| Dave Barrett, a retired attorney and one of the original architects of Capital Tiger Bay Club, served on the Board longer than some members have been alive — and he certainly had the stories to prove it.As both a Founding and the longest-serving Board Member, Dave held multiple leadership roles within the Club and carried with him more than fifty years of Tiger Bay history, institutional knowledge, humor, perspective, and unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission. As Dave himself approved in his bio for last year’s John Morgan event: “With more than 50 years of Club history under his belt, no one knows the original mission better: to provide a non-partisan forum on current political issues and to hear directly from the newsmakers and opinion leaders of the day. In other words, Dave’s been keeping things interesting since day one.” Dave proudly served as Capital Tiger Bay Club Vice President from 1974–1976 and President from 1976–1978, helping shape the organization during its formative years and preserving its enduring role as a forum for substantive civic dialogue and engagement. May he rest in power. We are deeply grateful for his extraordinary service, mentorship, leadership, and enduring belief in the importance of bringing people together through conversation, debate, and public service.Dave will be formally recognized in remembrance at our June 18 meeting, and we hope some of our members may also be able to represent the Club at his memorial service on May 31. In the meantime, our sincere condolences go out to Dave’s family, loved ones, and to all who knew and cherished their time with him at Tiger Bay. Regards, Capital Tiger Bay Club Board of Directors |
| David (Dave) Andrew Barrett, age 77, of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on May 12, 2026. He was born to Sydney and Eva Marie Buhr Barrett in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is survived by his best friend and wife, Elizabeth (Liz) Barrett; step-daughter, Margaret (Megan) Aileen Swain; brother and sister, James Ernest Barrett (Patti); brother, John Sidney Barrett (Cindy McPhee); sister-in-law, Dorris Tirado; niece, Eva Isabel Tirado-Barrett; niece, Sarah Corrin Barrett; niece, Sidney Alexis Barrett Parker (Jeremy); and niece, Mahria Kelly Barrett. Dave was preceded in death by his sister, Marna Sue Eva Barrett, and Anna Rica Altobellis (former wife). Dave proudly served with the U.S. Army and Florida National Guard from 1970–1976. He graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree and from the Florida State University College of Law with his Juris Doctor in 1973.One of his proudest achievements was serving as Capital Tiger Bay Club Vice President from 1974–1976 and President from 1976–1978. Dave was General Counsel for the Florida House of Representatives and held various other positions within Florida government. He also partnered in the law firm Barrett and Bajoczky in Tallahassee and practiced with several other law firms throughout his career. He served on the Board of Directors of the Downtown Improvement Authority in 1993 and was Chairman in 1996. Breeding horses — including one of his favorites, T.G. — brought Dave immense joy. Along with his love for horses, he also adored his donkey, Truman. Dave’s most treasured hobby of all was motorcycle riding, with favorite routes including Chief Joseph Highway, Beartooth Pass, and Going-to-the-Sun Road.David also took great pride in being a successful business and real estate investor. His ability to combine business acumen with philanthropy left a lasting impact on countless individuals and organizations who benefited from his mentorship and generous spirit.His memorial service will be held at Culley’s, 700 Timberlane Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32312, on May 31, 2026, from 11 AM until 2 PM.In lieu of flowers or charitable donations, the family asks that you give flowers to your significant other or a loved one — or, if you can, make arrangements for a dinner date as soon as possible. |