Barak J. Burr, 91, of Coldwater passed away at his home Saturday, October 17, 2026.
A memorial service will be held Friday, October 30, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church with Fr. Barrett Lee officiating.
A gathering of family and friends will be held prior to the service from 10-11:00 AM. Interment will take place following the service at St. Mark’s Columbrium.
Barak was born October 19, 1934 in East Hartford Connecticut to Dudley and Edith
(Akerlind) Burr. At Albion College, he met Janet Oster. He sat in the back of their history class and she sat in the front. They married May 13, 1961, in Constantine, MI. They spent 62 wonderful years together until her passing on December 23, 2023.
Barak proudly served in the United States Navy from 1953 to 1957 as a Sonarman.
Following his military service, he returned to Albion and started his bachelor degree in Education, only to finish it at Western Michigan University in 1964. Returning to WMU in 1966, Barak completed his Master of Arts in Psychology and Special Education.
Throughout his career as a psychologist, he worked at Starr Commonwealth, Kent County ISD, Branch County ISD, the Coldwater Regional Center, until its closure,Branch County Mental Health Services, a small private practice and as a
consultant for ADAPT, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those he served. His commitment to his profession continued until his retirement at the age of 83, saying it was his calling to be an advocate for those who couldn’t advocate for themselves. He lived a life that is a testament to serving others.
Barak was a long time member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, where he found fellowship and community. Here he put his heart into the care and keeping of the building and grounds. Barak was called to serve on vestry many times and supported the many and various outreach committees, sometimes on purpose and sometimes being voluntold by his spouse.
Outside of his professional life, Barak had a deep love for the outdoors. A self-taught sailor, he loved sailing and spending time on the water. The family vacationed in the Outer Banks of North Carolina with the Moser Clan, the best family friends! Where he and his best friend Dale taught their kids to body surf, play capture the flag and created the “beach olympics”.
He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping throughout Michigan. An avid distance runner, Barak traveled to races across the state and often hauled his camper and his family along, combining his love of running with his enjoyment of camping.
He was a competitive card player, no matter the game – euchre, pinochle, bridge and cribbage. He played to win. Often saying, at least to his children, “it takes a good card player to play a bad hand”, much to the eye rolling and laughter of the people around.
Above all, Barak treasured his family, especially his grandchildren, who brought him great joy. He supported their every activity from musicals and plays, concerts and marching performances to all the sports: tennis, swimming, cross country, track, baseball, football, soccer, golf and dance. Whether sharing time together outdoors,
enjoying family gatherings, or making memories together, family remained an important part of his life.
He will be missed in so many ways. His listening ear, a ready and welcoming smile, a fantastic sense of humor and deep love of puns. He was a kind and loving soul who put all of those around him first.
Barak is survived by his children David (Julie) Burr of Bay Village, OH, Christopher Burr of Coldwater, Jennifer (Erik) Dantes of Kalamazoo; his brother David (Becca) Burr of Jackson, MS; his grandchildren India (Bryan Lehman) Converse, Caleb Burr, Kyle Burr, Abby (Anthony Noe) Dantes, Lydia Dantes, Jillian Dantes; his great grandchildren Barak Lehman, Cyrus Lehman; his sister in law Ann Seymour; and his nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his great grandson Everett Lehman.
Memorial donations may be directed to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.
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