Bruce Owen Bartlett

Bruce was born in Sebastopol, California, to Owen and Jane (Badger) Bartlett. He was a fifth-generation Sonoma County native and a descendant of the pioneer Badger family—namesake of Badger Road in Rincon Valley. His great-great-great-grandfather Joseph Jonston “JJ” Badger and family were part of the original Donner Party but turned back and stayed in Salt Lake City before the tragedy unfolded.

Bruce spent his early years in Sebastopol and Santa Rosa before the family moved to Anchorage, Alaska, for six years. Later, he lived in Montana and Arizona, graduating from Prescott High School in 1978. He joined the U.S. Air Force and served for three years. Afterward, he worked as a carpenter, building homes and commercial properties in Arizona and California.

In his mid-twenties, Bruce developed schizophrenia. Despite the hopes of those who loved him and many efforts, he never found treatment that truly helped. He spent much of his adult life on the margins—often homeless, always struggling—but never without his unique spirit.

Before his illness, Bruce loved being active. He played baseball and bowled, he hunted and fished, and he had a knack for skiing. He also had a deep interest in history, especially medieval Europe. There was so much more he could have done and been, had life unfolded differently. Still, he remained a loving son, brother, and friend, even while bearing more than most of us could imagine.

Bruce was preceded in death by his mother, Jane. He is survived by his father, Owen Bartlett, brothers Brian and Nate Bartlett, sister Marquita Bartlett, and many extended family members and friends who cared deeply for him. He will be greatly missed.