Barry Jay Kathrens

Barry Jay Kathrens was born 16 February 1949 in Spokane WA to parents Willard Jay “Bud” and Jessie Anola Kathrens. He passed away 8 August 2025 after a brief illness.

Brought up in a military family, Barry moved often. His family lived in Morocco, Alaska, Michigan, Washington and Illinois. He graduated from high school in Rantoul, Illinois in 1967. During the Viet Nam War, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, becoming a marine mechanic on a nuclear submarine and later qualifying as a diver. After six years in the Navy, he enrolled in the University of Idaho where he would study Mining and Engineering, and meet his future wife, Pam. After graduation, Barry and Pam married in 1979 at Priest Lake ID, celebrating with friends and family.

His ten-year career as a drilling engineer meant more travel, working in Traverse City MI, Anchorage AK, the North Sea, the South China Sea and Jakarta, Indonesia. During this time, Barry and Pam’s family grew. With the birth of their children, Joel and Julie, Barry’s talent for woodworking became his love language. The first cradle, tables and chairs, lamps and jewelry boxes began to appear.

Barry also embraced physical fitness. He enjoyed jogging, cycling and swimming, once swimming so far into the ocean he was out of sight! He had a talent for racquet sports too, which he passed on to both of his children.

After his career in the oil industry, the family settled in Cheney WA where Barry explored a number of new career options. He became a business owner, operating Sunridge True Value and Cornerstone Children’s Center in Spokane.

Barry found a late-career stride as an Echo Tech, earning his degree from Spokane Community College and working in the field for nine years in western Washington. During this time, he volunteered for “Nick of Time”, offering free screening for student athletes.

Upon retirement, Barry and Pam moved home to Spokane, where he built his dream shop. Barry loved to build furniture, cabinetry and crafts to give to family and friends. He celebrated the completion of big projects by listening to Symphonie Fantastique!

Always searching for a challenge, Barry built a four octave marimba, and eventually offered his services to Musha Marimba Spokane. He built several student marimbas and enjoyed attending their performances.

He also found a new passion for activism, volunteering for organizations like Planned Parenthood, and raising awareness of the dangers of climate change through 350.org.

Barry’s travels continued in retirement too. He and Pam toured several European countries. In 2022, they drove their Sprinter van which he had converted to a RV, cross-country to Washington D.C., reconnecting with friends and family along the way.

We will miss hearing Barry’s points of view on politics, film, music and sports. We’ll miss huckleberry pancake Saturdays and his special “Greek” spaghetti. We’ll also miss the quiet times at Priest Lake he loved so much; a morning paddle in his handmade kayak, a cup of morning coffee, and an evening scotch on the deck.

Barry is survived by his wife, Pamela (Hubble) Kathrens, his brother Alan (Vicki), sister Cheryl (David), and his children, Joel (Kelly), Julie (Mido) and his grandson Brayden.

"Imagination is everything. It is the preview of Life's coming attractions."~ Albert Einstein