Barrett William Reese, 76, known by some as “Sherlock” after a few “Sharonitas” (his wife Sharon’s famous margaritas), passed away in peace on March 9 with his wife and eldest daughter, Holly, by his side, his family shared.

“We are quite certain he is now enjoying his favorite In-N-Out Double Double and a Sharonita with family and friends who have gone before him,” his family added.

In life, Mr. Reese was profoundly gifted, they said. He earned his bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering from Cal Poly Pomona. After discovering that engineering wasn’t for him, he worked as at janitor at Disneyland while studying gemology and apprenticing with a manufacturing jeweler during his down time.

With his wife by his side, they built a thriving business, Barrett Reese Jewelers. His daughter, Noelle, followed in her father’s footsteps and ultimately managed the store for him.

He went on to win two national awards for his unique designs. He spent 34 years designing and manufacturing custom jewelry for his appreciative customers. The women in the family are especially grateful for his career change, although free tickets to Disneyland would have been nice, they added.

Mr. Reese loved music. He often created his jewelry designs while listening to classical compositions. He was also the bald guy who sang baritone in a barbershop chorus and played a little piano and ukulele with no training, his family related. And, although he may not have started out as an animal lover, since his wife was a bit obsessed, he jumped in with both feet, as any smart husband would do, according to his wife. The couple ended up with several dogs and horses on their 10-acre Southern California ranch. “Be careful whom you marry!” she added.

He loved to fly, and obtained his private pilot’s license. After health issues grounded him for many years, and eventually end-stage renal disease, he is finally flying again, his family shared.

Mr. Reese is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Sharon; sister Pamela Barker and her husband Richard; his three children, listed in order of birth, not preference (they all think they’re the favorite, his wife shared), Holly Wenzl and her husband Ken; Noelle Reese-Noggle and husband Ron; and Bryan Reese and wife Laurie; and nine grandchildren.

A celebration of life, complete with Mr. Reese’s favorite In-N-Out burgers, will be held April 7 at the home of his son and daughter-in-law in Danville, California.

For any friend who so desires, the family asks that you purchase a meal for the person behind you in the In-N-Out drive thru line and tell them, “it’s from Barrett.”