions at 949-680-9565 (no need to RSVP)

We hope you can make it.

Much love to all,
Kim, Mike, Jeanne, Georgeanne, Dana, Chelsea and Taylor