ROCKLAND – M. Barrett Winstead, 73, died peacefully, with his family at his side, Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at Sussman House in Rockport.

Born in Martinsburg, West Virginia, October 12, 1944, he was the son of Robert and Dorothy Barrett Winstead.

Educated in West Virginia, he was a 1962 graduate of Martinsburg High School. Following graduation he attended Shepherd College.

For many years Barrett was employed with the Department of Defense in Washington, D.C. After returning to West Virginia he was employed by the National Computer Center.

In 1974, Barrett moved to Maine where he began his employment with the Internal Revenue Service. After working there several years, he eventually opened an office in his home as an Enrolled Tax Agent. Retiring in 2012, Barrett made a name for himself and was well known for his expertise and professionalism, always going the extra mile for his clients.

When not working, he kept busy with many civic and community organizations. For many years he volunteered to play Santa for the Chamber of Commerce. It was in this role that his generous spirt shined as he befriended several homeless youngsters who visited him daily from their ‘home’ at the Tradewinds Motor Inn. Knowing they were in need, he provided warm clothing and mittens to help them through the winter months.

Barrett had a special place in his heart for animals and not only financially supported, but volunteered many hours at the Knox County Humane Society. His daughter remembered he often took it upon himself to clear the road in front of his home of any animal/vehicle collision casualties, burying them respectfully.

With a heart for caring for others, Barrett volunteered his time with Pen Bay Medical Center as a driver for the ‘Nick’s Wings’ Program, started in memory of his late grandson. He was always proud when he got the opportunity to explain his license plate ‘Nix Wings’ and tell others about the work the program did, driving families of patients who had been emergency transported from Pen Bay Medical Center to Boston or Portland.

He was always active, taking great pleasure in his routine walks on the board-walk, which often took much longer than anticipated, as he stopped to chat with almost everyone he passed. Even when his health prevented him from walking the Breakwater, he privately chartered a boat so he could get to the lighthouse and perform his duties as a docent there. Not only was he a wealth of knowledge on many subjects, but a history buff as well.

One of his favorite pastimes were his Sunday jam sessions at the Steam, Power and Sail Museum where he played harmonica with his favorite group of people. Barrett had a great love of music of all kinds and it was a big part of his life.

Barrett was proud of his 1700’s Center Chimney Cape Cod home and all of the restoration he had put into it. He was frugal and thrifty, and loved to recycle. Whether it was garbage or household goods, he felt they needed to be disposed of properly and he especially loved spending time at the dump and Winks Barn. Barrett was truly a people person. He jumped at any chance to socialize and enjoy the company of others.

He will be sorely missed by countless friends and his beloved family.

Predeceased by a grandson, Nicholas Frank Stevens, and the mother of his children, Judy Winstead, Barrett is survived by his daughters, Laura Myers ,of Rockland, Melissa Stevens and her husband, Russell, of Owls Head; his son, Scott M. Winstead, and his wife, Melissa, of Hedgersville, West Virginia; his grandchildren, Dylan Myers, William Myers, Noah Stevens, Cole Stevens, Drew Winstead and his wife, Adrienne, Tyler R. Winstead, Sarah Marcel-Rene and her husband, Emmanuel, Nicholas Waller, Madison Winstead; great-grandchildren, Karynn and McKinleigh Winstead, Brayden and Aybree Winstead, Warner Marcel-Rene; his brother William H. Winstead of Miami Lakes, Forida; his sister Meta S. Winstead of Martinsburg, West Virginia, as well as several extended family members.

Family and friends are invited to visit from 4 to 6 p.m., Saturday, October 21, 2017 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. A celebration of Barrett’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, October 22, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 15 Wesley Lane, off Rt. 17, Rockland.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Nicholas Frank Stevens Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Rockland Savings and Loan, 582 Main Street, Rockland, ME 04841.

To share a memory or condolence with Barrett’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.coom.