Obituary of Harley Sidney Bartlett

February 21, 1941 – Coronation, Alberta

December 15, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Harley Bartlett passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Sunday, December 15, 2024, in Calgary, AB. He was born on February 21, 1941, in Coronation, AB, to his parents, Sidney and Martha Bartlett.

Harley (Bart) was a beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend. He spent 60 happy years with his spouse, Joan (his “Joanie”), and together they raised their two children, Mae and Brian in Calgary, AB. Family was the most important thing to Harley, and he cherished the time spent at the cabin, “The Bee’s Nest”, and on family vacations, especially in Florida and Yuma.

Harley grew up in Coronation, AB, making many lifelong friends. He came to work on the farm for Henry and Donna Suntjens, where he was accepted as family. He married the love of his life, Joan, and started a long career in the Alberta oil patch. He began working on the rigs but with a work ethic second to none, he was soon promoted to many different positions, both on the rig and in the oil field service industry. He eventually retired from Chimo Equipment as a Sales Manager and Part Owner. We used to joke that his real job was playing gin at the 400 Club and golfing at Cottonwood.

Harley had a passion for golf, playing crib, fishing, and woodworking, and spent many hours pursuing these hobbies. In his earlier years, he enjoyed skiing, snowmobiling, and playing darts.  He was a skilled craftsman and enjoyed creating beautiful pieces for his loved ones. Harley could spend hours tinkering in the garage or shed and was happy showing his grandsons how to use all his tools. Along with his love for his family and hobbies, Harley was also extremely proud of his children and grandchildren’s accomplishments.

Harley is survived by his loving wife, Joan, his daughter Mae (Rod) Szarka of Edmonton, AB, and son Brian (Merry) Bartlett of Calgary, AB, five grandchildren, Logan (Chantelle), Taryn, Kyle, Luke, and Joel; and one great-grandson Ethan. He is also survived by his brother Jim Bartlett of Coronation, AB, and sister Barb (Pat) Anette of Castor, AB.

Harley was predeceased by his parents, Sid and Martha Bartlett, and brothers, Roy Bartlett and Cliff Bartlett.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at the emergency department of the South Health Campus for their exceptional care and compassion.

Harley will be most remembered for his love and dedication to his family, his passion for life, and his kind and generous heart. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Harley’s Life will be held at a later date.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Zoo, c/o Aldera Chisholm, 1300 Zoo Road N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 7V6, www.calgaryzoo.com or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Harley’s family here.

In living memory of Harley Bartlett, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.