Dr. Bret Alan Barker

Dr. Bret Alan Barker (1969-2024)

Bret Alan Barker was called to his heavenly home on 9 Oct 2024. Bret was born 24 Mar 1969 in Weaverville, California to Paul and Junel (Johnson) Barker. He is pre-deceased by his father, grandparents William Barker of San Francisco and Faye (Darland) Barker and Elmer and June Johnson of Weaverville.

Bret grew up in Hollister, graduating from San Benito High School in 1987. He joined the Army National Guard and went to basic training before graduation, later serving during the 1992 Watts Riots. Bret was an Armor Crewman “Tanker,” the 13th Battalion’s Commander in the U.S. Army Brotherhood of Tankers and former Staff Sergeant / SSG at U.S. Army D Co. 1/149th 40th ID. He was a highly respected and loved member of the organization.

Bret worked at Custom Chrome and rode a Harley before attending college. During his nursing career he was an instructor at Gavilan College and also volunteered for RockMed as part of a team providing on-scene care at concerts. In 2018, Bret obtained his Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Samuel Merritt University and survived cancer 2 years later. He was a family nurse practitioner and during the pandemic worked at multiple hospital ICUs across the country including New Orleans and New York. Having witnessed Covid-19 related deaths, Bret researched alternative treatments and saved many lives. His book “Sold Old Souls” about his findings has received critical acclaim as an “eye-opener.”

Bret had a brilliant mind and a generous heart. His energy could fill a room. His wide circle of friends is a testament to his love for people. Bret was proud to be a Veteran and Knighted into the U.S. Army Cavalry and Armor Association’s Order of St. George in 2016 by Lt. General Paul Funk, an honor awarded only to “the best of the best.” Bret loved to cook and won prizes at the Gilroy Garlic Festival cook-offs. He was a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) and proud member of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe of Washington state. He will be remembered for his love of family and his contributions to the medical field.

Bret is survived by his beloved wife Katy, children Emerald, Kye and Kassandra, step-father and mother Michael and Junel Davidsen, brothers Eric Barker and Evan Capoeman, brother-in-law and sister Jaime and Elena Duarte, grandchildren and many other relatives.

Bret’s “Celebration of Life” will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Dec. 8th at the American Legion Hall Post 41 at 1110 Veterans Dr, Monterey. Graveside services will be held in November at the tribal cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested at GiveSendGo https://www.givesendgo.com/warriorstrong