Announcement from Lindon's Family

Obituary

LINDON W. BARRETT (published on July 19, 2008) http://www.passagesmb.com/obituary_details.cfm?ObitID=138240

LINDON W. BARRETT The family of Lindon Warren Barrett sadly announces his passing on July 7, 2008 in Long Beach, California. He will be missed by his parents, Dorothy and Leslie Barrett, his brother Leslie (Telethia) nieces Ashley (Scott), Gabrielle, Athalia, nephews Jason and Joshua, great-nephew Josiah, Aunt Claudette, Uncle Charles, Uncle Sidney, cousins Ann, Leslyn, Carron, Andre, Kizzy, Carol and Pauline and their families, the Roberts and Vigilance families and many other aunts, uncles, cousins and friends in Canada, the US, Guyana and England. Lindon was born on October 10, 1961 in Guyana and moved to England at the age of one. He came to Canada in 1966 with his family and grew up in Winnipeg, attending schools in Transcona and graduating in 1979 from Murdoch McKay Collegiate. His early love of books, story-telling and reading led him to pursue English as his field of academic study. He started his journey at the University of Manitoba and obtained his Bachelor of Arts from York University in 1983, his Masters from the University of Denver in 1986 and ultimately his Ph.D from the University of Pennsylvania in 1990. At the time of his death, Lindon was a Professor of English at the University of California, Riverside, after spending years at the U of California, Irvine, including as Director of the African American Studies Program, his area of expertise. He was the author of a number of publications on literary criticism and culture. He was a man of independent thought and was fearless in his views. He told you what he thought, made you think, but also made you laugh. He loved his family and friends and would turn up for a visit surprising them and making the most of every moment. Lindon loved to spend time looking out over the Pacific Ocean and in accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and he will be returned to the sea. A memorial service will be held in Winnipeg at a later date. The family sends heartfelt thanks to his friends in Los Angeles. They are also very grateful for the love and support of friends who have called and visited at this difficult time. A bright light has gone out, but he will be remembered forever. Flowers are gratefully declined. Because of Lindon's love of reading, if so desired a donation to the Winnipeg Public Library or a charity encouraging literacy would be most appreciated. Funeral arrangements by McKenzie Mortuary, 3843 East Anaheim Street, Long Beach California, phone (562) 961-9301.