Richard “Rick” Barnett
Richard “Rick” Barnett, a long time Saint Albans resident, unexpectedly passed away on Wednesday, December 13th, 2023.
Rick was born in Barre, Vermont on March 17th, 1957, the son of the late William “Skip” Barnett and Bernardine Heath Haslam. Rick grew up spending the majority of his time on an idyllic family farm in Cabot surrounded by extended family and his five siblings. Rick went straight into work after high school, following his passion for driving trucks.
In May of 1980 he married his lifelong partner, Lynn Letourneau, and raised a family of six children. Rick was always so proud of his children as they grew.
Those who knew Rick would describe him as someone with a big heart, willing to give anyone the shirt off his back. He was known by his peers for his love of truck driving and his catchphrase of, “a million miles and never a violation!”. Rick was a skilled handyman often eager to help those he loved with projects or fixing their cars, which for him was his way of showing care and affection. Every person who came through the Barnett household received a souvenir courtesy of Rick. He had stories upon stories to tell always entertaining those listening, whether it was your first or second time hearing it, you enjoyed every moment.
Rick is survived by his wife, Lynn Barnett, his mother Bernardine Haslam, as well as his six children, and eight grandchildren, Melissa Hardwick, her husband Cris and two sons Jake and Aiden; RJ and his wife Melissa, with their four children, Christian, Jovani, Isaiah, and Yesenia; Daniel and his wife Ana with his two step-children Angel and Anniella; William and his wife Stephanie; Leah and Pavin; Gregory and Hannah; his sisters Julie, Pamela and husband Steve, Jaci and her partner Lisa, among many other family and friends.
Rick was predeceased by his father William “Skip” Barnett, brothers Timothy and Steven Barnett, and step-father Gordon Haslam.
Calling hours for Rick will be held at the Heald Funeral Home, 87 South Main Street, St. Albans on Friday, December 22nd from 4-6 pm. If you have a fond memory of Rick, please come and share with the family beginning at 6 pm. Burial services will be held in the spring, Rick’s family will notify friends and family.
Charitable donations can be made to the Jim Bashaw Memorial & Catastrophic Illness Fund, c/o Northwestern Medical Center, Community Relations Office, 133 Fairfield Street, St. Albans, VT 05478 in Rick’s memory. God bless.
Honored to be serving the family of Richard is Rett Heald of the Heald Funeral Home, where messages of condolence are welcome at www.healdfuneralhome.com
