Barrie Arnett, 81, died Tuesday, August 22, 2017, at home, after a short illness.
He leaves his wife Margaret Carpenter Arnett, son Andrew Carpenter, daughter Jennifer Koehler, son Geoffrey Carpenter, son Colin Carpenter and three grandchildren.
Barrie was born and raised in Seattle, WA. He was educated at Helen Bush School, St. George’s Vancouver, and graduated from Bellevue High School in 1955. He attended the University of Washington for two years before going into the Volkswagen car business in Seattle.
In 1957 he married Florence de Rose; they spent most of their married life living aboard sailboats and in 1976 they built a Spencer 52, Saint Clement, in which they sailed to the South Pacific and were gone for 16 months, returning via Alaska. They continued to live aboard at Shilshole Marina, working in Seattle; the summers were spent exploring extensively the northwest coast from British Columbia to Alaska until her death from cancer in 1987. In 1991 he married Margaret Carpenter , bought a house in Magnolia, sold the Spencer 52’ and bought a Spencer 42’ to continue cruising. He said the best thing about his second marriage was that he acquired 4 children and three grandchildren in whose lives he took great joy and interest. He was much sought after as a marine surveyor and on the docks because of his wide range of hands-on knowledge and nautical experience. He continued surveying until 2015. In 2003 Barrie & Margaret moved to Shelter Bay, WA and found the perfect place for their retirement years.
Barrie was a life member of Seattle Yacht Club, active in many committees, particularly the Acquisition of Outstations. A member of the Cruising Club of America for 27 years, he served as Rear Commodore of the Pacific NW Station In 1998 and 1999. He was very active in HAM radio.
He cared very much about his extended family and friends; his quiet strength and adventurous spirit live on in the example of a life well-lived.
A private family service was held at Christ Episcopal Church in Anacortes. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com.