JOYCE — The Joyce community is mourning the death of one of its staunchest supporters, Terry Wayne Barnett, said Joyce Fire Chief Greg Waters.
Barnett died of cancer on Sept. 13 at the age of 74, said Sam Nugent, board of commissioners vice chair.
Barnett served on the Crescent Community Advisory Council, Joyce Daze Committee and Joyce Emergency Planning and Preparedness (JEPP) group.
Barnett also served as District No. 4 Fire Commissioner since 2017, and he sat on multiple committees and served as chair of the Building Committee.
“Under this leadership, the fire district made great strides towards a new fire station through the purchase of an existing administration building and the design and planning of the construction of a new apparatus barn,” according to a fire district press release.
“It’s a shame Terry did not live to see the completion of this project,” Nugent said. “This was his dream. But I know he’ll be watching as we complete it.”
Barnett, a Navy veteran who was an Aviational Storekeeper Second Class and a Vietnam veteran, took great pride in serving the community of Joyce in which he lived, Waters said.
“Terry would do anything for anyone, if it was in his power. And he’d never ask anything in return,” said Waters, a longtime friend of Barnett’s.
Barnett was named the official Joyce Daze “Grinch” in 2020, a community award in recognition that, like the Grinch, “his heart had grown three times bigger” than most.
As an example of that giving, Terry donated his corneas in the hope that, even in his death, he could assist someone else, Waters said.
Beyond his active roles on committees, Barnett also volunteered his time helping with construction projects, building repairs and assorted maintenance projects throughout the community.
Barnett often showed up during snowstorms to plow driveways and clear access to ensure the fire trucks and ambulances could get out to assist residents.
As part of his involvement with JEPP, Barnett, along with Jim Buck, was instrumental in the development of a water filtration system to provide clean drinking for residents in the event of catastrophic events such as earthquakes.
Board of Commissioners Chair Ben Pacheco said of Barnett: “We’ve lost an irreplaceable piece of our community.”
“Terry will be greatly missed and never forgotten.”
Barnett was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Robert L. (Bob) Barnett.
He is survived by his significant other, Rosemary Morgan of Port Angeles, his son Richard K. Barnett of Florida, son and daughter-in-law Randall S. (Randy) and Crystal Barnett of Puyallup, and brother-in-law and sister Jerry A. and Marilyn K. Daniels, of Spokane, as well as 16 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
At his request, there will be no formal memorial service. A private family interment was planned at West Hills Memorial Park in Yakima and a Celebration of Life was to take place at a later date.
