Dave Barnett

W. David Barnett, beloved son, brother, husband, father, and friend quietly left this earth after hearing that his daughters had been pulled from the wreckage of the tragic automobile accident that claimed his life. It was the evening of July 27, 2022. He was 51.

Dave was born on July 4, 1971, in Denton, Texas, to William and Linda (May) Barnett. He grew up in Denton where he became an avid outdoorsman and earned his Eagle Scout award. He played football at Denton High School and enjoyed computer gaming and Dungeons and Dragons with his best buddies: Glenn, Bobby, and Nate. Dave was kind to others and was proud of his Texan and Scottish heritage. He wore a kilt to perform the marriage ceremony of his sister, Ginny. He grew up in an environment of hospitality and generosity. He had a dry, playful sense of humor, a humble demeanor, and a spirit of service. These characteristics would follow Dave throughout his life. 

Dave was proud to belong to a family that knew commitment to nation and community. His grandfathers participated in WWII; his father fought in Vietnam; his mother was a nurse. This tradition of service and patriotism stayed with Dave throughout his life. He loved having a birthday on Independence Day and loved setting off fireworks and eating watermelon with his kids, friends, and neighbors. His favorite fireworks were ground flowers. He would light them, wait just long enough, and throw them high into the air so they were lit in the air and would bounce on the ground as they spun. He taught this skill to any kids who were there.

After completing high school in Denton, Dave served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fresno California. He was the first of the Barnetts, a family of converts, to serve as a missionary. 

Dave loved being a father to Ethan Quinton, his son with Margie Quinton, and wished that he could have been closer so that he could spend more time with him. 

Later, he conducted a lengthy long-distance relationship with Becky Hibbert, the love of his life and best friend. They were married on July 26, 2002, in the Salt Lake City, Utah Temple and had 4 daughters, Ashley, Nicole, Katie, and Hannah.

Dave’s move to Utah initially was to be closer to Becky while they were dating. But he fell in love with the mountains too. He would often drive into the mountains to shoot, motorcycle, or watch the sunset. Dave continued to love the outdoors and to share that love with his family. He took them on excursions to the mountains above his house in Bountiful where they would shoot and enjoy campfires. 

He took his family camping and on family lake and boating trips. He maintained a fleet of dirt bikes in the backyard making it so that family could drop by to go ride. Becky was heard to say, “If it weren’t for Dave, I would never see my brothers!”

Dave was incredible at supporting Becky and the kids in their adventures. He made the decision to say yes to adventure. When family vacation plans were made, they were often out of his comfort zone, but he said “Yes!” anyway and ended up having a great time. He loved his family. 

Dave loved guns. Becky and he had an agreement; “I won’t ask how many guns you have if you don’t ask how many musical instruments I have.” With that agreement in place, he would encourage Becky to buy more instruments so he could buy more guns.

Always an advocate for safety, Dave’s instinctive nature can be seen in photographs as he stood near the children during pistol and rifle marksmanship training to coach and protect them from harm. Before last week’s family expedition to Moab, Dave refused to leave until he had repaired the back seat seatbelt and made sure it passed the safety test. The fact that all other passengers—three of his daughters, survived and are recovering from their injuries is a testament to their fathers' protective vigilance. Dave was also an organ donor.

Dave loved computers. He liked to build them, take them apart, and make them work. He completed his studies in Information Technology (IT) at and worked for Alsco, Salt Lake County, and later Western Governors University. His keen troubleshooting abilities enabled him to fix almost any problem at home or on-site, and he was renowned for his “I can fix that” motto. He was always happy to help family members, friends, and neighbors with their computers.

He was an avid reader when life spared him a few minutes. One of his favorite activities was to take certain hilarious liberties in reinterpreting fairy tales for the children. 

Dave always remained approachable at home, in the office, or in the wilderness. He spoke with a calmness that built relationships of trust with others. He listened and reassured. His sense of humor and encouragement to those he spoke with defined Dave’s nature. 

Every time it snowed Dave was out snow-blowing the neighbors’ driveways and walkways. He was gone for several hours, usually completing six driveways and walks. He was always willing to lend tools and assistance to friends and neighbors. 

Dave’s sense of adventure, love of nature and service to the community will live on in the memories of his family and friends. 

Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Becky Hibbert Barnett of Bountiful, Utah, a son, Ethan Quinton of Flower Mound, Texas, and four daughters, Ashley, Nicole, Katie, and Hannah Barnett.

Also surviving him are his parents; William and Linda (May) Barnett of Denton, Texas, his sisters Karen Elliott (Eric) of Steilacoom, Washington, Rebecca Barnett of Denton, Texas, Susanna Weyburn (Aaron) of Bountiful, Utah, brother Joe Barnett (Karen) of Castle Rock, Colorado, and sister Ginny Staples (Press) of Lantana, Texas.

Visitations and a Celebration of His Life will be held at the Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary, 727 N. 400 E. Bountiful, UT 84010.

Visitations will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 4 and 12:30-1:30 p.m. on Friday, August 5, 2022 with a celebration of his life following at 2:00 p.m.

Donations to help Becky and Dave’s family with their medical and funeral expenses and to help Becky transition to single parenting can be made on Venmo to:

@Becky-Barnett-5

Or you can access the Go Fund Me page that has been set up for the family at:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/funeral-other-expenses-for-barnett-family/update/30995897/gallery/0?qid=517491429f47f766d981eb60422506fc