"Michael, this is 2020 and I didn?t know that you had left. I accidentally came across your obituary. We haven?t talked for years and but I think about you now and then, you kept me from a dark place a long time ago and I am forever grateful. Rest easy Micheal."
In loving memory of
Michael Scott Barrette
July 1, 1959 - June 18, 2011
Michael S. Barrette passed away unexpectedly in Seattle, WA. He was born at Memorial Hospital in Darlington, WI to Leo and Kathy Barrette (Sherman). Michael attended and graduated from Mineral Point High School in May 1977. While in high school, Michael worked with local artisans learning various trades. He enjoyed performing as one of the early Shakerag Players.
Following high school, Michael apprenticed in glass artistry in Columbus, OH. He returned to Wisconsin to attend UW-Madison where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree. Moving to Seattle, WA, he continued to work with glass design until the time of his death. Mike was one of the best cold working glass technicians in the world.
Michael enjoyed playing the flute; singing karaoke and was an avid auto enthusiast as well as a master chess, dart, and pool player. He was a free spirit who enjoyed politics and was very comedic. Michael was a great guy with an outgoing personality who was admired by many friends worldwide.
His grandparents, several aunts, uncles, and an infant brother, Robert, preceded Michael in death. He leaves behind his parents, nine brothers and sisters; David (Tracy Holland) of Strasburg, VA, Jeff (Lynn Hopkins) of Madison, WI, Gregg (Bev Bryant) of Everett, WA, Wendy (Phil) Norton of Waukon, IA, Paul (Tina Conroy) of Mineral Point, WI, Donald (Kathy Frigge) of Waunakee, WI, (Ta)Mara (Andrew) Jensen of Madison, WI, Brenda (Mark) Nelson of Darlington, WI, and Trish (Dennis Kron) of Sun Prairie, WI; several nieces and nephews and many, many friends.
Michael will be dearly missed.
Tributes
"I went to school with Michael and my family has many of his crystal sculptures that he created in Madison...I will miss him greatly...If the family wants to see my collection, please contact me...God Bless. "
"Our sincerest condolences to Michael's family. His brother Gregg has been a close friend of ours for nearly 20 years and Michael helped us with a home remodel project a couple years ago and was a joy to have on the job. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him and was taken from us all much, much too soon. Keeping him in our memories is the only way to help ease the pain of his departure from us. Rest in Peace, Brother, indeed, Rest In Peace. Take Care Barrette Family."
"Mikey,My heart aches from missing you so much, the grief I feel is overwhelming.I cannot convince my head that you are no longer with us. I am so glad that Gregg was there with you, that is very comforting.We had some very funny times when we were younger and I can think about those times and it makes me smile. Your free spirit is unreplaceable, there will never be anyone else like you.....I miss you :("
"So sorry to hear of your loss. I had a lot of fun with Mike back when we were teenagers. Mostly doing things we should not have been doing at our age. He will be greatly missed. You have my heartfelt sympathy, Karen and Denny Trace"
"To my brother "Mickel" you will always be with me. I have never felt such pain as to lose a brother. But I now know my pain does not compare to what you were going through. I wish there was something I could have done to keep you her with me (us)and to help ease your pain. No matter what you had going on in your life, you were never without a smile and never above helping others. I like to say that you had never met a stranger. To Mike's friends in WA and my brother Gregg, thank you for being his famliy away from home. I am glad he had all of you as his family. He is loved greatly by so many. Love & miss you Mickel! Brenda "
"After a seperation of years, we were begining again to know each other, and I am sad that you had to go so soon into our renewed beginging. You were my "soul" brother and I was your "soul" sister. And even though we were estranged for years,you let me know that you knew my pain,and that you understood that I knew yours.Only I didn't know how much physical pain you were in, and I am sorry that for whatever reason you choose not to share that pain with me, and your family, we are sad to know now that you suffered greatly.So even though I am sad for myself,our parents and our sibblings,and am greiving deeply for the loss of you, I hope that you are finally with out pain -emotionaly and physically.with love and deep affection, your "soul" sister, Mara (Tami)"
"Mickle - I miss you and can't believe you are gone. You will always be in my heart and I will always be your cute little cutie pie, your cute little baby! "