Wayne “Beau” Barrick Jr, 81, passed away on July 27, 2024 at Good Samaritan in Olathe, Kansas. He will be deeply missed by those he leaves behind, and welcomed warmly by those who went before him.
Beau was born April 20, 1943 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Wayne DeBolt Barrick Sr and Gretta Beatrice Barrick (Bosley). He attended Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, where he graduated in 1961. During his time at the high school, Beau made it to State for pole vaulting where he won the State Championship, even receiving a full scholarship to a division one college in Oklahoma. After he graduated, he participated in track and field events for several years. He also contributed to the Kansas Relays and took pleasure in watching them.
On May 7, 1983 Beau married Janet Barrick, whom he was later divorced from in 2008, although they reconnected later on in life.
Beau went on to own and operate Beau’s Import Auto Service, where his expertise and commitment to excellence were well-regarded. Outside of work, he had a zest for life that was evident in his numerous hobbies and interests. An avid outdoorsman, he loved the mountains, camping, hiking, and snow skiing. His passion for basketball led him to coach his sons’ Michael and Ryan’s little league teams and to be a devoted fan of KU basketball, frequently attending games and following them on TV.
His adventurous spirit extended to racing; he raced minis, taught race car driving, and later enjoyed racing dirt bikes in Hair scrambles. One of his favorite pastimes was fly fishing at Bennett Springs in the Ozarks, a place he cherished for its serenity and natural beauty. He was accomplished in the sport of fly fishing, winning several recognitions and he loved to tie his own flies.
He is survived by his ex-wife Janet Barrick, sons Ryan and Scott Barrick, stepdaughter Brandy (Shaun) Elston, and stepson Michael Ousdahl. Also surviving is his sister, Suzan (Faust) Gray-Bianco, brother Tony (Tim) Barrick, as well as seven grandchildren (Elijah, Tucker, Elizabeth, Emmett, Kyler, Cameron, and Courtney [Montana]), two great grandchildren (Rhett and Brooks), nieces Jana (David) Gray-Goots and her family, Bryndle (Don) Gray-Jameson and her family, and Lisa Gray.
Beau is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne DeBolt Barrick Sr and Gretta Beatrice Barrick (Bosley), as well as his nephew, Kenton Gray.
A visitation for Wayne “Beau” Barrick will be from 6pm to 7pm Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his name to the Lawrence Humane Society.
I am so sorry to hear of Beau’s passing. I used to hang out with his son Scott as we both visited for the summers back in the 70’s. One summer Beau hired me to clean parts at his shop as he was always kind and supportive. My condolences to Scott and Beau’s family.
I used to live across the street on Wisconsin from Beau and Janet in the 80’s. Beau and I were friends . I cut his hair and he helped me with my Volvo. I have very fond memories of those days. My sincere condolences to Janet and the family.
A truly professional mechanic. He kept my BMW and Volkswagen Bus on the road when no one in Lawrence knew what an import was. There were too few ‘real’ mechanics in Lawrence back in the ‘stone age’. Alas, his shop at 9th & Miss became a KWIK shop long ago. He and Byron were the best.
Fond memories of fly fishing with Beau at Bennet Springs and the White River in Arkansas. RIP -John Bell
Love you, Uncle Beau. Tell Kenton hello for me.
Love you, Uncle Beau…