William George Barrett

BARRETT, William George (Bill) JP

4 April 1945 – 16 September 2026

Our darling Bill passed away peacefully with his much-loved wife and lifelong companion Sally by his side. Son of the late Alfred and Nancy, and dearly loved brother of Paul & Helen.  Much loved uncle to Peter, Beccy and Lucy. Bill was loved by all who knew him. The family are very grateful for the wonderful support provided by Mary Potter Hospice and Wellington Free Ambulance and would be grateful for any donations to these organisations. 

A service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held at St Luke’s Anglican Church, Wadestown on Monday 21st September at 10:30am followed by a private cremation. To view the livestream or to send a tribute please go to lychgate.co.nz/funeral-notice/barrett-74057/ Messages to the family can also be sent c/o Lychgate Funerals 306 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011.

TRIBUTES

David Watt

Dear Sally,
We remember with great fondness the years that Bill was headmaster of Tawa School where our children David and Fiona attended and in later years the ownership of a heritage property that you and Bill had in the Wairarapa where Bill consulted me often for advice at the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, now Heritage New Zealand. I have also been fortunate to see quite a bit of Bill at our Justices of the Peace training sessions at the District Court in Wellington and have enjoyed catching up on many things of interest.
With our heartfelt thoughts on Bill’s sad passing.
David Watt
Karori.

Brooke Barwick

Sally I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing.
I fondly remember Bill’s infectious smile and he always gave our piano the best workout it ever got.
Rest in peace Bill
Brooke & Jill Barwick

Colleen Pilgrim

It was a delight to work with Bill in our younger days, and then to share the story of his Letterbox Village over the last months.

Bill’s service to his community was quietly humble. He never stopped giving… like the marathons that he still ran, well into his sixties, he continued a social marathon over the last seven years, building the village of letterboxes and bird houses that still delights children and adults, neighbours and tour boat visitors alike… His enthusiasm and determination were overwhelming. I just hope there’s a workshop and piano wherever he is now
Much love, Sally…
Colleen

Jenny Bocock

John and I were saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. Many fond memories from years ago. Unfortunately we are unable to attend the funeral but hope to watch the livestream which will no doubt highlight of Bill’s and your life together.
Stay strong, treasure the memories
Much love
Jenny and John

Pete Pointon

Dear Sally
So sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. When I saw the photo you have posted all my memories of Bill came flying back, and I smiled. He was a good man. I always enjoyed his company and greatly appreciated the support, advice and faith he had in me as a young principal.
Unfortunately I am unable to attend the funeral service, but my thoughts will be with you.
I know you will miss him greatly.
Take care
Pete

Pam Lutherus

Dear Sally, late tonight I watched your send off for Bill which was of course, sad, but amazing to hear what he achieved in life. He had so much love, clearly for yourself of course, and excelled in all his passions. Thanks to those who shared these stories which was wonderful to hear. My Ken was on the fun runs in the early days and met Bill and he always kept up this interest for many years as time allowed. You have had a special time together with wonderful memories for you now which amongst the sadness will also bring laughter too because your lives have been so colourful. We missed you at our College reunion luncheon recently. Take care, Sally, and I look forward to catching up with you. Love Pam Lutherus x

Graeme and Chris Jarratt

Dear Sally
We were at Bill’s funeral yesterday – what a lovely tribute to a lovely man. The speeches all captured him so well. We waited to see you afterwards but there were so many people who knew and loved Bill waiting to talk to you that we thought it was best to send a message another way.
We are thinking of you in this time of such deep sadness and loss. Our prayers are with you.
Chris and Graeme Jarratt

David & Rhonda Heather

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time
Our Favorite proverb or whakatauaki is from :

The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera

Kia hora te marino
Kia whakapapa pounamu te moana
Kia tere te karohirohi
I mua i tou huarahi

May the calm be widespread
May the ocean glisten as greenstone
May the shimmer of light
Ever dance across your pathway

David Rhonda and Richard Heather

Ian Hastie

Sally, My thoughts are with you and family at this time. I am away from Wellington so could not attend Bill’s funeral. It was a pleasure to be in Bill’s company on many occasions sharing stories that very familiar and similar to both of us. It was a time I appreciated.
His support was always there for me Sally and I have been very thankful of that on many occasions.
Condolences to all Bill’s family.

Mike Parish

Hi Sorry for you loss Mr Bill Barrett was the principal at Strathmore Park School when I was at primary school and I remember sitting outside the staffroom with Bill singing Shaddup your face with him back in 1983.