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John Stephen Bartolin

John Bartolin Obituary

Bartolin

John Stephen

Bartolin

December 26, 1978

June 2, 2021

John Stephen Bartolin, beloved by so many, passed away unexpectedly and was welcomed into God's loving arms at age 42 on June 2, 2021. He is survived by his loving parents, Barbara and Stephen Bartolin, Jr.; his twin sister, Annie Barnett and her husband, Steve; his sister, Julie Julias, her husband, John and their two sons, George and Harry. He is also survived by his aunts, uncles and cousins; his girlfriend, Flavia Campbell and her daughter, Nina; and more true friends than most people would be able to make in multiple lifetimes.

John was born with Annie on December 26, 1978. He was a child full of passions – for cars, Brooke Shields, gadgets, writing / directing / starring in home Miami Vice movies, playing outside in the fresh air from morning to night, fighting for the Nintendo remote, road tripping to the oldies with his family and some friends in tow, and for friends, always friends. Most nights at the Bartolin household, you could find one or more of John's friends sleeping over. One of the unique aspects of his childhood is that he grew up on the grounds of some of the nation's finest resorts – The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, WV and The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO. He enjoyed many hotel adventures with his family and friends, from horseback riding in the Appalachians, to joy riding in golf carts before he was street legal. John also began to hone his entrepreneurial and professional skills in childhood.

At age 12, he began shining shoes for Sam, a former western actor turned barber decades John's senior, who became a dear friend of his. This would be a pattern in John's life – he had friends of all ages and from all walks of life. John also began caddying, washing dishes, selling candy to hungry students during the hour before school lunch, and generally doing whatever it took for him to purchase his first car, a white Volkswagen Beatle from which you could see the road beneath your feet from the floorboard. After earning a B.A. in History from CU Boulder, John worked in the hotel business for a time before beginning his career in real estate. He became one of Colorado Springs's top real estate agents, and eventually started his own development company in Scottsdale, AZ. Whatever work John did, he excelled at it and made friends along the way. He had so many professional successes, but John's most important accomplishments were in the areas of life that count the most.

John's ability to connect with people was a gift from God. He loved people, and they loved him. He was rewarded with deep relationships and an abundance of love. He was always surrounded by a circle of friends – the kind of friends who would drop everything to help each other – and always cultivating new, rich relationships while maintaining friendships from earlier eras as well. A good friend estimated that John had been in at least 20 weddings. He celebrated his friends' successes as if they were his own.

There's so much to say about John. How do you not admire somebody who gave rent money to a 7-11 clerk down on his luck? He loved music and wasn't embarrassed to play tracks by Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne and others on repeat. He loved watching tv and movies, and we all loved his insightful and hilarious commentary. He loved riding his motorcycle. He loved his family and always told them so. He was so incredibly funny – only a deep connection with humanity and intelligence can create that kind of humor. He also suffered from bipolar I, a terrible and destructive mood disorder, which makes life an uphill battle. Not even that awful disease could keep John from the finest things in life: friendship, laughter, generosity, love. In the last few years of his life, John found love with Flavia and her daughter, Nina. Theirs was a love made for the movies that John so enjoyed. Flavia said that after they watched the remake of A Star Is Born, John took her for a motorcycle ride, and she felt like a bigger rock star than Lady Gaga. Bipolar I could not keep any of that from happening, but it forced John to run against the wind, and its culminating effects cut his life too short. John's last act of generosity was as an organ donor. John, so full of heart, gave his own, as well as his other organs, so that others could have the chance to live and enjoy better lives. He would have just loved that. As John's friend said, he was a sweet, sweet soul and souls live on.

A charitable fund to benefit those affected by bipolar disorder will be set up in John's honor. In the meantime, in memory of John, please perform a random act of kindness.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette from Jun. 11 to Jun. 13, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for John Bartolin

23 Entries

Katie

July 31, 2023

We all love you, John. And you visit us in our dreams, and it's always such a poignant moment- something I repeat to those closest because it is real. There's no doubt about that -it has been 2 years, too many to count. Everyone here will agree that there is something undeniably, absolutely loving about you. Your picture epitomizes it; this I KNOW. And we all miss you...at the most random times, and I know it is you... We would do anything to reverse back. I trust that God knew what you needed. He always knew. We would sense it when talking through it...And I trust Him. He came for you.
We love you so....But we know you are there. Can't wait to see you again. Absolutely cannot wait. Till then John...Seeing you and always loving you. We all are. Till then sweet soul...

