Stephen Bartholomew. (Bart) Kramlik

Stephen Bartholomew "Bart" Kramlik, 52, passed away on September 19, 2025, in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. A longtime resident of the Outer Banks, Bart was a vibrant and unforgettable presence whose adventurous spirit and boundless curiosity left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Born on August 21, 1973, in Wilmington, Delaware, Bart grew up with a deep appreciation for learning and exploration. He graduated from Concord High School class of 1991 in Wilmington and continued his education at Cecil County Community College. His academic pursuits laid the foundation for a life rich in creativity and craftsmanship.

Bart's passions were as diverse as they were profound. Known affectionately as an "Eclectic Enthusiast," he embraced life with an open heart and an insatiable appetite for experience. He was a traveler who sought out new horizons, a cyclist and skateboarder who found freedom in motion, and a fisherman and diver who felt at home in the water. Summers often found him surfing the waves or skin diving beneath them; winters saw him scuba diving in challenging conditions to inspect bridges for the State of North Carolina.

A gifted athlete, Bart solo climbed the highest peaks on the East Coast and hiked countless trails with determination and grace. His love of nature was matched only by his love of stories-both hearing them and telling them. A natural conversationalist with an infectious laugh and smile, he cherished every moment spent connecting with others through shared tales.

Bart's intellectual curiosity extended to his personal library-an extensive collection that reflected his wide-ranging interests-and to his culinary passions. He was a connoisseur of food, drink, music, tools, and gear. His knowledge was deep and his tastes refined, yet he remained approachable and generous with what he knew.

His creative talents led him into photography and brewing-two crafts that combined science with artistry. Using his chemistry skills, Bart became an award-winning brewer known throughout the microbrewing community. He worked at several notable breweries including the Weeping Radish and Outer Banks Brewing Station. His time as a brewer also intersected with another passion: skateboarding. While working in Wanchese, North Carolina, he helped build a legendary wooden skateboard bowl-a project that launched him into a career constructing skateparks across the United States and abroad from California to Sweden alongside a close-knit group of friends.

Bart's legacy is carried forward by those who loved him deeply: his mother Jean Kramlik Murtha (husband Mike); his father Stephen F. Kramlik; his brother Jeremy Francis Kramlik (wife Janey); his nieces Coralynn and Eleanor Kramlik; his aunts Barbara Cooper; Debra Hall; his uncles Gary Miller; Keith Miller; Daniel Miller; Earl Miller and with many other extended family members too many to list.

He now joins in rest his grandparents Frank and Elizabeth (Betty) Kramlik, Garfield and Joan Miller.

A celebration of Bart's life will be held in the Spring on OBX, Date yet to be determined. Private Burial in Delaware.

Bart lived boldly-with laughter on his lips, saltwater in his hair, stories at the ready, and adventure always calling. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and inspiration to all who hear of the remarkable life he led.

Jean wishes to extend a special thank you to Scott Perryman for the help in writing the obituary. A special thank you to Bart's "life brothers and sisters " are Rob & Trish, Mark & Amanda, Ed, Brian, Dirty, Scott & Lotta, Andy & Suzanne, Michael & Julie, and many others.