Bartlow Burdette Barge, Jr, 66, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 1, 2017, at University of Utah Hospital, with his adoring wife and soulmate of 35 years, Kathy, and their beloved dog, Gabriel, by his side.

Born in Aurora, CO, he was the son of Roberta Jane Kennedy Barge, and the late Bartlow B. Barge, Sr. Having been raised in a military family Bart lived in many places during his formative years, but always considered Wyoming his home. Bart grew up spending summers on his grandparent's ranch near Rock River, WY, and even spent some winters there attending a one-room school with his siblings and cousins.

He graduated from Billerica Memorial High School in Billerica, MA in 1968. Bart was involved in music, wrestling and football, and was president of the ski club. He also played electric saxophone for Frankie St.John & The Penetrations that performed in clubs and venues, including an opening act for Janis Joplin.

In 1970, Bart joined the Army and served for two years. After serving our country he attended the University of Texas at Arlington majoring in Marine Biology, during which time he bred and sold tropical fish for income. He assisted with the wrestling team at the university and also coached for the Texas Boys Club.

In 1979 Bart met Kathy, the love of his life, in Lander, WY, while he was visiting his sister and she was visiting her grandmother. There was an instant love, honor, and respect for each other. They married soon after and have been together living in Wyoming ever since.

Bart went to work for Colorado Interstate Gas starting in Rawlins, and through a series of transfers progressed to Senior Plant Operator. While in Shoshoni, at the encouragement of parents, he organized and coached the USA Wrestling Club for five years. They moved to Jackson where he was the facilities manager for the Aspens Athletic Club and then worked for the Aspens Water and Sewer District as plant operator and laboratory technician earning four state operator licenses..

Bart and Kathy bought the historic Bedford Mercantile (c. 1898) in 1994, where they became an integral part of the community. They opened a branch of the Post Office in the Mercantile to serve the local residents. Bart pursued his interest in Water Resources Management by working as the Utility Superintendent for Star Valley Ranch Assoc., and completed over 20 years of service as the Superintendent of the Bedford Water and Sewer District.

Bart loved to cook on his wood stove and share his creations with others. He was a voracious reader, and also loved to garden, especially flowers. As an avid chess player he enjoyed playing opponents of all levels. He was a deep thinker and tolerant of those who had lost their way, and loved people of all faiths and walks in life. Bart will be remembered for his kind and compassionate heart, his big burley hugs and deep laughs, his quick wit, and his wisdom and knowledge of many things.

He is survived by his wife Kathryn Weidensaul Barge, his beautiful daughter Christel, who he loved dearly, of Cheyenne, mother Roberta of Arlington, TX, sister Arjane of Cheyenne, and brothers Jeffrey (Sheryl) of Arlington, TX and William (Nancy) of Jackson. He is also survived by his Uncle Bob Barge, Aunt Bunny Kennedy and many nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. He was preceded in death by father Bart Sr.

A memorial service will be held Saturday June 3rd at the Schwab Funeral Chapel in Thayne with the time to be announced.