Obituary: Robert Richard "Bob" Barrett, 84, The Dalles
Robert Richard "Bob" Barrett
July 12, 1942 – July 21, 2026
Robert Richard "Bob" Barrett, 84, of The Dalles, Oregon, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 21, 2026, with the hope and promise of eternal life through Him.
Bob was born on July 12, 1942, in The Dalles, Oregon, to James and Henrietta Barrett. He spent his childhood on the family cherry orchard on Mill Creek, where he worked alongside his father, brother Randy, Uncle Dave, and at his Uncle Sam's Muirhead Canning Company. Those early years instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for hard work, family, and the rewards of caring for the land.
During his school years, Bob's family relocated to Portland, Oregon, but returned to The Dalles each harvest season, where Bob worked alongside his family on the orchard and at the cannery. He graduated from Cleveland High School in Portland in 1960 before attending Oregon State University, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture in 1964.
Bob devoted his professional life to agriculture, holding positions with the Wasco County Weed Department, Clairmont Fruit Company, and the Oregon Department of Agriculture in Klamath Falls before retiring in 2012.
Following retirement, Bob returned to The Dalles to be closer to his family, the community he loved, and the place where his life's journey began.
Bob found great joy in caring for others. Family gatherings were never complete without one of his signature dishes or homemade desserts, which he proudly prepared and brought to share with those he loved. He was always eager to try a new recipe, hoping it would become the next family favorite. Whether tending his garden, improving his yard, lending a helping hand, or quietly putting the needs of others before his own, Bob lived a life marked by generosity, humility, and an instinct to put others first. He recently completed a beautiful addition to his yard, a reflection of the pride and joy he found in creating beauty around his home.
Above all else, Bob's greatest treasure was his faith in Jesus Christ. His relationship with the Lord shaped the way he lived, loved, and treated others. He found peace and unwavering confidence in God's promises and looked forward with joyful anticipation to being reunited in Heaven with those who had gone before him. Bob often encouraged family and friends to place their trust in God, sincerely hoping they too would experience the gift of eternal life so they could one day be together again in Heaven. His steadfast faith was an inspiration to those who knew him and remains one of the greatest legacies he leaves behind.
Bob is lovingly remembered by his son, Jeff Barrett and wife Debbie; son-in-law, Gino Feriante; brother, Randy Barrett (Dawn); sister, Barbara Cornilles; grandchildren, Amanda (Chris) Feriante, Justin (Amy) Feriante, Audrey (Christian) Feriante, Nick (Marissa) Barrett, Tyler (Reagan) Barrett, and Chad (Alli) Barrett; great-grandchildren, Matthew Barrett, Anna Barrett, Nora Barrett, Maxine Barrett, Lennon Williams, Christian Williams, with another great-grandchild expected in November 2026; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, James and Henrietta Barrett; his beloved daughter, Tamera Feriante; his sister, Kris Cunningham; brother-in-law, Lane Cunningham; and brother-in-law, Edwin Cornelius.
A graveside service will be held at The Dalles IOOF Cemetery on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
Though Bob's earthly journey has ended, his family rejoices in knowing he has been welcomed into his heavenly home. His legacy of unwavering faith, hard work, humility, generosity, and love for his family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Bob's family finds comfort in knowing that he has heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant," and now rests in the presence of his Savior.
"Well done, good and faithful servant! ... Enter into the joy of your Lord." — Matthew 25:23
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