William Barrett

William Glenn Barrett

1924 - 2015

William Glenn Barrett, 90, passed away peacefully January 22, 2015, surrounded by his family, and is now reunited with his eternal sweetheart, Varda. 

Bill was born March 21, 1924 in Ogden, Utah to William Ernest and Vera Holden Barrett.

He joined the ROTC at Ogden High School and enlisted in the Navy in 1942. Second Class Petty Officer Barrett served in the Pacific Theater during WWII, in aviation electronics aboard the escort aircraft carrier, USS Altamaha. Afterwards, he was assigned as an original crew member (Plankowner) aboard the USS Midway aircraft carrier.

After the war, Bill earned a bachelor’s degree from Utah State University, and a master’s from Stanford University in electrical engineering. He was well respected in his engineering career, which included everything from designing guided missile systems to television special effects (where his team earned an Emmy). 

Bill met the love of his life at church and was hooked after their first date to Lagoon. He married Varda Rose Johnson March 19, 1947 in the Salt Lake Temple. They were married 66 1/2 years.

Bill was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings, including 16 years as ward clerk. 

Excelling at all sports as a youth, Bill enjoyed golf, early morning basketball, bowling, and water skiing even into his 80s. He was also artistically talented, and especially loved painting life-size cartoon characters for special events. Most of all, he loved spending time with Varda, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They loved his optimism, teasing, and his fun personality.

Bill is survived by his six children: Robert (Ree), Joan Smith (Kirk), Glenn (Stephanie), Brent (Ginger), Nancy Jennings (Bryan), and Julie Limb (Jeff), 30 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and brothers Jack, George and Melvin.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015 at the Orchard 7th Ward Chapel, 3599 S. Orchard Dr., Bountiful. Friends may visit family Friday, Jan. 30 from 6-8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary, 727 N. 400 E. and Sat. from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment Farmington City Cemetery.

Special thanks to the staff at Welcome Home Assisted Living for their kind care and attention.