John Allison Bartley
June 4, 1929 - June 12, 2006
On Monday, June 12 surrounded by his family, John died peacefully at the age of 77 years. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 50 years, Arlene (nee Motheral) his children, daughter Patricia Whiteside (Doug), son Ronald (Cheryl), son Douglas (Leanne) and daughter Marilyn Gitzel (Allan). Also cherishing his memory are his nine grandchildren Chad, Melissa, and Joel Whiteside; Britni and Andrew Bartley; Taylor Bartley, and Duane, Ryan, and Raelyn Gitzel. John is survived by his sisters Margaret Graham (Bud) and Agnes Phillips; brothers Bruce (Elsie) and Lorne (Ella); sisters-in-law Connie Thompson, Sharon Minkus (Ron) and brother-in-law Wayne Motheral (Jean) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Elgin and Mary Bartley, grandson Ronald Drew Bartley, sister-in-law Melva Bartley, brothers-in-law Wes Phillips and Robert Thompson. John was raised and lived most of his life on the family farm near Roland, John and Arlene moved to the family farm in 1956 after his father’s retirement. They remained on the farm until 2000 when they move to the west side of Roland so he was able to keep a watchful eye on his passion "THE FARM". Although he was retired in theory, there were daily trips to the farm to check on the mechanical and four legged "pets".
"YOU CAN TAKE THE FARMER OFF THE FARM, BUT YOU CAN NOT TAKE THE FARM OUT OF THE FARMER"!!
Throughout Dad’s life he was very active in all the aspects of the community. He spent countless hours making ice for the curling club and is a life member. In 1977 he was the first president of the Roland Golf Club and was very instrumental in raising funds for the purchase of the Club for the community. He is also a life member of the Golf Club. Roland United Church was very important to Dad and he spent much of his time on various committees and was noted as the guy to call when the furnace needed repairs. Many hours were spent coaching ball and hockey, travelling to sons and daughters activities. This dedication continued when the grandchildren became involved in their own interests. They all knew Grandpa would be there. John became a R.M. councillor in 1980 and later spent twelve years as Reeve. Through his council work he served on the Carman Health District Board. Not only is this a big loss to the family but also a big loss to the community as Dad spent most of his life helping others. What an awesome legacy to leave. Well done Dad. We will miss you. Funeral Service will be held from the Roland United Church in Roland on Friday, June 16, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Harry Ritchie officiating. Interment will take place in Fairview Cemetery, Roland. Viewing will take place from Doyle’s Funeral Chapel in Carman on Thursday, June 15, 2006 from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Donations in memory of John may be made to Roland United Church.
