JOYCE - The Joyce community mourns the passing of one of its staunchest supporters. Terry Wayne Barnett passed away Sept 13 at the age of 74.

Barnett was an ardent advocate for the community, serving on the Crescent Community Advisory Council, Joyce Daze Committee, and Joyce Emergency Planning and Preparedness (JEPP) group.

Barnett also served as District No. 4 Fire Commissioner since 2017, where he sat on multiple committees including Chair of the Building Committee. Under this leadership, the Fire District made great strides towards a new Fire Station through the purchase of an existing administration building and the design and planning of the construction of a new apparatus barn.

“It’s a shame Terry did not live to see the completion of this project“, says Board of Commissioners Vice Chair Sam Nugent, “this was his dream. But I know he’ll be watching as we complete it.”

Barnett, a Navy veteran and passionately patriotic, took great pride in serving the community of Joyce in which he lived. Those who knew him know that he was never boastful, and always served through an attitude of humility and caregiving.

“Terry would do anything for anyone, if it was in his power. And he’d never ask anything in return” said Greg Waters, District Fire Chief and longtime friend of Barnett’s.

Barnett was named the official Joyce Daze “Grinch” in 2020, a community award in recognition that, like the Grinch, “his heart had grown 3 times bigger” than most. As an example of that giving, Terry donated his corneas in the hope that, even in his death, he could assist someone else.

Beyond his active roles on committees, Barnett could often be found volunteering his time helping with construction projects, building repairs, and assorted maintenance projects throughout the community. Barnett often showed up during snowstorms to plow driveways and clear access just to be sure the fire trucks and ambulances could get out to assist residents.

As part of his involvement with JEPP, Barnett, along with Jim Buck, was instrumental in the development of a water filtration system to provide clean drinking water for residents in the event of catastrophic events such as earthquakes.

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