William Macauley Barrett

Born in Glasgow, Scotland on November 3, 1936, to Thomas and Jemima (Reid) Barrett, Bill grew up on the poorest banks of Govan, Scotland. The famous Fairfield shipyard was his “playground’. His older brother Tommy had immigrated a few years earlier to Canada and Bill (Ur Willie) wanted to be just like him.

Bill graduated from Stow College in Glasgow with a degree in drafting. In 1963, Bill went on a blind date to a woman he would later marry, Maureen Margaret Cook. She had also left her upbringing in Newfoundland and landed in Toronto, Canada and together they immigrated to California two days after the wedding. They had a set of twins, Dwayne and Teresa and then two years later their daughter, Lisa arrived. California was losing its appeal to raise a family in 1971, so the couple moved to Tennessee, and raised their family, built a church, started a softball league, and created a thrift store to feed and clothe the local poor of Hendersonville, Tennessee. In 1996, after getting a poor health prognosis, Bill moved his beloved wife and himself to Freeport, Florida in 1996. They lived and loved being close to family and being able to help them when needed. In 2009 He was diagnosed with cancer and sought care in Longmont, Colorado with his older daughter, Teresa and her family.

Bill was a founding and long-term member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and was a dedicated patron of Christ the King Catholic Church in Florida, as well as at St. John the Baptist Catholic church in Longmont. Barrett was also a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus and faithful Catholic.

In the free time of his youth, Bill enjoyed cycling in the hills of Scotland. In Hendersonville, he created a softball league for which the city still honors. He was frequently submitting his opinion in the Times Call Newspaper and loved seeing it published. Barrett loved going to sporting events; especially those of his grandchildren.

Bill was a steadfast and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. His love for his family was palpable, and he never hesitated to brag on the achievements of his loved ones. He was known for his giving nature, impeccable sense of humor, and quick wit.

When asked what he felt was his proudest moment, he replied, bringing my wife and children back to Scotland to meet my Ma. While he always keen to share his love of Scotland with strangers, he felt he lived the American dream….prosperity and opportunity for a better life for his family. He was a very proud and patriotic American.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers Tommy and John Barrett; and three sisters Betty Morrison, Cathy Tollin and Margaret Johnson.

He is survived by his wife and soulmate of 59 years Maureen Barrett; his son Dwayne Barrett; his daughters Teresa MacPhail (son in law, Keith MacPhail) and Lisa McMahan, (Bryan McMahan) his brother Pat Barrett (wife Margaret); his grandchildren Kacy Frantz, Amy Hardy, Brian McMahan, Sean Barrett, Will Barrett, Marcel MacPhail and Abigail MacPhail; and his great-grandchildren Jonathan and Caroline Hardy.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday July 13, 2022, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. All memorial contributions may be made to the Longmont Humane Society.