Cynthia

February 14, 2023

Today is Valentine's Day where we share our love with others that are special in our lives. John we all love you wherever you are . Cynthia

Cynthia Roswick

June 5, 2022

During the year since John has passed, I've used all the tears to water the beautiful garden I have managed to grow in my heart. Now instead of sadness there is beauty. John's memories are the fertilizer that feed these beautiful flowers. You have passed but will always be remembered as as wonderful son, brother,godfather and friend. Now you have Ricky who joined you this year. Xoxo your friend, Cynthia and family

Waisum and Alex

December 18, 2021

How very sad to hear of this sad news. Mr Bartolin, you won't remember us but after 20 years your son left an impression on us both. God Bless. 1999/2000 @broadmoorhotel

John Bartolin Jr.

October 17, 2021

Sorry for your loss Steve. Presently driving across USA spreading the Gospel. Turned to work for the Lord 3 years ago. Attended aunt Marge and Uncle Harry's internment at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. Aunt Marge talked about losing Mark at 16. Said she never knew why? Well she knows now. Being a preacher has challenges about why we outlive our children. My only comfort to say is. Mother Mary had to endure her son on the cross..for us all to get there.. may find peace knowing John is with our own waiting to be united. Psalm 133 is a good read for that. May the Lord bless you until your job is complete. You can text me anytime 302 470 0237.
Be Good
Be Godly
Best ya can
Your cousin..

Stephanie

August 13, 2021

There are no words, but then so many words. John made you feel like you were the only person. I am heartbroken and I don´t understand. Thank you for being beautiful. I think we all thought we could save you, I know I did.

Teresa Knight

August 10, 2021

I'm so sad to hear of your passing. You were such a kind person. I will miss you sharing your favorite music on Facebook. I pray that you may sleep in heavenly peace. Prayers for the Bartolin Family. My deepest condolences

Lori Jarvis-Steinwert

July 26, 2021

I'm reaching out to the Bartolin family to let them know about a memorial gift in honor of John that was made to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) in Colorado Springs. I am the executive director at NAMI and can be reached at [email protected] or 719-502-0358.

I also extend my condolences. What a beautiful tribute to John -- and thank you for sharing his journey through bipolar disorder as a part of his story.

Kind regards,
Lori Jarvis-Steinwert

Cindy & Aaron Johnson

Planted Trees

From Tim and Charlotte Travis

Planted Trees

Natasha/Sacred Ground Cafe

Planted Trees

Lori Breford

July 7, 2021

I so enjoyed working with him when he advertised in the Cheyenne Edition. Would walk into the office every Friday to deliver papers and he would give me a glance and a smile. What a wonderful human being. Prayers to his family.

Ricardo Creel

June 30, 2021

John you will live in my heart till the end.
Very great full to you John from all my family.
All the best in Heaven

Lisa Tennison

June 29, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss Steve. I wonder if my dad ( Lonnie Tennison) knew him. This is a very moving tribute.

Fritz & Rose

June 27, 2021

Just heard.
We send our love & sympathies.

Cynthia Roswick

June 21, 2021

May our loving memories of John overcome our grief for the fact that he is no longer with us. He has left all his family and friends with many many great memories. He was a handsome smart generous intelligent funny compassionate young man. All his family and friends including Ricky his dog are truly going to miss him but we will all remember him for the rest of our lives. My sympathy goes out to John's family and friends since we all share in this tragedy together.

Kari and Mike Alls

Planted Trees

Mary Anne Barnett

Planted Trees

Richard Tran

June 12, 2021

Bartolin Family,
My prayers are with you during this time of grief. John and I became friends in the early 2000s and he taught me in so many ways what a true friend is. Every word written here, captured who John was to all of his friends. He was the gentlest and kindest soul who would do anything, even for a stranger. I will always remember John for his gentle nature and how he did things for others. I love you Johnny. Rest In Peace my friend.

Nilson Choeri

June 12, 2021

There were few days, few moments with you, but a lot of good feelings.
You were a kindly and amazing man.
Thanks for your care with Flávia and Nina.
Rest in peace.

Julie Bonicelli

June 12, 2021

I feel lucky to have known John and he shared a special place in my heart. John was James Dean cool without even trying, but what I adored most was his heart of gold. I loved listening to country songs over and over again and talking real estate with him. I will cherish the memories we had. I told him many years ago he was one of the best humans I had ever met and God knows I meant it. I miss you already, John. My condolences and heartfelt prayers to his family.

Stephen Lynn

June 11, 2021

I attended CU with John, both of us majoring in history. Everyone looked forward to parties at his house on Thursday nights. After graduation over the years, I would run into him occassionally around Colorado Springs. He was always genuinely interested in what I was up to. He was a good soul. My deepest sympathy and condolences go out to his family.

Katie Steuber Christian

June 11, 2021

John, you are a beloved soul. I love you, your family, and all the magnificent ways you lived your earthly life. On to the even bigger life in store for youxoxo always.

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