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Barry Brown , Age: 88
May 16, 1934 - January 24, 2023
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Barry R. Brown passed away peacefully on January 24, 2023. He was born May 16, 1934, the
son of Alyce and Henry Brown, in Oakland CA. As a young man he joined the Air Force and
made it a career, serving for 30 years rising to the Rank of Master Sargent. In his early life he
loved racing, and raced motorcycles, cars, and hydroplanes. As he got older and wiser, he
raced sailboats, a little slower and a little safer.
He was an avid skier and one spring day in 1968, while skiing at Alta in Utah, he entered the lift
line as a single, and paired up with a young red head for the ride up the mountain. They hit it off
immediately, and began dating, skiing and sailing. He married Loretta Hetterle in January 1969,
becoming a father to Loretta’s young son Keith.
Barbara came along soon after, making it a family of four.
Due to Air Force relocations, travel was a big part of family life; with extended stops in Utah,
Kansas, England, New York, and finally Washington. All along the way, time was spent
exploring; visiting historical sites, hiking, camping, boating. That love of exploring lead to a 30
year love affair with Mt Rainier, spending innumerable weekends hiking, skiing, and
snowshoeing on the mountain.
As Keith joined Cub Scouts, Barry found an organization in the Boy Scouts that would allow him
as a volunteer to learn leadership skills and that began his love of working with kids. Barry and
Loretta were part of the first group of American Scouters to complete the Wood Badge training
at Gilwell Park near London England. While in New York, Barry was a Scoutmaster and the
family were all counsellors at the annual Summer Camp at Camp Bedford in Malone, NY.
Soon after the family moved to Washington, Barry retired from the Air Force, and began working
towards his second and most rewarding career, teaching. He graduated from The Evergreen
State College with a bachelors degree and from Western Washington University with a Masters
in Education. He spent the next 15 years teaching Math and Science at Komachin Middle
School. After he retired from teaching, he continued to volunteer at the school in the wood shop
and the classroom. As he ended his time working with students, he and Loretta lead nature
walks and GPS lessons for school field trips to Tolmie State park and the Nisqually Wildlife
Refuge.
Barry will be remembered by many for his green 1973 Jeep Commando.
Barry is survived by his wife of 54 years, Loretta, his son Keith and daughter Barbara, and
grandkids Lydia and Thomas.
He always took the opportunity to bring a smile to others, and a good story or gadget to wow us
with. He was always be there to support his family and encourage people to grow into their
own strengths.
We are thankful for everything he taught us and the kindness he so freely shared.
This is our beloved Barry R. Brown. He is deeply missed.

Additional Service: Graveside Service
Location: Tahoma National Cemetery
Address: 18600 SE 240th St
City: Kent
State: WA
Zip Code: 98042
Date of Service: February 13, 2023
Time of Service: 10:30am
Additional Information: No Additional Information Added
Google Map: Click Here to see Location on Map.

Condolences

Joseph &Sandra Sommerfeld February 04, 2023

Neighbor Olympia , Washington

Our deepest sympathy to Loretta & the family! Barry was an awesome man! He will be truly missed! The best neighbors too!


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