Remembering Barney Killorin

Bernard H. Killorin
Bernard H. Killorin ‘Barney’ 76 went home to be with his heavenly Father on September 25th, 2014. Barney is survived by his wife of 42 years Beki, a brother, a sister, four children from a blended marriage, twelve grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Barney and Beki moved to Guemes Island in 1986 from Oklahoma. Barney harbored a life long dream to build his own home and Beki, an artist, who is represented by Island International Artists would be closer to the company to enhance her career so they packed up and moved to Guemes. The plan was quite simple, Beki could paint and develop etchings and Barney would fulfill his dream of building a beautiful home for the two of them. They enjoyed many years living in the 'house that Barney built’. After Barney completed their home he began to do some carpentry work around the island but was slowly drawn back into his profession of insurance and retirement planning; so in 2000 they relocated to Mount Vernon.

Barney’s drive and passion and his meticulous personality carried over to every project he tackled. In Oklahoma he tore into a motorcycle and literally chromed the entire engine, custom designed about every part of it, added a customized trailer and then picked up a paint gun and painted both the motorcycle and the trailer. Barney didn’t just enjoy working on bikes, he also loved to ride. The first extended trip Beki and Barney took from Oklahoma was to explore the Pacific Northwest. They took many trips thoughout the United States for many years on motorcycles. Once on Guemes they bought bicycles and kayaks. After the move to Mount Vernon, he keep remodeling the homes he lived in and he enjoyed customizing his sports cars. He seemed to be able to accomplish just about anything he tackled, if he didn’t understand a procedure or had a problem with anything he never hesitated to ask a question, whether a good friend or a perfect stranger. Barney’s wisdom, honesty, his work ethic, humility and his steadfast faithfulness in his love for the Lord were qualities that he carried all through his life. We will miss him.

A celebration of Barney’s life will be held on Friday, October 17 at 1 PM at His Place Church 1480 S.Burlington Blvd, Burlington WA

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