Randy R. Barnes passed away on August 14, 2025, at Birchwood Terrace Rehab and Healthcare, from complications of a fall. He was 72 years old.
He was born in Burlington, Vt., on February 4, 1953, the son of Robert “Bob” and Joaquina “Jackie” (Brown) Barnes. Randy graduated from Essex High School, class of 1972.
Music was an important part of Randy’s life. He spent many of his teen and young adult years playing bass guitar in bands and attending concerts. Randy liked to brag that he once saw Led Zeppelin for five dollars.
In 1979 Randy became a father to his son, Dan. As a single parent, Randy worked tirelessly to ensure his son had everything he needed and wanted, often working long hours and multiple jobs. Randy and Dan had an unbreakable bond and shared many special moments together. Randy passed down to Dan his love of music and taught him how to play bass. In the summers, they rented camps together on Lake Champlain and Little Salem Pond in Derby and spent countless hours fishing.
Randy’s greatest passion in life was fishing. He loved to be near the water, regardless of whether the fish were biting. It brought him tranquility and joy, and he cherished his time with his friends and family doing what he loved.
When he wasn’t fishing, Randy enjoyed spending time with his cats, tinkering with electronics, bird-watching, and watching television and films. He especially loved Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Jaws, “Star Trek” and all the Star Wars movies.
Randy was a longtime employee at both Essex Junction High School and later at Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. While he was usually a man of few words, Randy came out of his shell at work. His work ethic and the kindness he demonstrated to others earned Randy many lifelong friends and acquaintances.
Randy is survived by his son, Dan Barnes (Amy Lafayette) of Winooski; and his brothers, Gary Barnes of Essex, Joel Barnes of Colchester and Robbin “Rob” Barnes of Williston, and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, Bob and Jackie Barnes.
A celebration of life will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, 4 to 7 p.m., at the Saint John’s Club in Burlington, Vt. There will be no other services or calling hours.
The family would like to acknowledge the tremendous care and kindness Randy and his family received at Birchwood and thank all the staff.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Randy’s memory to Age Well, an organization that played a key role for him in recent years.
This article appears in Aug 13-19, 2025.