WEST WINFIELD Howard James "Happy" Barrett, 59, of Meeting House Road, formerly of Richfield Springs, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, April 17, 2004, in Saint Elizabeth's Medical Center. He had the comfort of his loving family at his side.He was born on Dec. 12, 1944, in Cooperstown, son of the late William and Elizabeth Kiminski Barrett. Howard was raised and educated in Richfield Springs. In 1968, he answered the call of his country, serving during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1970 with the rank of Specialist 4th Class. On Oct. 24, 1970, he married Ruth Ann Pavlot in Saint Joseph's Church, West Winfield. They have resided in West Winfield for the past 32 years. For 25 years he was employed by Eastern Rock, retiring in 1987. Howard had a strong love for the outdoors and loved to hunt with his son, Cory, and his brother, Leo. He also enjoyed his trucks, his many days at the Cedarville Country Store and the time spent with his friends. He was an exempt member of the West Winfield Volunteer Fire Department and the Michael S. Pliseck VFW post in Herkimer. He was a friend to many and will never be forgotten. Surviving are his loving wife of 33 years, Ruth Ann; a daughter, Tammy Simmons and her friend Don Birmingham of Ilion; one son, Cory Barrett and his fiancee Jolene of Cedarville; five cherished grandchildren, Kyle Simmons, Tyler Birmingham, Mykaela and Jennah (Peanut) Barrett, Jeremy Wheatly and his anticipated grandson, due in August; two brothers, Leo and his wife, Darlene, Barrett of Richfield Springs, and Paul Barrett of South Carolina; three sisters, Irma and her husband, Jim, Vickerson of Springfield, Irene Davis and Jean Kicklighter, both of Georgia; his in-laws, Michael Volo of Columbia Center, Peter and Tina Pavlot; brother-in-law, Peter H. Pavlot and his wife, Amy; sister-in-law, Dorothy Decker; aunt and uncle, Reginald and Sophy Scanlon, all of West Winfield; his godchildren, Dale Decker Jr. of California, and Amanda Scanlon of West Winfield; his canine buddy, Duke; along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, a brother, Joseph Barrett, two sisters, Helen Clemons and Ann Volo and one sister-in-law, Dorothy Barrett. A funeral from J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 West James St., Richfield Springs, will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in Saint Joseph's Church, Richfield Springs. The Rev. Terence Healy will officiate. Following the Mass Mr. Barrett will be laid to rest with full military honors in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Richfield Springs. The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends on Tuesday from 5 until 8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the West Winfield Volunteer Ambulance Corp. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.