Obituary
The age of 63, Louis (Lou) Joseph Bartley, lost his life suddenly on August 1, 2022 in a tragic motor vehicle accident.
Louis was born at the Wilkie Hospital on June 4, 1959 as the third child of Joseph and Mary Bartley; he was very proud to have been one of the last babies born at the hospital.
Louis was a typical child who enjoyed playing games with his siblings, cousins and friends. He enjoyed playing hockey, softball and developed a passion for cars, music and golf. Louis knew every vehicle in Town at a glance and often who was driving it. When it came to music, he always had the newest rock and roll music on hand whenever the party was at his house. Sunday morning golfing with his buddies was a ritual for many years.
Louis had strong ties to the community and was a lifelong resident of Wilkie. His service to the community included being a member of the Kinsmen club, volunteering with the Wilkie Outlaws Senior Hockey team, assisting the RENEW committee with their downtown beautification and helping out at the Golf Course whenever possible.
Louis was a wealth of knowledge when it came to cars. He was extremely proud of his first car, a 1980 Sky Blue Formula Firebird. He knew the details of all his vehicles and spent endless hours researching before he bought a new car. He was very protective of all his vehicles including his Golf Cart and it was very important to him they all be immaculately maintained.
Louis started working for CP Rail in 1979 on the maintenance gang, he then moved on to being a Brakeman, Conductor and the Engineer in 1994. Louis excelled at all of his courses for each advancement and was excited when he was called for his first Engineer trip. Being called to work around annual Christmas Train was another highlight of his railroad career. After working for CP Rail for 35 years, Louis retired in 2014.
Louis and Julie Brooks became lifelong partners on February 14, 1999. Together over the years, they enjoyed each other’s company as they made a home together and travelled to Florida, New Mexico, Germany, Portugal, Italy, Netherlands, Disney Land, Yukon Territory, Alaska and Mexico. Over the years, they spent endless hours renovation their house and yard. Sometimes, it took a while for both to agree on a specific design or model, but Louis was creative and had a great eye, so he usually prevailed in those discussions and constructed many beautiful items for the flower beds and garden. Louis and Julie both loved golfing ad were members of the Wilkie Golf Club; they golfed whenever the weather permitted and often went to surrounding courses. Golfing in Portugal and Mexico were especially memorable.
Louis became Step Dad to Greggory and Natasha Brooks and Opa Lou to two beautiful grandchildren, Jordan and Marlina who were a handful at times, but Louis loved them dearly. He enjoyed cooking and was always trying new dishes; the grandkids loved his cooking and often asked “What’s for dinner, Opa.”
After retirement and especially during Covid, Louis spent many hours beautifying and keeping the lawn green, polishing his vehicles, and sprucing up the back yard. He always found time for morning coffee at the Reddi Mart and touring Wilkie a couple times a day, with a wave and a smile; he always knew what was going on. We’ll miss that smile and wave from the red truck. Louis knew all the former residents of Wilkie and always found time to visit and reminisce the good old days with them whenever they came to Town. Louis was welcoming to everyone, always had a huge smile and a joke for you. Louis could get you to put your foot in your mouth faster than anybody. If you ever needed a helping hand, Louis was always willing and able to help.
Louis was predeceased by his parents Joe and Mary Bartley and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Louis will be sadly missed by his partner of 23 years Julie Brooks, her son Gregg (Natasha) Brooks, their children Jordan and Marlina Brooks. His siblings John (Nancy) Bartley of Surry, BC, Christina (Kevin) McKevitt of Lloydminster, SK and Mark (Cathy) Bartley of Vermilion, AB.
Louis was a kind, generous and witty Brother-in-law, who will be deeply missed.
Louis was a wonderful uncle to Jeffery (Erin) Bartley, Jennifer (Jeffery) Welch, Jessica (Ryan) Simundson, Samantha McKevitt, Kayleigh Bartley and Cameron Bartley. Great uncle to Ella Bartley, Hunter Simundson, and Arielle Simundson.
Louis was also a wonderful uncle to 22 nieces and nephews and 22 great nieces and nephews from the Byblow family who will miss him dearly.
Tribute in lieu of flowers may be made to the Wilkie District Fire Association, Box 1091, Wilkie, SK S0K 4W0
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Louis Joseph Bartley June 4 1959 August 1 2022 (age 63)..
Death notice for the town of: Wilkie, Province: Saskatchewan