Kenwood Bartelme

Kenwood Francis Bartelme A prominent East Bay Psychologist, died on April 19, 2011. The cause was congestive heart failure. His beloved wife Em-Marie Bartelme predeceased him in February of 2010. Kenwood was a Professor at San Francisco State for over 40 years. He is fondly remembered by both colleagues and students alike for his humor and quiet yet thoughtful approach to Psychology. Kenwood originally came to the Bay Area during WWII with the Merchant Marines and made an instant decision to spend his life here. He met his wife Em-Marie in New York during the war where she worked as an Editor. After obtaining his undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota, Ken moved his small but growing family to Berkeley to pursue his PHD. After stints as a staff psychologist at Napa State Hospital and San Quentin he started a private practice. He maintained his private practice while working full time as a Professor at San Francisco State. A great advocate of social justice, Kenwood was very involved in the 1968 strike at SF state. The five month strike was the longest campus strike in US history and set the stage for the establishment of The College of Ethnic Studies and inspired the beginnings of ethnic studies classes and programs throughout the country. He and his wife Em-Marie were avid anti war protesters and Ken was arrested in October 17, 1967 for his involvement in the historic sit in at the Oakland Induction center. His 15-year-old son Scott was also arrested. Although not encouraged by his parents, they were proud of his decision. Ken was sentenced to two weeks internment at the penal facility Santa Rita along with Joan Baez and Country Joe. Ken's interest in politics never wavered. One of his last wishes was to see the legalization of drugs before he died. He fervently believed that like the end of prohibition before, legalization would curb increasing drug related crime and violence. Ken's greatest passion was writing. In addition to a vast array of personal writings he published A Perfect Childhood and The Quiet Man, which can both be found on Amazon.com. His personal memoirs will continue to provide solace and insight for his family and friends. Ken was a fan of Horse Racing and spent a lot of time at Golden Gate fields and over the years gambling on Thoroughbreds. He had what could be described in gambling circles as great success. He inspired his wife to do a series of horse racing paintings. Ken will be remembered for his sense of humor and twists of the tongue. He was particularly fond of puns. He kept a picture of James Joyce by his desk and spent nearly a decade deciphering " Finnegans Wake". Those who knew him well will reminisce and miss the unreserved, chronic yet fond teasing we all received. He often talked of the importance of a strong "Inner Life". May he stay in all or our inner sanctums forever. Ken is survived by his three children Kevin, Scott and Jane and his three grandsons, Jack, Reid and Nicholas. He will be greatly missed by friends and family alike. In lieu of flowers please make donations to PIH (Partners in Health) PIH.org.