Everyone who met Bart liked him. He was the truest definition of a people person. Bart loved talking to people and people loved talking to him. He took a genuine interest in people’s lives. As one of his friends noted, Bart made everyone feel like someone.
At the young age of 61, Bart passed from this world too soon on September 17. Born in Chicago and raised in both Chicago and Los Angeles, Bart graduated high school from Harvard School in 1978 with a tight-knit group of friends who had kept in touch throughout the years, most recently celebrating a 44-year reunion in August. Bart was an avid tennis player, which led to a tennis scholarship to college. He went on to graduate from UCLA and was a true blue Bruin. Bart loved all sports, but especially enjoyed soccer and football, and had recently started golfing with his wife. Bart also loved cars, motorcycles, and all genres of music, particularly classic rock and jazz. He was equally passionate about his politics and often posted his thoughts on Facebook and Twitter, occasionally getting into lively debates with his friends and followers.
Bart was deeply loyal to his friends and family, and he was always there to help those in need. He often volunteered with his boys’ school and church to feed the homeless and help in any way he could. He was a constant and friendly presence at his sons’ elementary school (St. Mel) and high school (Crespi). Bart was so proud of his inaugural winning chili recipe at the St. Mel Chili Cook-Off and Car Show that he continued to volunteer annually for the event and was able to combine his love of cooking, cars, and supporting a good cause. At Crespi, he was active in the Crespi Dad’s Club and could be found volunteering at endless school events.
Above all, Bart was most devoted to his family and loved spending time with them. Bart’s greatest pride and joy were his beautiful sons Luke and Matthew. He was their biggest champion throughout their young lives. Whether he was cheering Luke on at his football games, wrestling and track meets, or karate events, or offering words of encouragement and advice to Matthew at his soccer and football games, and track meets, Bart was in his element and doing what he loved – passionately supporting his sons and showing his love from the sidelines. One of the boys’ coaches put it best when he said Luke and Matthew are the reflection of a great man.
Our beloved Bart’s memory is carried on through his loving wife of 26 years Kristine, his two sons Luke (20) and Matthew (18), his mother Octavia, his brother Mark, his cousins Shaniqua, George, Shannon, and Shaun, Uncle Ronald, his godmother Arnette, his mother-in-law Jean, his sisters-in-law Kathy, Karin, and Jeanmarie and brother-in-law Ed and their families, and his constant companion and faithful dog Cowboy and his cat Pixie.
Bart was preceded in death by his father Bill, his life-long friend Bobby (Donald), his father-in-law Edward, his Uncle Lawrence, Aunt Lotess, grandmother Ogretta, brother-in-law Glenn, and his beloved dogs Mr. Uggins, Whitney, Marley, Finn, and Bear.
Bart was a shining example of a life well-lived. We planned to have Bart around for many years but God had a bigger plan for him. We are all better for having known and loved him and will miss him dearly.
A visitation and memorial will be held Saturday, October 8, 2022, at 1 pm (visitation) and 1:30 pm (memorial) at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Encino with a reception to follow at
Crespi Carmelite High School (the Commons Room) in Encino.
Flowers may be ordered through Rambling Rose Floral (www.ramblingrosefloral.com). Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Crespi Man Fund or the Crespi Dad’s Club in honor of Bart Miles (www.crespi.org/BartMiles).
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