Support Juan Barbosa's Family

Anyone who spoke to my dad, Juan ‘Johnny’ Barbosa, for more than one minute knew two things about him: 1) He was Puerto Rican (and proud of it!) and 2) He loved his family more than anything in the entire world. We are so heartbroken to have lost him so unexpectedly. He passed from heart failure on March 3rd in his apartment in San Diego, where he was working temporarily at Naval Base Point Loma. While his house in Suquamish, Washington was home to him and his family, San Diego was a home away from home. He loved the city and all of his co-workers, and was even talking about retiring there with his wife, Allie.

My dad’s enthusiasm for getting to know people and his strength of character made him incredibly memorable. It didn't take years of friendship to understand that his heart was (roughly) the size of Puerto Rico. One of his best qualities was how he embraced people unconditionally; he took care of everyone around him. Those without homes on the street always got a few dollars from his wallet, and neighbors with falling fences were the recipients of hours of his time during rare days off.

Forty years as a rigger meant he was a master at securing oddly shaped kayaks and paddle boards to vehicles you wouldn't normally think could hold them. On our annual family trips to the lake, he would immediately turn a barebones campsite into a three-day wilderness survival paradise. We are now wandering through the forest without him.

We are so grateful to everyone who has reached out with love and support. There are so many hidden costs when having to deal with the loss of a loved one. We are asking for help to reduce the financial burden of this painful process. Any donations will be used to cover expenses, fulfill his wishes, and ensure space and time for people to collectively grieve and remember him. Juan asked for his ashes to be spread on Puerto Rico so that he could rest on his beautiful island home for eternity, and we plan to do just that.

All are invited to join a service at our church, Alive Covenant, on Sunday, April 28th. It begins at 10:00 AM and takes place in the Sons of Norway building in Poulsbo (18891 Front Street Northeast). There will be a celebration of life ceremony to follow, location TBD. All who cared for him will be welcome to attend. Further details coming soon.

My mom Allie and all of us kids thank you from the bottom of our hearts for reading this far, and for your support (financial or otherwise) as we navigate these dark woods.

-Kayla Barbosa