BARTON, Jarvis Stewart
"And now, the end is here
And so I face the final
curtain
My friend, I'll say it clear
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain.
I've lived a life that's full
I traveled each and every highway,
And more, much more than this, I did it my way."
Composer: Paul Anka
Jarvis Stewart Barton, age 91, died at his very favorite place on earth, Portland Boat Works, on Thursday (August 9, 2012). He was born on June 10, 1921, the son of James Casper Barton and Nellie Belle Avery Barton of East Hampton, and brother of Edwin Dwight, and James Casper, Jr, (Jarvis's twin), all deceased. He leaves his wife of 67 years, Doris Ostergren Barton and three children, Gregory (Virginia), Paul (Sharon), and Jean (Carl) Meloney, as well as twelve grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Jarvis attended East Hampton schools and served the U.S. Navy aboard the submarine, U.S.S. Runner. He was in Tokyo Bay at the signing of the Peace Treaty on September 2, 1945. Upon his return, he was able to purchase the Holter's Boat Yard on the Connecticut River in Portland, which then became the Portland Boat Works, Inc. Over the years, not only boats demanded his attention, but also restoration of antique cars, vintage boats and carousel horses and band organs. Unlike most people, Jarv enjoyed the journey-- not so much the destination.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Haddam Neck Covenant Church-Elevator Fund, 17 Haddam Neck Rd., East Hampton, CT 06424, or the Connecticut Children's Medical Center Foundation, 282 Washington St., Hartford, CT 06106. A memorial gathering and celebration for friends and family will be held at the Portland Boat Works on Friday, August 17, 2012, from 2-4 p.m. Join the family from the shore at 2 p.m. as we bid farewell to the "Captain of the Ship", and enjoy light refreshments and conversation following.
