William "Bill" Robert Bartilson, Sr.

William “Bill” Robert Bartilson, Sr, born January 24, 1937, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2021. Preceded in death by his parents, Edwin, Sr. & Mildred; brother, Edwin, Jr. (Jean); brothers-in-law, Karl Heft (Catherine) and Kenneth Grigsby (Nina). Bill is survived by his loving wife of nearly 62 years, Ruth (nee Heft); children, Dianna (Bob) Kane, Susan (Jim) Heiser, Samantha (Kelly) and Thomas (Georgia); grandchildren, Rob (Olivia) Kane, Caitlin Kane (Tyler Schafer), Rene and Nicole Heiser, Gregory (Mary) Heiser, Sean and Kylie, Rachel (Tommy) Kmetich, David and Xavier and great-granddaughter, Liliana Kmetich. Also survived by brothers, Matt (Mary Elizabeth) and David as well as siblings-in-law, David (Bernardine) Heft, Eric (Nicki) Heft and Marjorie (Neil) Frankl. Additionally, Bill is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.

Bill is a Marine Corps veteran who met his beautiful bride on a blind date while home on leave. Upon his honorable discharge, Bill earned a degree in Chemistry at The Ohio State University in 1965 and then took his young family to Akron to work at the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Bill later earned a law degree from The University of Akron. A few years after establishing a small, private law practice with 2 friends (while continuing to work full time at Goodyear), Bill moved into the Law Department at Goodyear, retiring in 2001.

Always looking for adventure, Bill and Ruth traveled with their children, from the time they were little with most trips involving camping and boating on lakes, rivers, and the ocean. Upon retirement, Bill and Ruth set out on Bill’s dream trip - the “Great Loop” - on their boat, La Cigale. Throughout their life together, traveling, boating and family were extremely important to them. Besides being an avid boater and fisherman, Bill was a lifelong learner (always reading - even into his final month on Earth!). He LOVED to sing, enjoyed teaching boating classes, playing tennis and volleyball, spending time with family and friends and doing God’s work through his church, The Vine Fellowship Church. Bill was kind and compassionate, setting an example for all who were blessed to know him. Many people have stories about the way he touched their hearts and helped to mold their lives.

Because Bill inspired those around him to be generous and give with a thankful heart, his family asks that, in lieu of flowers, you consider a donation in his name to USO of Northern Ohio (https://ohio.uso.org/), Alzheimer’s Association of East Ohio https://www.alz.org/eastohio , United States Power Squadrons - Educational Fund https://www.usps.org/national/edfund/ or a charity that is important to you.

Bill’s family would like to thank all who visited, called and sent cards to him during these past few years. We would especially like to thank the staff at The Village of St. Edward at Fairlawn for the care and compassion they showed to Bill and his family.

Family will receive loved ones on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road from Noon - 2:00 p.m. with a Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. The service will be live streamed on the Billow Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BillowFuneralHomes/ . Military interment will take place later at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory Fairlawn Chapel 85 N. Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.