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On October 17th, 2019, another angel got his wings. Ken Barrette was an amazing friend, father, and husband. He was an inspiration to all who knew him and he never failed to share the joy of laughter through his jokes and stories.
When we were growing up, my dad always told us that although many things can be taken away from you, no one can ever take away your education. This was a message that he continued to share with the many "kids" that he had taken under his wing.
Ken, formerly a contractor and currently a resident of Nipomo, was diagnosed with possible multiple sclerosis in 1991—but all of the tests came back negative. Further tests and research showed that during his time as a contractor, Ken was exposed in 1982 to a poisonous industrial chemical that contained neurotoxins. That chemical is now illegal.
But it was too late for Ken. The effects of the neurotoxins hit hard and fast, starting with weakness in his limbs, putting him into a manual wheelchair in just four years. He eventually had to switch to an electric wheelchair.
Although he was bound to a wheelchair, Ken did not stop living life to the fullest. He was actively involved in his church and the drama departments at both Nipomo and Pioneer Valley High School.
As a family, we thought that the best way to commemorate him would be to establish an annual memorial scholarship fund to be given to two seniors in theatre and/or technical theatre at Pioneer Valley High School. This scholarship will help them continue their education outside of high school.
It was at PVHS that Ken got to watch hundreds of students perform and run so many shows that he loved. He was their biggest fan. We hope that this will encourage the students at PVHS to reach for the stars, no matter where their education may take them. If we exceed our fiscal goal, all the remaining money will be held in an account to jumpstart our fundraising for the next school year's scholarship.
If you cannot make a donation at this time, tell a joke. Make someone smile... for dad!
When we were growing up, my dad always told us that although many things can be taken away from you, no one can ever take away your education. This was a message that he continued to share with the many "kids" that he had taken under his wing.
Ken, formerly a contractor and currently a resident of Nipomo, was diagnosed with possible multiple sclerosis in 1991—but all of the tests came back negative. Further tests and research showed that during his time as a contractor, Ken was exposed in 1982 to a poisonous industrial chemical that contained neurotoxins. That chemical is now illegal.
But it was too late for Ken. The effects of the neurotoxins hit hard and fast, starting with weakness in his limbs, putting him into a manual wheelchair in just four years. He eventually had to switch to an electric wheelchair.
Although he was bound to a wheelchair, Ken did not stop living life to the fullest. He was actively involved in his church and the drama departments at both Nipomo and Pioneer Valley High School.
As a family, we thought that the best way to commemorate him would be to establish an annual memorial scholarship fund to be given to two seniors in theatre and/or technical theatre at Pioneer Valley High School. This scholarship will help them continue their education outside of high school.
It was at PVHS that Ken got to watch hundreds of students perform and run so many shows that he loved. He was their biggest fan. We hope that this will encourage the students at PVHS to reach for the stars, no matter where their education may take them. If we exceed our fiscal goal, all the remaining money will be held in an account to jumpstart our fundraising for the next school year's scholarship.
If you cannot make a donation at this time, tell a joke. Make someone smile... for dad!