Sep 24, 1942 – June 5, 2026
Richard Louis Barre was born to Edward Joseph Barre Sr. and Elisabeth Whitley Barre on September 24, 1942 in San Francisco. Rich had a pretty “happy” youth with many stories of playing in the street on the hill in front of the house and having so many friends. He attended St. Michael’s Elementary School and chose St. Joseph’s Seminary in Mountain View, CA thinking he had a vocation. The priesthood was not in his future. He went to City College for 2 years and then to SF State. The time came for a paying job and that was the US Post Office. By “accepting any assignment” Rich rose in promotions.
The Army was Rich’s life for 3 years as a Morse Code operator, Military Police, Commander’s chauffeur and assorted other responsibilities. Being assigned at Checkpoint Alpha, Helmstedt SPT DT, West Germany was an amazing experience. A career with the Post Office followed including the Western Regional Headquarters.
In 1982, Richard married Christine Maslowicz in San Francisco. Life was good but it changed in a major way for the better in 1987 when the Barres moved to Yreka for Rich to be Post Master. Rural life was filled with joy and new experiences. Early on the Barres took up Square Dancing with the “Circle-n-Squares.” The community accepted Rich in many ways: the close group of the Post Office family, membership in Siskiyou Railroad Club, The Elks, The Lions all providing social events and community service opportunities.
In 1991, Rich returned to God at the United Methodist Church and Mountain Trails Walk to Emmaus Christian movement, with large participation in both. On June 5, 2026, He began his eternal joy with Jesus. Rich is survived by his wife of 44 years, Christine, a brother Edward J. Barre Jr., a sister Mary Frances Van Buren, a niece Gabrielle, a nephew Jonathan, one grandniece and two grandnephews.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at Evergreen Cemetery, Yreka on Thursday July 21, at 12:00 noon. Rich’s Celebration of Life will be held at the Montague Community Church at 1:00 p.m.. 150 12th St, Montague. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests any donation be made to the disabled veteran’s organization of your choice.
Girdner Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.
Source : GIRDNER FUNERAL CHAPEL
