Obituary: Barry Jetten

Barry’s career as a consummate data processing professional started in 1985, when he took up a junior data processing position at independent research agency Plus Four, in Wimbledon, London.

His 35 years with Plus Four saw him progress through the ranks to director of The Analysis Solution in 2005. In recognition of his hard work and dedication, Barry was due to be made a full director of Plus Four in April 2021.

Commenting in 2020 on Plus Four’s 50 years of trading, Barry said: “It is an awesome achievement, and I am lucky enough have been working with you for 35 of those years! Where did the time go? I can honestly say it has been a total pleasure working with you and the team. Many, many happy memories.”

Peter Allan, managing director at Plus Four, said: “All of us at Plus Four are devastated, along with the clients he worked for – quality and client service were what he took most pride in, and his high standards and passion for data will remain as his legacy for the Plus Four team he leaves behind who will continue to carry the torch.”

Many in the industry have worked alongside Barry, either as colleagues or as clients. A number in the market research data processing world started their careers working alongside him.

Tributes from colleagues and clients have highlighted the qualities that made working with him so enjoyable: his supportiveness, kindness, intellect, friendliness, warmth and energy.

Others simply describe him as “incredible at his job” saying “he could take a problem and find a solution, and if that one didn’t work, he’d find another and another. He thrived on the challenge!” Many have told how he was “always going above and beyond” and “always managed to make my life that bit easier”. Unsurprisingly to those who knew him, a recurring theme within the tributes has been mention of his incredibly quick, dry humour.

Barry attributed the skill of being able to retain a sense of humour and remain calm in the most testing of situations to the practice he got as a father of five… a role that he revelled in.

A huge fan of anything related to motorsport, Barry had a real passion for American ‘muscle cars’ from the 40’s and harboured a dream to combine his interest in cars and love of travel to drive Route 66 in a 1949 Yellow Super Convertible.

He lived most of his life in Surrey, but in recent years moved to Hampshire with his wife Wendy, whom he married in February 2020. He loved taking long walks in the countryside with Wendy and their dog.

A service for Barry will be held on 2nd February 2021. Anyone wishing to make a donation to charity in Barry’s memory should contact Plus Four for details.