May 30, 1942 - January 5, 2018
In rememberence of Jim Bartels May 30, 1942-Jan 5, 2018.
As many of you know, James Ira Bartels (known to most as Jim, to us as dad and grandpa) passed away in January of this year, 4 years after being diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer.
Although he has lived in Victoria for the last several years he has many roots planted in Nelson and much love given and received here. Nelson is where he began a life with our mother Letty, raised his five children, and in 1986 opened Secret Garden Toys.
As a father he was unfailingly loving, patient and supportive; he was our best friend and our biggest champion. As a member of the community he made many friends and after working at the post office and for the city ultimately realized his dream of opening a toy store where his passion for play, for learning and for spending time with those that he loved lives on today. We miss him greatly and will carry him with us always.
There will be a celebration of life at our place in Taghum Thursday, Aug 16. If you would like to join us, please get in touch with the family. Those that wish to may also remember Jim by stopping by Secret Garden on sat Aug 18 where we will be raising money for the BC Cancer Foundation. If you have a memory you'd like to share or would just like to get in touch please contact us at bartelsfamily007@gmail.com.
We would like to thank anyone who knew our dad, who was a friend to him, who loved him. He had a wonderful life and was always grateful for what he had and felt like a lucky man throughout his journey. Our love and thanks to his parents, Ira and Glory Bartels who raised him in a happy home, to his bothers Joe and John and cousins who loved him and were there for him throughout his life, to our other family at Secret Garden who helped him realize his dream and who keep it alive now. And to the Cancer Care teams at Royal Jubilee, at Island Health and at Victoria Hospice. You made it possible for him to have a great last 4 years despite everything and we could not feel more lucky or be more grateful.