Stephen James Bartlett

II veteran, who had more recently helped his daughter in an array of

capacities at Becky’s Diner, died Tuesday following several months of

declining health.

For many years, Mr. Bartlett was a service technician for Addressograph

Multigraph Corp. He logged many thousands of miles and drove to the

furthest reaches of the state to repair “AM” machines, which were a fixture

in most businesses in the years prior to the introduction of computers. In

that job, he gained a comprehensive depth of knowledge of Maine’s

geography, its people and the best places to get a quick lunch in every

small town.

After retiring in 1987 he shifted his focus to helping out in the raising of his

grandchildren, and in assisting his daughter, Becky Rand, in the operation

of Becky’s Diner on the Portland waterfront. He was at the diner every day,

often two and three times a day, running errands, vacuuming the floor and

sharing stories at the counter with diner regulars and tourists alike.

His time at the diner was also his opportunity to visit with his many

grandchildren and other relatives and friends who have worked at the diner

through the years.

He was born in Des Moines, Iowa, a son of Paul Burroughs and Helen

(Adkins) Bartlett, and came to Maine as a child when his father took a job

teaching economics at Bates College.

He graduated from Lewiston High School, where he was a track runner

and he competed in the city’s annual Winter Carnival, winning the 100-yard

dash in snowshoes. Later in life, while swapping lies at the diner, he would

make the claim that he was the world record holder, since he knew of no

other competition like it.

He graduated from Bates College in 1948, where he was on the track and ski team, competing as a ski jumper. His love for downhill skiing continued until he

was well into his 80s.

Mr. Bartlett’s years at Bates College were divided in the middle by his

service in the Army during World War II. He served three years in the Asian

theater of operation, mainly in India and Burma, and at war’s end he was

part of a large gathering of Allied forces in China preparing for an invasion

of Japan.

Last November, Steve had the pleasure of visiting the World War II memorials in Washington courtesy of Honor Flight Maine. He considered it to be a great privilege to be recognized for his service.

In August of 2014, US Representative Chellie Pingree awarded Steve his WWII service medals, including a Bronze Star.

In the late 1940s, Mr. Bartlett worked for Sears & Roebuck in Presque Isle,

and later in Portland. Presque Isle was where he met his wife, Corinne

Lapointe Bartlett, who died in August after 65 years of marriage.

Mr. Bartlett’s favorite hobbies were reading, attending his grandchildren’s

sports and school functions, and spending time at his cottage on Bailey

Island.

He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Mary Gardner.

Surviving are seven children, Paul J. and his wife Carol Bartlett of South Portland, Stephen William and his wife Cindy Bartlett of Portland, and Capt. Christopher O. and his wife Elise Limoge Bartlett of Morrisville, VT, four daughters; Rosemary and her husband Joseph Unnold of Cape Elizabeth, Rebecca B. "Becky" Rand of Falmouth, Katherine S. and her husband John Mathews of Scarborough, and Millicent B. and her husband Brian Norton of Falmouth, a sister, Barbara Hammond of Pittsfield, a sister in law, Rosemary Lapointe of Manhattan, N.Y., 20 grandchildren; Gretchen Brinkler, Mark Rand, Stephanie Rand, Katie Madden, Zachary Rand, Annie Unnold, Sarah Cohen, Luke Rand, Angela Mathews, Joey Unnold, Stephen Bartlett, Melanie Mathews, Sam Norton, Miranda Bartlett, Michael Norton, Vanessa Mathews, Christopher Bartlett, Jacqueline Bartlett, Lizzy Norton, Veronique Bartlett; and 14 great-grandchildren, many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

The family wants to especially thank Mort Soule, Steve’s best friend, whose many acts of kindness over the years will never be forgotten.

Friends and relatives are invited to a time of visitation from 2-4 pm on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at Jones Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland, where a Celebration of Stephen’s life will follow at 4 pm. A private interment will be at Pine Grove Cemetery in Falmouth.

If so desired, contributions may be made in Stephen’s memory to Honor Flight Maine, 1001 Westbrook St., Portland ME 04102, or , Maine Special Olympics, 125 John Roberts Rd., #19, South Portland, ME 04106.

Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Stephen’s online guest book.