Richard Donald Barrett March 7, 1928 - April 29, 2017
BARRETT, Richard Donald - 89, passed away April 29, 2017 at St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto. Born March 7, 1928 to Teresa (Kenny) and Richard S. Barrett in Toronto, Ontario, he is predeceased by his sisters, Shirley Nazarko and Helen (Tony) French.
Richard is survived by his partner, Marianne McGrath, daughters Laura Barrett and Lynn Barrett, Toronto, son Bruce Barrett (Judy Forrest), Whitehorse, YT, grandchildren Jennifer Barrett Frazer (Greg Zwaagstra), Thomas Barrett Frazer, Liam Barrett Frazer, Cole Harbour, NS and Ben Barrett-Forrest, Whitehorse, YT, nieces Mary Metcalfe (Jacques Chenail), Ellen Walters (Don), Lisa Nazarko, Colette French and Hilary French, nephews Thomas O'Donnell and Richard French, and several other family members. Richard will be missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends, and his cat Toots.
Richard began his career in the entertainment industry at a very early age, honing his skills as a disc jockey, radio announcer, actor, stagehand, writer, director and producer. He even once tried his hand at managing a singer.
Richard worked for many years at both the CBC and CTV in Toronto. In front of the camera or behind, Richard was deeply and creatively involved with hundreds of stories, documentaries and television shows. He continued to write, produce and direct a variety of productions when he and his business partners started the production companies Film Images in Toronto and Porpoise Bay Productions in Vancouver.
Richard never officially retired, continuing as an actor for commercials, television shows and movies, all the while volunteering his time at the Performing Arts Lodge, where he had lived since its opening 25 years ago. There, Richard served as a board member as well as Chair of the committee that ran one of his favourite watering holes, The Celebrity Club. He also shared his considerable talent for writing, directing and acting with his fellow PAL members for many events and productions.
Richard enjoyed watching all manner of sports, especially baseball and curling, and if possible he'd do so at Betty's or the Hot House Café, where he was always greeted with "What channel, Richard?" He loved to travel, go to the theatre, and read his paper, and he especially enjoyed settling in for long debates with anyone who could keep up with him and was willing to accept they were going to lose. Richard wasn't much for joining clubs but he was a proud card-carrying member of the little-known Non-Entity Club.
A celebration of Richard's life will be held Saturday July 15, 2017, in the Green Room at the Performing Arts Lodge (PAL), 110 The Esplanade, from 2:00 - 5:00 pm.
Online condolences at basicfunerals.ca In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Richard's name to ArtsCan Circle, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.
BARRETT, Richard Donald - 89, passed away April 29, 2017 at St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto. Born March 7, 1928 to Teresa (Kenny) and Richard S. Barrett in Toronto, Ontario, he is predeceased by his sisters, Shirley Nazarko and Helen (Tony) French.
Richard is survived by his partner, Marianne McGrath, daughters Laura Barrett and Lynn Barrett, Toronto, son Bruce Barrett (Judy Forrest), Whitehorse, YT, grandchildren Jennifer Barrett Frazer (Greg Zwaagstra), Thomas Barrett Frazer, Liam Barrett Frazer, Cole Harbour, NS and Ben Barrett-Forrest, Whitehorse, YT, nieces Mary Metcalfe (Jacques Chenail), Ellen Walters (Don), Lisa Nazarko, Colette French and Hilary French, nephews Thomas O'Donnell and Richard French, and several other family members. Richard will be missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends, and his cat Toots.
Richard began his career in the entertainment industry at a very early age, honing his skills as a disc jockey, radio announcer, actor, stagehand, writer, director and producer. He even once tried his hand at managing a singer.
Richard worked for many years at both the CBC and CTV in Toronto. In front of the camera or behind, Richard was deeply and creatively involved with hundreds of stories, documentaries and television shows. He continued to write, produce and direct a variety of productions when he and his business partners started the production companies Film Images in Toronto and Porpoise Bay Productions in Vancouver.
Richard never officially retired, continuing as an actor for commercials, television shows and movies, all the while volunteering his time at the Performing Arts Lodge, where he had lived since its opening 25 years ago. There, Richard served as a board member as well as Chair of the committee that ran one of his favourite watering holes, The Celebrity Club. He also shared his considerable talent for writing, directing and acting with his fellow PAL members for many events and productions.
Richard enjoyed watching all manner of sports, especially baseball and curling, and if possible he'd do so at Betty's or the Hot House Café, where he was always greeted with "What channel, Richard?" He loved to travel, go to the theatre, and read his paper, and he especially enjoyed settling in for long debates with anyone who could keep up with him and was willing to accept they were going to lose. Richard wasn't much for joining clubs but he was a proud card-carrying member of the little-known Non-Entity Club.
A celebration of Richard's life will be held Saturday July 15, 2017, in the Green Room at the Performing Arts Lodge (PAL), 110 The Esplanade, from 2:00 - 5:00 pm.
Online condolences at basicfunerals.ca In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Richard's name to ArtsCan Circle, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.
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