Jerome
“Jerry” Pierce Barnier, 81, died Aug. 16, 2003, in Morgan Hill
at his 64th high school reunion.
Jerome “Jerry” Pierce Barnier, 81, died Aug. 16, 2003, in Morgan Hill at his 64th high school reunion.
A veterinarian and father of four, Jerry was devoted to what he loved: his wife, children, his veterinary practice and the Seattle Mariners. A strict disciplinarian, he made sure his children towed the line, but he was also a fun-loving guy who played baseball with his three daughters and son. He loved ice cream.
Born in 1921 in Morgan Hill, Jerry graduated from Live Oak High School. While in college, he enlisted to fight in World War II and was one of a handful selected from Naval flight training to join the Marines. He proudly served in Marine Flight Division 131. At a Mills College “tea dance” in 1942, he met Joyce Root. On their second date, he told her he was going to marry her. Three years later he did.
After graduating with a B.S. from San Jose State University in 1948, he earned a degree in veterinary medicine from U.C. Davis. He moved to Kent, Wash., in 1954, where he began his own veterinary practice eventually opening the West Valley Veterinary Hospital and later, the Spring Glen Veterinary Hospital. He served as a Kent city councilman and as a member and president of the Rotary club.
Jerry believed in hard work. Even though he was battling a degenerative disease that left him barely able to walk or turn his head, he continued to practice part-time at his veterinary clinic until he died. Recently he told his wife, Joyce, who has always said she will be an opera singer in her next life, he will return as a baseball player and they will meet again when she sings the “National Anthem” at one of his games.
He leaves behind his wife, Joyce Barnier; his children Bonnie Krupp, Jean Barnier, Jerome Pierce Barnier Jr., and Beckie Barnier; and 10 grandchildren.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers any donations be made to the King County Animal Control, 21615 64th Ave. So., Kent, WA 98032. Services were today at Marlatt’s Funeral Home on Central Avenue in Kent.
