Garrison "Keenan" Barrett

Garrison Keenan Barrett, age 31, passed away on March 30, 2020. He was born in Ventura, CA on April 7, 1988, as an only child to his mother, Erika Harding, and oldest child to his father, Gary Barrett Jr. He is survived by his mother and father, along with his sister Casey, his grandmothers Mary and Kelley, and numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, and along with many friends and family who loved Garrison very much. 

As a young child, Garrison would light up any room he entered, mostly because he was the most toe-headed kid you’d almost ever seen, and had endless energy along with an unforgettable laugh, that some had said made them feel safe and was contagious, along with his soothing, raspy voice. Garrison grew up on the beach, and very quickly took on his father’s love of surfing as his own. Many knew Garrison from around the beach areas, because the water made him feel right. As his mom said, the ocean was his church. He could also be found playing often with his cousin who he was just two days apart from, at their grandparents house, chasing the family dog through the backyard, being pushed on the swings, and “swimming” in the jacuzzi, along with driving their grandparents nuts. This was continued as his little sister and cousin came into the picture when they were six years old.

As Garrison grew up, in school, he wasn’t known for anything above the stars, because his heart belonged down below, to the ocean. His mom said he was a “below the radar super-boy”. He played football and was on the surf team. But Garrison knew balance; he never had to be told to do his homework, and maintained great grades. 

Along with surfing, he had many hobbies that he was actually REALLY good at. He had loved to cook since a young age. He started off as a frequent sous chef to Bubba (Kelley), and went on to continue his love for it throughout the years making dishes for family get-togethers and Christmas Eves at Erika’s house. Once at the Beacon House, his love for it continued as he cooked for the guys there, and friends along the way. He also learned to love doing hair. Much like his mama, he gave one of the best cuts and color someone could ask for. He even worked along his mama’s side for some time after finishing school. And since he loved the ocean, many even saw him as their own personal surf coach.

Garrison was one of the greatest humans you could come across. He would give anyone the shirt off of his back, the food off of his plate, let you win at bowling, or hold your hand in a moment of need. He got great joy from helping others. His love of his friends and family drove him to be that person. He prevailed in challenging situations, and walked out with hope and a smile. He brought that hope and smile to the lives of those around him, and laughed and loved along the way.

Garrison spent some time at the Beacon House, bettering his life, and gaining lifelong ‘brothers’ along the way. He found his relationship with God through his time here as well.

In lieu of flowers, his mother is asking that donations be made to Surf for Keenan Foundation,  www.surfforkeenan.com. 

Also, many have shared such loving memories and words about this handsome man we all know and love. So please head over to the tributes tab on this page as well to read what many have had to say of their personal memories/thoughts.

Garrison is now reunited with his grandmother Sam, grandfather Gary Sr., and other loved ones, watching over his mother, father, his girlfriend, Christina and rest of his friends and family. Garrison, Keenan, Keke, Lil Bubba, son, brother, grandson, friend, whatever we know you as personally, we love you always, we miss you so much, and can’t wait to be reunited with you again.

"Celebration of Life" service are pending.

In lieu of flowers, please remember Surf for Keenan.com, in his memory.

www.surfforkeenan.com (link at page bottom)

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