Family and friends are remembering Richard Barmuta, and sharing this remembrance with his community:
Richard Barmuta, longtime resident of West Seattle, passed away September 8, 2026. He was a “real Seattleite,” born August 16, 1944 at Swedish Hospital to George and Barbara Barmuta. 74° and sunny that day, with a lifelong sunny disposition to match.
Richard grew up in the Green Lake area. He was a 1962 graduate of Roosevelt High School.
From an early age, Richard learned life skills and the value of work from his father at Barmuta Construction. Richard believed that all work was worthwhile. Whether it was new construction, repairing buildings, boats, engines or buses operating a printing press at Boeing, selling real estate, chopping wood, or cleaning toilets he did it with a grateful heart and a smile on his face.
While attending WSU, at 19, Richard was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. Cancer treatment being what it was in 1963, the surgeons operated, told he only had 6 months to live and he should go home to get his affairs in order. He often said that every day after that was a gift.
Richard loved the Lord and considered himself blessed, especially with his family. Richard and Katrina Strassburg were married aboard the Goodtime II, at buoy Tango (a vessel traffic marker) in the middle of Puget Sound on September 18, 1977. They were joined with the birth of their sons in 1980 and 1985.
When asked what he wanted his obituary to say, his response was that he had more fun than anyone. Certainly more than most:
Secret seaplane flying lessons at 16. Aero-modeling aficionado. College student turned Beatnik folk singer. Super Midget race-car campaigner with his friend Ron Roberts. Skipper of boats of many sizes, including the 42-foot Jasper, a rare working 1923 Lake Union Dreamboat he refurbished. Rescue diver, once grabbed by a giant Pacific octopus, known for jumping off the rigging of sailing vessels. (Richard, not the octopus.) Print operator for Boeing; Claims agent for Burlington Northern Freight; Real Estate Broker and investor. Seven years as caretaker for Tillicum Village on Blake Island. Actively involved in BSA Troop 284, Carpenter for WA State DOT, and Sheet Metal worker repairing buses and bus shelters for Metro Transit. So many experiences; so many stories.
He was a great storyteller, mischievous, and a hard worker. He loved helping and talking to people; he said that everyone had a story and he was interested in knowing it.
From playing accordion as a child to slide trombone and then to the acoustic guitar, Richard loved all types of music—except, he would add, rap. His favorite performers included the Kingston Trio, Eric Clapton, Mark Knofler, and The Traveling Wilburys. His final days were brightened by the many performances he enjoyed at Aegis of West Seattle and on music streaming channels.
Richard passed away quietly with the love of his life holding his hand.
He will be missed by all who knew him.
Richard is survived by his wife of 49 years Katrina Barmuta, sons Karl and Paul Barmuta, sister Kathy Butler and her husband Cy, niece Wendy Cranfill, niece Lisa Minken and her husband Justin Minken. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Linda Barmuta Cranfill.
Richard is interred at Evergreen Washelli, Seattle.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)