BARRY M. GRINSTEAD
LCDR, U.S. Navy (Ret.)

Barry Malcolm Grinstead died February 15, 2015 at Providence Medical Center, Everett, WA after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born on June 5, 1948 in Marion, Virginia to Charles and Myrtle Grinstead. Barry or “Bear” as many of his friends called him was raised in Pulaski, Virginia, where he graduated from high school. He occupied his time in school by participating in wrestling and football, excelling in both sports. He also loved to spend much of his free time fishing.

Graduating from high school, Barry enlisted in the U.S. Navy, beginning a 30 year career. As an enlisted sailor, Barry graduated from Basics at Great Lakes and completed “A” school and was sent to his first duty station in Vietnam. During his first deployment Barry took part in some 800 combat missions. During his 30 year career, Barry was stationed at Whidbey Island, San Diego, Cubi Point, Philippines and his final duty station was NAF Atsugi, Japan.

Barry worked his way up through the ranks and became a Chief Petty Officer. Later he received his commission as a Warrant Officer and finally on March 15, 1986, Barry was selected for the Limited Duty Officer Program and on March 15, 1986, was commissioned as a LTJG. He retired as a LCDR. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (2), Air Medal (single mission), Air Medal (15 strike/flight), Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V” (4), Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm-Leaf cluster, a Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross, and many, many more.

Barry is survived by his wife Ivy and by his children, Jonard and Shugar Sygaco, and Jason Grinstead and Nikki Griffin and Josh and Emily Grinstead and his grandchildren Janessa Sygaco, Delilah Grinstead and Brayden Grinstead. He is also survived by his mother Myrtle Grinstead, his biological father Mac Sayer, by one brother Bill Grinstead and one sister Minniejan Krenzer. Three words describe Barry: Selfless, Compassionate and Caring.

Funeral services for Barry Grinstead were held on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at Wallin Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor, WA with Chaplain David G. Lura, USNR (Ret.) officiating. Cremation followed with private family interment. The family suggests memorials to Seattle Children’s Hospital Foundation or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, LLC, Oak Harbor, WA.

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