Final Expenses for Marty Barrett

Hi, my name is Michelle and I have created this fundraiser to help my best friend Jennifer and her daughter Mikaela with the final expenses related to the unexpected passing of Marty. Please take a moment and read the beautiful words below written by Marty's daughter Mikaela.

On Friday, September 8th, our family received the devastating news that Martin Barrett had passed away. To say his passing was unexpected is an understatement. As his daughter, you grow up believing that your dad is invincible and nothing can take them down. I felt confident in that fact to a fault. It was no secret that Marty struggled with addiction - taking forms in alcohol and drugs. Even in his lows - he made it out. This resilience in going back to the loving father and husband just added to this belief of his invicibility. However, even Superman has his kryptonite.

Anyone who knew Marty knows with everything in their heart that he was more than his addiction. He was shy and introverted, but had that sly humor that you just wouldn’t expect. I can remember countless times he made a whole room bust up laughing by his perfectly timed remarks. I believe this to be due to his calculating and analytical brain, he knew just the right moment to give his input. There’s no denying that Marty was a know-it-all and had to be right - and he usually was! Having a bachelor in Molecular Biology is not easy feat, so he had the education and mind to back him up with his claims of being correct. He loved to share his knowledge and I know I wasn’t the only one to take the brunt of his drawn out speeches about space, nature, or any other thing he felt passionate about. That was part of his charm - just the passion he held for things. I know I’m not the only one wishing to have even one more deep, philosophical conversation with him.

Marty spoke about not wanting to make a big fuss and do anything spectacular for him when his time came, but I believe he didn’t realize that something beautiful is necessary for someone as beloved as him. With such an unexpected and sudden passing, it’s our last moment to show how much he was loved and will continue to be loved now that he’s gone. My family and I appreciate any help you can provide to ensure we can make this a beautiful celebration of his life.

Thank you.