Remembering Claude Bartley

I never met Claude Bartley in person, only through correspondence, but his kindness and humor shone through his words. His family lived next to my grandparent's (the Crabtrees) family in Beaconsfield, New Brunswick during the 1920s and 1930s. Claude shared his memories with me three years ago for the following posts on this blog: Claude Bartley Remembers, Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

Claude died in July, at the age of 91. Here is his obituary.

Claude Bartley

Claude "Papa" L. Bartley, 91

PORTLAND - Claude Luke Bartley, 91, of Portland entered into his heavenly rest on Sunday, July 30, 2017, at his home surrounded by his loving family.He was born in Easton, Maine, on Dec. 9, 1925; the son of the late Wellington and Alice Bartley and was raised in Beaconsfield, New Brunswick, Canada. 

He met his future bride, Jeanne Longstaff, before being sent overseas during World War II as a member of the Canadian Army. Upon his return, they married August 6, 1947. In 1951, they moved to Maine where he became a builder. As a well known contractor in Portland, he worked with his brother, Martin Bartley, to develop Bartley Gardens in North Deering, Portland. One client often said of Claude, "If Claude can't fix it, no one can!"

Among his many hobbies, he enjoyed most learning to fly and teaching himself to paint, sketch, and play various guitars. At the age of 80, Claude taught himself to use the computer.

Claude and Jeanne lived in Portland for many years where they raised their four children. In 1992, they began wintering in Lakeland, Fla. where they still own a home.

Papa loved life and will be remembered for his infectious smile, his good-natured ways and his wonderful sense of humor. 

Claude was preceded in death by eight siblings; and grandson, Shawn Googins. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Jeanne; son C. Murray (Janet), daughter Myrna Googins (Howard), daughter Gloria Bartley; Greg (Dorcas); and sister Grace Lee of St. John, New Brunswick, Canada. Claude is also survived by seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom inherited his wit and striking good looks!

Friends and relatives are invited to a time of visitation from 10-11 a.m. on Thursday, August 3, 2017, at Jones Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland, where a Celebration of Life service will follow at 11 am. Interment will be private. 

Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com for additional information and to sign Claude's online guest book.

Donations can be made 

in Claude's memory to:

Emmanuel Assembly

1575 Washington Ave.

Portland, ME 04103

Funeral Home

Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home

199 Woodford Street Portland, ME 04103 

(207) 775-3763

Published in Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram on Aug. 1, 2017