A compassionate man who possessed great

A compassionate man who possessed great inner strength, there wasn't anything Dan Barrett wouldn't do for those he loved. A man of few words, he was often a straight shooter who was pretty direct in all he said and did. With wisdom and integrity, Dan knew the ability to

laugh at oneself and having a good sense of humor was all that and more. Deeply missed, memories of him as a devoted husband and dedicated father will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

One of the most explosive decades of the century, the 1920s brought great change to America. From fashion to the world of politics, music and movies, America's once conservative nature was truly challenged. In an age of prohibition, technological advancements played a vital role in bringing the great economic and cultural prosperity experienced during the 1920s. Throughout this time, the year 1927 was of great significance in the lives of James and Martha (Mullins) Barrett when on March 20 of that year they lovingly welcomed the birth of their son, Daniel Graham into their hearts.

Dan was born and raised nestled in the central highlands and rolling valleys of Juan, Kentucky, a close knit community whose residents were primarily hardworking loggers and miners. Far removed from big city life during the heyday of the Roaring 20s, Dan enjoyed a simple childhood as one of nine children in the Barrett household. Times were hard raising a large family, and became especially so during the struggles of the Great Depression during Dan's formative years. He attended school, but like many young people of this era, Dan`s educational years ended in the 8th grade.

With the onset of World War II, Dan along with many other young men felt the call to duty. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army and experienced much. After returning home following his discharge, Dan eventually made his

way to Holland, Michigan and moving there in 1948 proved to be a remarkable turning point in his life.

Shortly after his move to Michigan Dan met a young woman that very July named Geneva Alsip who took his breath away. Quite smitten from the start, they shared an intense attraction for one another. Literally love at first sight, just six weeks later they traveled to Crown Point, Indiana with another couple and sealed their love in marriage. Without

wasting any time, they forfeited a honeymoon and came home to Holland to work and begin their family.

In time their home grew to include nine children whom Dan loved beyond compare. With such a large brood to provide for, Dan used his many skills and talents to see that they had everything they needed. Times were indeed hard now and then, but they never went without. A compassionate man

who worked hard for the love of his family, he was a devoted husband and dedicated father. While raising his family, Dan worked at Scott's Manufacturing and at the H.J. Heinz Pickling Factory. Musically inclined, he also moonlighted in a band he and his brothers formed, known as the Weekenders.

Dan loved country music. He was especially fond of Buck Owens, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Porter Wagoner and counted them as some of his favorite country performers. He later was a member of The Country Ramblers, a band that once even opened for Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton. Along with favoring country music, he in turn loved watching westerns on television, especially the really good, old time treasures.

The greatest joy for Dan was to see his family happy and he did everything to make that a reality. Wonderful family memories were created over the years which meant a great deal to him. Family vacations were spent traveling south to Kentucky to visit family where fun times were shared. A sight to behold, it was also quite an accomplishment loading everyone and everything into the family Hudson and later the family station wagon, for their trips! Dan absolutely loved being in the company of his family. For many years the entire family gathered at their home each Sunday for outdoor barbeques and with Dan's love for horseshoes, there was sure to be a game going. When not grilling, he usually enjoyed a good meal out at Cracker Barrel for their good, down home cooking.

Besides his work and music, Dan enjoyed several hobbies throughout the years such as bird watching and working on puzzles. He especially found contentment working in his garden and taking care of his flowers. He golfed on a league for several years and was a member of various bowling leagues, too. He also held membership with the Holland Elks and took part in many activities there over the years.

After retiring from the Heinz Company, Dan and Geneva made several trips to see their family in Arizona. When his

children began having families and made lives for themselves, Dan could not have been more proud as a father and reveled in each of their many accomplishments. It was an especially difficult time for him and his family when his son, Chester "Ray" died in 1989 and the death of his beloved Geneva in 2001 nearly broke his heart.

Above all, Dan loved his family with his whole heart and their happiness meant everything to him. In his later years he always mentioned how he wanted them to continue creating wonderful memories together. Although a man of few words, he typically was straightforward and to the point, never ceasing to express the tremendous love he had for those in his life. He set a fine example, and lived by the belief that the ability to laugh at yourself and keep a good sense of humor was good for the soul. At the age of 83, Daniel Graham Barrett sadly passed away on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at Hospice House of Holland.

Surviving are his children: Wanda (Ted) Martin of Vail, Arizona, Marcy Kimbrough Russel of Holland, Danny (Diane) Barrett of Allegan, Jan (Rob) Hall of San Diego, California, Rick (Sandy) Barrett and Bob (Bonnie) Barrett also of Holland, Sharon Thomas and Bonnie Wolbers, both of Zeeland; 20 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; two greatgreat grandchildren; brothers and sisters: Linda James, Ray (Mary) Barrett, Arlie (Joyce) Barrett, James (Flo) Barrett, Tressa (Elvin) Thacker; his in-laws, nephews, nieces and cousins.

Funeral services for Dan will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, January 17, 2011 in the Chapel at Restlawn Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Ken Thomas officiating. Burial in Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Visit with his family on Sunday from 2-5 PM at the Dykstra Funeral HomesMulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of Holland or the American Cancer Society.

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