William R. Barteaux

7/28/1942 — 8/26/2016

Service Date: 9/3/2016
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On Aug. 26, 2016, a fine man passed from this Earth. Some of us were fortunate enough to spend at least some of our time here with him.

William Ray Barteaux was born to Lee W. and Alma Rae Barto on July 28, 1942, in Gordon, Neb., the eldest of three children. After his father was discharged from the U.S. Army Air Forces, the family moved to Kansas City, Mo. They lived there until 1954, when, at the age of 12, Bill moved with his parents to Kitsap County, Wash. Bill started junior high in Port Orchard, Wash., that fall. He left South Kitsap High School prior to graduating and joined the U.S. Army. After his time in the service, Bill picked up civilian life again in the Port Orchard area.

Bill started working at the age of 13 as a mechanic, and was still at it more than 60 years later. He ultimately returned to education, completing high school and earning his diploma. Later, he attended college and earned a degree in industrial arts.

Bill was preceded in death by his mother and father and his brother, Jim Barto, formerly of Meridian, Idaho. He is survived by his sister, Jacki Masters of Manchester, Wash.

Bill was blessed with a large family. Family members include his beloved wife, Sheila, his constant and faithful companion during the 22 years preceding his death. Sheila is still a resident of the town of Weippe, where they lived together until his passing. The list of family members includes nine children and stepchildren, 23 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Of these, he was preceded in death by son Jonathan; stepdaughter Johnna; grandson Nathan; and granddaughter Annastasia.

Bill Barteaux was forged into the man he ultimately became through the hardships and trials he faced in his life. He was tempered by the love and support of his family. In him, this process produced a man who was intelligent, wise, compassionate, capable beyond compare and talented in more ways than can be listed. He was always a man you could count on to get things done. And he did so.

Bill never met a person he wouldn't help if that person was willing to help themselves. Toward that end, he was active in the communities he lived in. He stood as a champion of the things he believed in and lent himself vigorously to bringing them to life and sustaining them. Among his accomplishments and contributions was his near-lifelong membership in Alcoholics Anonymous. Sober for 43 years, he either built or helped build and then helped sustain AA clubs in any community he lived in. Bill was a charter member of the Northwest Gold Prospectors Association. He was a member of the Hilltop Players theater group in Weippe, where he lived. Bill was active in local politics, serving as city council member, member of several advisory groups, and president of the Hilltop Senior Citizens Center. More than any singular thing that could be identified or labeled, though, Bill Barteaux was a constant resource for those around him. He indefatigably went out of his way to help others.

Bill Barteaux was 10 feet tall and bulletproof. Everyone who knew him knows that. But that isn't who he really was. He was a kind and caring man who gave everything he had to those around him. The world is a lesser place for his passing.

A celebration of Bill's life and covered-dish lunch will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Hilltop Senior Center in Weippe.