Wilson Albert Barnes

June 29, 1920 - April 16, 2014 

Wilson A. Barnes, 93, passed away peacefully at home in Seattle on April 16, 2014. He was very proud of his Irish heritage, with ancestors from Co. Antrim on his father's side and from Bunmahon, Co. Waterford on his mother's side. He is survived by his wife Anne, children Wilson (Bill & Maura), Maryellen (Tom), Patrick (Juliana) and Brion, sister Patricia, countless grandchildren and other relatives, to all of whom sincere sympathy is extended. A private memorial service is planned.

Wilson A. Barnes was born in Seattle on June 29, 1920. He was the third child born to Wilson E. Barnes and Mary (McCaughan) Barnes. He had four sisters, Helen, Jacqueline, Patricia and Margaret. He grew up in Seattle and attended Sacred Heart and St. Alphonsus Catholic schools. Due to economic conditions of the Post-Depression era, he went to work to help support his family at the age of 13, delivering telegrams and performing assorted odd jobs. He apprenticed at Charlie Minaglia's Downtown Garage where he learned his lifelong trade of automotive mechanic. In his early 20's he enlisted as a Merchant Marine and served honorably throughout the Second World War before returning to Seattle.

During that time, he met and married Anne Kramer with whom he raised five children: Wilson, Maryellen, Patrick, Teresa and Brion. To support his family over the next thirty years he worked primarily in automotive repair at various locations. In the 1960s, he ran the repair shop for the Gray Top Cab Company and became an owner of three taxi cabs before retiring to private life. He had a life-long love of the outdoors and fished and hunted throughout Washington, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado for many years. In addition to playing golf, he was an ardent supporter and season ticket holder of the Seattle Seahawks.

After a stroke in 2000, he lived at home supported mainly by his daughter, Maryellen. During the last year of his life, he was lovingly cared for by Ratu Waqetia, to whom the Barnes Family will be forever grateful.

Of all the things he loved most, his family was at the top of the list: his children, parents, siblings, and relations were the constants of his life. He worked hard to support his family. Dad was a loving father, devoted husband and a good friend to all he knew. He shared whatever he had, whether time, talent or financial aid with not only his children but many in need. To his children he demonstrated and passed along important qualities, such as generosity, hard work, thrift, honesty and unconditional love. Bless you Dad. We will miss you forever.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis