William E. Bartholomew, 57, of Centennial, Colo., formerly of Austin, died suddenly Feb. 25.
Will was born and raised in Minnesota, the son of Robert and Elizabeth Bartholomew. As a young man, he honorably served in the United States Air Force, and then attended and graduated from the University of Minnesota. Later, he earned a master’s in clinical social work at the University of Denver.
Throughout his career, Will used his remarkable gift of compassion to foster healing in those who sorrowed. At the time of his death, Will worked as a licensed clinical social worker at the Denver Vets Center, which was his dream job.
Will met, fell in love with, and married Tanya (Brown) of Des Moines, Iowa, in 1987. Will was a dedicated father to their children, Kathryn and Michael and he enthusiastically supported their many activities. He could always be found hitting golf balls with Katy and was so devoted to supporting Mick’s swimming pursuits that his family teasingly called him “the Trainer.” Will loved his family and friends; baseball and all things sports-related, a good cup of coffee and the morning paper and the daily abundance of life.
Will is survived by his wife, Tanya, and his children, Kathryn and Michael. Also surviving him are his father (and long-time companion, Pat); daughter, Shannon; two grandchildren, Isaac and Oliver; brothers, Barney (Joan), Joe (Teresa), and Steven Bartholomew; and his sisters, Ginnie Westfall (Dean) and Frances Hennen (Dave).
Will was preceded in death by his mother and his brother, Peter.
Will’s life was celebrated at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Centennial, Colo. on March 2.
Memorial contributions may be made in Will’s memory to support the sports and athletics programs of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver.