Dear ElderChicks,
As you know, ElderChicks come in all genders. Ed Barrett was a regular reader and occasional writer in this space. He was also a friend, not only to this blog, and to me, but to countless others. Just this past year, he began, among his many other outreach activities, to write the “Kind Letter” after we talked about his beautiful idea. Some of you may even be on his ever-increasing mailing list.
I was privileged to include Ed in The New Senior Man that Bobby and I wrote in 2017. It was sheer joy to know Ed, to interview him, and to benefit from his example and inspiration. You can find his story on pages 35-37 in that book and glimpse some of his activities, his motivation, and his inspired dedication to making life better for everyone lucky enough to meet him.
Ed asked his son to write the final Kind Letter. It’s included here for you as a gift in and to his memory.
With love,
Thelma
ElderChicks 
Ed Barrett was clearly a treasure of a man. His friends, family, and the strangers he helped were so fortunate to have known him.
What a wonderful legacy and great example of having peace, not fear of his own mortality. It certainly seems that he lived his full life up until his passing. Thank you for sharing Ed and the beautiful letter from his son.
Thelma you introduced me to Ed’s wonderful kind letters. Each Friday I looked forward to getting his email and reading his words of wisdom. His messages were filled with kindness, compassion and hope for a better world. I will miss his inspirational insights about life. His son’s letter really moved me. They were blessed to have each other. May Ed’s memory be for a blessing🙏
A great legacy—kindness to all.
My husband and I knew and loved Ed Barrett. He and my husband spent many evenings together telling stories and agreeing on many topics, including the state of the world. Ed visited my husband at the end of Sy’s life to tell him again of his beliefs. I know Ed’s beliefs were a comfort to him at the end of his life. I am so fortunate to have known Ed Barrett and will remember him always as a saint.
I am so sad to read this. What a loss! Such a kind man. My heartfelt sympathies for you, Thelma, for losing a dear friend.
The wonderful thing, Hanni, is that Ed offered sincere friendship to all. He was a great example of the joy found in living as he did.