An extremely strong and caring family man, John Bartholomew Jr. passed away March 23, 2006.

John was born July 15, 1928 in Arlington, Mass. to John Joseph and Agnes Elizabeth Bartholomew.

Growing up, “Johnny” would spend summers with his grandparents on Cape Ann in Lanesville where he would spend all day fishing on a dory. His sister remembered that he always excelled at sports and learned how to box from his father. At 16 his family moved to Pasadena, Calif. where he finished high school and City College.

He joined Pacific Telephone Company and met and married the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann (Barber) Bartholomew before he departed for Europe during the Korean War.

John’s major focus was spending time with his two children when they were growing up. As a youth baseball coach he was known as “Bart” where he was always an intimidating force for opposing coaches and umpires alike! Important family activities were camping, spending time with relatives, sports, fishing and bicycle riding.

John retired from Pacific Telephone after 35 years when he was 55 and soon moved to Whidbey Island. The island allowed him to rekindle his love for fishing, which he acquired as a kid.

He was a longtime member of the Puget Sound Anglers of Whidbey Island and held offices of president, vice president and treasurer. His grit and determination helped keep the club together.

He also participated in the “North of Falcon Fishing Season” negotiations.

John was an excellent beach fisherman and worked on beach access projects, including Bush Point, and enhancement projects at the Langley Marina and the Possession Coho project.

On Whidbey, John tutored

his five grandchildren in the art of fishing, farming, shooting

and life.

He was a fantastic listener, albeit he was not shy with sharing his position. He had a very kind inside but had a hard enough exterior that you wouldn’t want to test him. Best of all, John was the anchor and central strength of his family and all will sorely miss him.

John is survived by his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth Ann Bartholomew; his brothers Jack Groody and Richard Bartholo-mew; his sister Rosalie Zittel; his children John Joseph Bartholomew III and Mary Ann Bartholomew; his grandchildren John *Joseph Bartholomew IV, Alexandra Jean Bartholomew, Christopher John Bartholomew, Duke Domenico Bartholomew and Jacksen Steel Bartholomew, as well as many loved nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 1 at St. Hubert Catholic Church in Langley.