Connie and family I am so sorry to hear about Mike. I am just shocked to see this. He was such a good man like everyone says always a smile on his face and wise cracks out of his mouth! He loved his family very much. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Hi dear Connie, Ami and Natalie, We just love all of you very much. It must be so difficult now to not see Mike's smiling face. What a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was loved by ALL who knew him - and will be missed so very much. Mike was such a great role model, and I will forever remember him deeply in my heart - as the happy running cousin - who was constantly complimenting and motivating. I will miss his humor and his smile. Lots of love and hugs to all of you! oxoxox Love, Mary, Tony, Amy, Carly, Jessica and Kayla (Pietro)
Our condolences to Connie and all the family over the loss of Mike. He was in love with Connie for as long as we can remember. He was a wonderful example of how to care for your family. Love from cousin Tom & Gail Morman
It was around 1966 or 7? Mike made his appearance to the Schneider family expressing his interest in Connie. He always called me "little sister". But since Connie has 5 younger sisters we were most likely all 'little sisters' to him. I remembered how he always teased me and would tell me unbelievable stories until I didn't know if I should take anything he said seriously. I finally learned to just laugh. Mike had a unique sense of humor, positive nature, and a love for adventure. We will miss him.
Mike joined our family over 50 years ago when he married my sister Connie, and it was a great day for our family. I remember, as a child, how he always included us in rides to church and picnics. Family was always a top priority for Mike. He and Connie made many trips out to California, attending important functions like weddings (including my own and my son’s), as well as simply to visit. He and Connie took Mom for the summer months for several years, giving our sister Pam and myself some respite from her care. That was very generous of them, and was always so much appreciated. To Mike, I’m sure it was just, “that’s what families do.” I remember when I learned that Mike was working as a teacher's aide, I thought, “what a perfect fit.” Mike was always great with people but he had a special rapport with kids. He had a great sense of humor, and could always bring a smile to anyone’s face. Above all, I will always remember his great love for his wife Connie, his daughters Ami and Natalie, and his grand-kids Kaitlin and Alex, Lily and Vivian. He had so much love and passion for his family, for travel, and for running. Mike really was an amazing man, lived an amazing life, and will be dearly missed.
Connie My heart, my prayers, my thoughts, my love, and my tears are with you right now. I know we may not have been the closest of cousins, but one thing you could always count on, were Connie and Mike! Whenever there was a family get together, wedding, graduation, or funeral, Connie and Mike were quietly there giving their love and support. Connie with her smile, her love and her true concern and compassion, and then Mike, with his matter of fact-attitude, calm -cool- and collected disposition, coupled with that dry humor.
It is stated, that is not what you say but rather how you make people feel, that is remembered. When Connie and Mike were around, one could truly say they felt ‘blessed’!
When I was 17, I had just spent an hour with my dad trying to learn how to drive stick shift with no success. Mike offered to give me instruction. So later, at night, using a flashlight I was able to observe his brief demonstration with his simple explanation. We swapped places, and in a matter of minutes I was driving smoothly. He was patient, helpful, and I was grateful.
I am so saddened by Mike’s passing. He always gave willingly of his time and talents to the running community and was an amazing support during tough times in our lives. He is missed.
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Mike's passing. I worked with him at Bryan and appreciated his diligence and dedication in supporting the students. He never hesitated to share personal anecdotes with the students and infuse humor into classroom discussions when it was needed. Mike was a perpetual optimist, always smiling and making sure that learning was fun and engaging. I am so sorry for your loss.
My heart breaks for you all! The world sure lost an amazing man. ALWAYS cheerful and full of energy! I will miss him too. Sending hugs and prayers to all of you! 💔🥲✝️ Michelle (Shelly) McNamara
Mike, aka Mr. Barrett, was an amazing Teacher’s Aide at Bryan Middle School during our twin sons attendance. Peter and Grant enjoyed working with Mike because he treated them with respect and used his tremendous historical knowledge to “go to battle “ with them. You see, our sons matched Mike in the trivia areas, so their relationship was so incredibly genuine. We are so saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. Please know that he left positive lifelong skills and memories with Grant and Peter.
How to be an amateur electrician, how to fix things with duct tape, who to call with any questions around the house (him). 5 million other things I can’t remember right now.