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Ricky Lee Barrett, 55

Dec. 26, 1961 – Jan. 7, 2017

Rick passed away quietly on Jan. 7, 2017, in Scottsdale, Ariz., while visiting family and friends. Rick had lived in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, for the past 10 years. He was born in Redding, Calif., to Bill and Sheri Barrett.

He was a graduate of Laytonville High School where he played football, enjoyed debate and was the Valedictorian of his graduating class. Rick earned his bachelor’s degree in science and civil engineering at the California State University, Chico and a master’s degree in engineering and minor in mathematics at University of California at Davis. He worked as a Teaching Assistant and a Civil Engineer during his college career.

Upon completion of his master’s program, he went on a once in a life time adventure with his good friend, Tim Osterkamp, to fish and camp throughout Alaska. Rick worked for Failure Analysis-Exponent in Menlo Park California as a Senior Forensic Structural Engineer. Rick went to Waco, Texas, following the aftermath of the Branch Davidians. He analyzed the structural integrity of many buildings damaged by the North Ridge Earthquake, and several hurricanes on the East Coast.

Rick traveled to many different countries including Columbia and England with his work either presenting various findings or analyzing different structural failures. In 1994, Rick joined the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 3 Team at Menlo Park Fire Department. He was deployed with the Task Force for search and rescue after bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, where his skills of being a structural engineer were put to the test as they searched the rumble.

Rick suffered from Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy’s Body Dementia. Rick enjoyed woodworking and cooking. He hosted many annual Wild Beast Feasts at his home. Rick lived to hunt and fish. He went on numerous hunts and fishing trips around the country with friends and family including his father, Bill and his children.

Rick is survived by his four children, Nolan, Pixie, Matthew and Abbie; his father, Bill Barrett; his mother, Sheri Coughlin; his stepmother, Mary; sisters Cindy, Tamara and Patty; and brothers Greg and John; as well as a number of other family members.

Please remember him with donations to the National Parkinson’s Foundation or Michael J. Fox Foundation.