Obituary of William R. Bartlow

William Robert Bartlow passed away Thursday, Oct. 6th leaving behind his loving and devoted wife, Paula, his amazing children, Rachel (Kevin) McHugh, Laura (Brian) Hulbert and Nicholas (Kellyn) Bartlow, his grandchildren; Seamus, Caoilainn and Declan O'Hara, Aidan and Kalem McHugh and Nic and Haley Hulbert. He is also survived by brothers, David (Kathleen) Bartlow and Brian (Maria) Bartlow; brother-in-law, Keith (Lisa) White and sister-in-law, Karen Ferrier, lifelong friends, Raymond and Alexia Markarian, his besties Steve and Karen Burns, Matt and Andrea Holland and Todd Fedyshyn, many nieces, nephews, cousins and other good friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Floyd and Marilyn (Whittemore) Bartlow; his parents in-law, Paul and Ruth White; his brother, Richard Bartlow, and brothers-in-law, Robert White and Carl Ferrier. Bill was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important – the simplicity of living a life with those you love. He was truly a renaissance man, limitless in his capacities for learning, embracing all knowledge with great enthusiasm. He had a broad range of interests; studying theology in great depths, fishing, hunting, gardening, music and art. He imparted his vast knowledge to his family in many ways, but one of the most enjoyed was the discussions at the dining room table. You needed to be on your toes to keep up with him. Bill served in the US Navy as an operating room scrub tech. Medicine was his first calling. After getting his BA from the University of Buffalo, he began his 30+ year career as an Orthopedic Medical Sales Rep. He retired from Conmed in 2010 and began his second career calling as Southern Tier Independence Center's Development Director. There he was the co-creator of the Haunted Halls of Horror and the current fundraiser, Escapes. He retired in 2021 and has enjoyed his continued interest in theology and working on his family's genealogy and spending time with his wife and children. To quote one of his favorite authors, Emerson, "To laugh often and much, to win respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition, to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." Bill you succeeded, We love you and are forever grateful for your love, kindness and unwavering devotion to us. PS: We won't forget when Easter falls. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, NY, Thursday, Oct. 13 from 4 to 6 PM. Private graveside services for family only will be held at Spring Forest Cemetery, Binghamton. Bill was an arborist and ardent supporter of conservation of nature. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages planting trees in his name which can be done at https://www.treesforachange.com/collections/memorial-trees-sympathy-gifts