Fred Barnett Obituary

FRED FREDDY BARNETT Musician, writer, artist, entertainer, and educator Fred Jay Deutsch Barnett, 74, of Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii, passed away on July 26, 2024 due to complications from a heart attack. Fred was born in Brooklyn, New York to Claire Beigel and Leo Deutsch on March 18, 1950. He was raised by Claire and stepdad Jules Barnett after Leo passed away, and he surfed and played music with his brother Bob and stepbrothers Jeff and Dan as a teenager in Westchester, Los Angeles. In 1976, Fred met his wife and musical partner Jan-Joy Sax at a guitar class in Santa Monica. After getting married, they moved to Hawaii, where their daughter Mele was born, and settled in Kailua in 1986. He was known in the 90s as "Fishman Fred," bringing his hands-on marine life education program to the keiki of Oahu while also producing fun and educational books and videos about Hawaiian marine life. Fred was a prolific artist and entertainer, whether writing humorous novels and stories, making art (painting, sculpture, and cartoon strips), or writing, recording, and performing music. He and Jan-Joy formed the Wiki Waki Woo Serenaders with friends in 1982, and they continued playing music together around Oahu until his passing. You may have also seen him on stage at the Lanikai Mortgage Players Olio, swimming at Kailua Beach, or writing at Morning Brew. Fred was preceded in death by parents Leo, Jules, and Claire, and brother Jeff Barnett. He is survived by his brothers Bob and Dan Barnett, wife Jan-Joy Sax, daughter Melelani Sax-Barnett, granddaughter Sage DuPree, cat Pancho, and numerous extended family and friends. He will always be remembered for his extraordinary humor, talent, and kindness. He will live on in the hearts of those who loved him, and in all the art and music he created. A potluck celebration of Fred's life is planned for Saturday, November 2nd at 4 p.m. at Morning Brew Cafe (600 Kailua Rd, Kailua). Arrangements Provided By: Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary