Neil grew up in Haldimand County – the second of 5 children. He had an older sister Ruth and a younger sister, Judy. He and his brothers, Ron, and George had the typical antics of three boys growing up close together. With them, he developed an interest in harness horse racing which would eventually lead him to new directions and opportunities.
Neil and Irene met in the Haldimand Norfolk area and married in 1959. As a couple with three young children, Cheryl, Scott, and Leslie, they surprised everyone and moved north to Bruce County, the snow belt, in the middle of February 1968. They were ready to start a new adventure farming and training standardbred horses with Clements Farms at R.R. #2 Dobbinton. Neil loved this work and the experiences with harness horse racing, and he eventually owned and drove his own horses. Horse racing excitement was something that the entire family enjoyed and brought many treasured family memories and experiences. Neil worked for Clements farms for 40 years, but proudly noted after he kept helping in his retirement, that he fixed those fences for 50 years in total! He was a reliable, hard worker who took pride in his family and in a job well done – whether that was building a fence, ploughing a field, or keeping a large, beautiful, perfectly cut, dandelion-free lawn.
Neil loved to talk and tell stories and would talk to almost anyone at any time. Favourite topics were weather facts and the Montreal Canadiens. As a lifelong fan he boasted about their victories, and he loved to remind those poor Toronto Maple Leaf fans about the number of Stanley cups Montreal had won and how long since Toronto’s last.
Neil was also actively involved in the curling communities in Tara, Chesley, and Paisley and traveled to competitive bonspiels all over Ontario. He could remember almost all his shots (good and bad) and when he eventually put up his broom, he enjoyed calling curling shots while watching at home with Irene.
The 1984 farm death of Scott, who at the age of 22 had chosen to farm with his dad for the summer before his last year of university, hurt. Neil experienced the deep unimaginable loss that comes with the death of a child. It changed his life but with time and the love and support of Irene, Cheryl, and Leslie, he and Irene built new interests to add to curling – including karate, lawn bowling, making, and selling apple pies to support the Grade 8 Ottawa trip at Arran Tara school (one year over 730 pies), and together they danced beautifully for years. He and Irene practiced dance steps at home, drove all over midwestern Ontario to dance, and taught classes, including at their grandchildren’s schools of Arran Tara and Sullivan.
His grandchildren held a special place for him – Jeremy, Ashley, Graham, and Ryan. He did not shower them with hugs, but he was there at their events, whether that was swimming, gymnastics, baseball, hockey, or graduations…talking to everyone but quietly proud. Of course, he offered his lawn planting and maintenance skills (sometimes he just had to cut it himself, so it was done right) whenever they needed that as well.
Neil was lucky. He got to complete his “bucket list” and share it with Irene. This included seeing a Montreal Canadiens and Montreal Expos game live in Montreal, stepping on Four Corners in the United States (where the four states of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico meet), dancing at Billibobs in Texas, and visiting Dodge City, (Kansas). In 2018 his first great-grandchild was born and since then he has been able to enjoy the activity, laughter, and love that comes with now 6 great-grandchildren, Leo, Grace, Olivia, Bree, Boone, and William. To them he was their “cookie monster” and he has passed on his love of chocolate and sugar to every generation. Chocolate bars, fudge, tootsie rolls, jujubes, chocolate almonds, no-bake oatmeal cookies, Bridge mixture, Hallowe’en kisses, and Christmas creams, were just a few of his favourites.
Neil loved these songs and lyrics. From George Strait,
Life is not the breaths you take but the moments that take your breath away.
From John Michael Montgomery
Life is a Dance, you learn as you go, sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow, don’t worry about what you don’t know, life’s a dance, you learn as you go.
Enjoy the dance and have some chocolate along the way!
Neil passed away at home with Irene, his loving wife of 64 years by his side on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, in his 83rd year.
Beloved husband of Irene (Meade). Loving father of Cheryl (Gary) Morris of R.R. #2 Tara and Leslie (Gordon) Hastie of R.R. #3 Elmwood. Cherished Papa of Jeremy (Jessica) Morris, Ashley (Kiefer) Lindsay, Graham (Adrianna) Hastie, and Ryan Hastie and great-grandfather of Grace, Olivia, and William Morris; Leo and Bree Lindsay, and Boone Hastie. Neil will be dearly missed by his brother Ronald (Ruth) Bartlett of Ingersoll, sister Judy (Bob) Bristo of Hamilton, and the entire Meade family. He was predeceased by his son Scott (1984), brother George (Marj) Bartlett, sister Ruth (Bob) LaHaye, and his parents Alvin and Audrey (Saunders) Bartlett.
The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to Dr. H. Tang of the Chesley Medical Clinic for his incredibly patient, sensitive, and supportive care.
Private family services will be held with inurnment to follow in Hillcrest Cemetery, Tara.
In lieu of flowers, the Bartlett family would appreciate donations to The Scott Bartlett Memorial Fund (please make cheques payable to McMaster University) as expressions of sympathy.
Irene and family. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We have so many fond memories of time spent with you and Neil. Dolly Parton stands out!!! Neil and I shared an Expression over the years that always brought us a Laugh. In the days ahead may your heart overflow with the love you shared.
Leslie, Gord, Graham, Ryan and families. We are so sorry to hear about Neil’s passing.
Thinking of you ❤️
Irene and family, my sincere condolences in the passing of your beloved Neil ! 🙏
Irene, Cheryl & Leslie I was sorry to hear of Neil’s passing. I have only fond memories of Neil and the rest of the family and the great times we all shared. We’re so sorry for your loss and wish you and your families all the best during this trying time.
Deepest sympathy Irene and family. Thinking of you at this difficult time
Irene, Cheryl & Gary, Leslie & Gord & families. Our sincere condolences. We enjoyed our visits with Neil, whether at the fence line, horse barn or at home. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Aunt Irene, Cheryl, Leslie and families our sincerest condolences to all of you. Uncle Neil will be fondly remembered for his teasing and jokes whenever he visited.
My sympathies to you Irene, Cheryl, Leslie and families. Take care and god bless.
My sincere condolences to Neil’s family. He was a fun person to be around.
Irene and the entire Bartlett family.
We were saddened to hear of Neil’s passing.
Our deepest sympathy to everyone.
Irene, Cheryl, Leslie and families
We are sorry to hear of Neil’s passing. Our thoughts are with you all.
Irene and family
Our condolences on the passing of Neil
Hold the memories close to your hearts
Yvonne and Bruce Skinner
Sorry to hear of Neil’s passing My sympathy to the whole family 👪 😢
Sincere condolences to Irene and family on your profound loss. We are thinking of you at this sad time, but know your precious memories will bring you comfort.
Aunt Irene, Gary and Cheryl and family, and Gord and Les and family….please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Neil’s sense of humour always brought lots of smiles…he will be missed by many.
So sorry to hear of Neil’s passing Our thoughts are with the Bartlett family during this difficult time. Please accept our deepest sympathy and cherish your many great memories.
Our sincere condolences to the Bartlett family in your loss of Neil
Irene and family,
Very sorry for your loss.
Irene and Family
Very sorry to hear about your loss. Sending you hugs and prayers.
Irene and Family
We are so sorry to learn of Neil’s passing
So many wonderful memories travelling to country dances that we will cherish forever. Always amazed that Neil could remember so many dance steps. Lots of laughs as Neil had many jokes and stories to tell. Loved his Habs and the horses but his passion was Family and always so proud when
talking about you all. Great man who will be missed by many. We are fortunate that we spent so much fun time together.
Deepest sympathy Irene and family.
We are so sorry for your loss.
The Nickel Family
Our deepest sympathies to you Irene and family. Sending hugs.
Bartlett Family, Our Deepest Condolences of the passing of Neil. Wonderful man, husband, grandfather and greatgrandpa. He will be missed by all who Neil touched..there were many of us. Rip Neil
Dear Irene,Cheryl,Leslie and Families.
So sorry to hear about Neil. Sending hugs and keeping you all in our Thoughts and Prayers. Catherine and Claire.
Irene, I am so sorry for you and the family with the passing of Neil.
My thoughts are with you and the family.
Sorry to hear of Neil’s passing. Our thoughts are with you at this time, Fred and Gladys
Our thoughts are with you during this sad time Peace to all the Family our condolences to you all
Irene and family, sorry to here about Neil’s passing. I remember the nights spent learning karate with the two of you.
Irene and family, Please accept our most sincere and heartfelt sympathy .
Leslie, Gord, Cheryl, Gary, Irene and families.
So sorry to hear about Neil’s passing. I have so many fond memories spending time at your home in my public school years.
Leslie I remember your dad’s great sense of humour 🙂
Thinking of you all,
Big hugs
Lori
Sincere condolences to all the family.
Sending sincere sympathy to you and your family Irene.
Stewart and Olive Dudgeon
Our sincere condolences to Irene and family.
You have our deepest sympathy. It was so nice to have known him. Driving to our weekly dances . He will truly be missed
My sincere condolences to the family.
We enjoyed the company to dances and visits
Will remember Neil sitting at table and saying … we need a cookie…
the meeting at Heaven’s Gate will be Grand!!
So sorry for your loss. Sending hugs to the entire family
So sorry to hear of Neil’s passing, he was always a very friendly person,
Cherish the memories.
My sincere condolences to you and your family
Thinking of the whole family, my deepest sympathies.
I am so sadden for your loss.
Our sincere sympathy to the whole family at this difficult time. Rest in Peace Neil.
Sending our deepest sympathy to the entire Bartlett family. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of Neil’s passing. My condolences.
We were so sorry to hear of Neil’s passing. We will never forget him linedancing, nor will we forget your 50 wedding anniversary. So many good memories. Irene we are close at hand for anything you may need. Lots of prayers, love and support.
So sorry to hear Neil passed away. We always enjoyed Neil’s sense of humour. He will sure be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.❤️
So sorry to hear of Neil’s passed, he was a great man! Special thought to the whole family with our deepest sympathy.
So sorry to hear of your loss. May your many memories bring you and your family comfort at this time.
So sorry about Neil. He was a hard working honest man who along with Irene raised a lovely family. He will me missed by many. Mark and Carolyn.
Our deepest condolences to all the family and many friends that had the pleasure of knowing Neil.
Treasure your wonderful memories of an amazing Father/Grandfather/Great Grandfather and Friend
Leslie, Gord, Graham & Ryan we are deeply sadden to hear of Neil’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. Sending our sincere condolences to you and the entire Bartlett family. May you all find peace and comfort in the memories that you shared.