Dr. Gwynn William "Glen" Barrett passed away peacefully on September 23rd, 2006 at his home in Ajo, Arizona. He was 79. He was born in Logan, UT on February 28th, 1927.
Father, mentor, scholar, teacher, friend, brother, colleague and a former Boise State University history professor, Dad spent his final years keeping in touch with his children and grandchildren and tending to the home and land he loved so much during his southern Arizona retirement.
He served in the United States Coast Guard during World War II in the Philippines. After the war he received his bachelor’s degree from Utah State University, and master’s degree from the University of Hawaii. He married Laura Beth Haws, also from Logan, and raised several of his children in Hawaii before moving the family to mainland in 1966 so he could pursue his graduate studies in history at Brigham Young University. Gwynn and Laura were divorced in 1973.
While at BYU, Gwynn renewed his longtime friendship with his teaching mentor and historian Leonard J. Arrington. They subsequently co-wrote several articles that were published in history journals, and also co-authored one book together.
After receiving his Ph.D. from BYU, Dad got his teaching post at Boise State University in 1968. He stayed there until his retirement in 1993.
He was commissioned by then-BSU president John Keiser to write the history of Boise State in 1983. In 1999, actor Bill Pullman contacted Glen through his agent to ask permission to re-publish his “Virginian of Medicine Bow” history. A limited edition reprint of his 1970’s book was released in 2000 with a new introduction by Bill Pullman. The book was designed to accompany the Turner Broadcasting film based on the “Virginian” novel by Owen Wister.
Dad will be missed. He is survived by his sister, Joyce Stephenson, and brothers Scott, David Bruce and Steve Barrett; two daughters, Caryn Clayton and Janet McClenahan, and two sons, Vanu William Barrett and Thane Barrett, as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A simple remembrance service was held in Ajo, Ariz. to honor Barrett as a father, friend, and for his lifetime of achievements, on Sept. 30. A burial service will be held the Logan Cemetery in Logan, at noon on Oct. 14. Memorials may be sent to: Glen Barrett Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Thane Barrett 5624 Winfield Ct., Boise, ID 83703.
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