BRANDON — William “Bill” Donald Barrett, 79, of Brandon, Vt., died Oct. 21, 2026, at UVM Porter Medical Center in Middlebury, Vt., surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer. His passing was peaceful and without suffering.
Born in Andover, Mass., to Frederick and Helen Barrett, Bill moved to Burlington, Vt., as a teenager. He completed his undergraduate and medical degree at the University of Vermont. He then completed three years of internship/residency at the University of Minnesota Family Practice Program in St. Paul, Minn. There he met and fell in love with Marsha Barrett, married, and returned to Vermont. As a family practice doctor, he fulfilled his dream of practicing medicine in a small Vermont town.
Initially, Bill began his career as a college physician at Middlebury College for one year, before opening his own practice in Brandon. A longtime member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, he enjoyed educating and hosting UVM medical students at his practice. He also very much enjoyed meeting members of the community and taking care of their medical needs. He worked long hours as a solo practice physician in a time when $10 house calls were still common in rural Vermont. He practiced in an era before shared call and hospitalists. He rose early to visit patients at Porter, returned to Brandon to see patients through the day, and often went back to the hospital after hours to care for his sickest.
He was a loving father to his three children, Erica, Colin and Brendan, whom he and Marsha raised in Brandon, Vt. He was a wonderful father, encouraging them to pursue their education, interests and travel. He also enjoyed taking them to the local library, historical museums and community events. Bill developed a special bond with his grandson, Solon Berry-Barrett (15), whom he loved watching grow up and sharing a mutual interest in history and current events. In his spare time, he enjoyed sharing coffee with his friends at Morningside Bakery, and traveling, especially to Maine, where he could easily find his favorite food, lobster. The weddings of Erica and Colin took him to France and Sri Lanka, far-flung celebrations he was delighted to attend.
He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Marsha Barrett; his children, Erica Barrett Castillon (Pierre) of New York, N.Y., Colin Barrett (Kaumudi Atapattu) of Larchmont. N.Y., Brendan Barrett (Lisa Berry) of Brandon, Vt.; his sister, Mary Young of Williston, Vt.; and five grandchildren, Solon Berry-Barrett, Amaya and Senali Barrett, and Charles and Luc Castillon, all of whom he adored. Bill was also survived by his nieces, nephews, many friends and former medical colleagues and staff. He was predeceased by his parents, Frederick and Helen Barrett and his brother, Jim Barrett.
A gathering in celebration of his life will be held Nov. 14, from 1-4 p.m., at The Lilac Inn in Brandon. Sharing remembrances and remarks will begin at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in his memory to UVM Porter Medical Center, Middlebury, Vt., or the Brandon Free Public Library, Brandon, Vt.
A private graveside committal service and burial will take place, at a later date in the family lot at Pine Hill Cemetery.
Arrangements by Miller & Ketcham of Brandon. ◊
