Peter Alfred Barnes, formerly of Vashon Island, died unexpectedly March 5, 2003, at his home in England. He was 53 years old.

He was born Jan. 13, 1950, in Birmingham, England. He emigrated with his family to Seattle in 1960, where he attended Rainier Beach Junior/Senior High School.

In his senior year, he was the editor of the school newspaper, chosen by fellow students as “Most Likely to Succeed,” and graduated in 1967 with honors.

He attended Whitman College in Walla Walla and then the University of Washington, graduating in 1984 with degrees in both chemistry and botany. In 1998, he returned to England where he lived with his wife Anne. She died six weeks before he died.

Mr. Barnes had lived on Vashon in the 1980s and 1990s.

He was a seasoned traveler and spoke fluent Spanish, learned during a journey through Central and South America in the mid-70s. He was an avid mushroom hunter, a music lover, a collector of eclectic items, a lifelong student, and a gentle soul.

Survivors include his sister Yvonne, brother Richard, niece Nicole and nephew Ethan.

A memorial gathering celebrating his life will be at 11 a.m. Sunday, April 27, at the home of Rich and Phyllis Barnes (2858 NW 70th St. in Ballard.

Call (206) 784-0671 for directions.