E. Bartlett Barnes: 1907 - 2004 02/10/2004 With the passing of E. Bartlett Barnes at age 96 on Monday, Bristol lost a major contributor to the spirit of giving and public service that are woven into the fabric of community life here. As a newspaper publisher, neighbor and member of a very active local family, as a leader of numerous civic, business and fraternal organizations, a longtime member of the First Congregational Church and as an alumnus of his beloved Yale University, Bart Barnes helped his city and its residents in diverse and important ways throughout much of the 20th century and even into the early years of the 21st century. He used his intellect, energy and indomitable spirit to get things done. Some might call it stubbornness and others perseverance and dedication, but people -- even in high places -- came to recognize that saying no to Bart Barnes was not the end of the subject but only the beginning of a dialogue that often would lead to the end that Barnes desired. It has been nearly 20 years -- almost an entire generation -- since the Barnes family turned over the reins of The Bristol Press to new ownership. Yet, there are few among the numerous Bristol residents who have been raised and educated during the past two decades who have not benefited in some way from Mr. Barnes’ efforts to improve the city’s educational, cultural and recreational programs.And many others will benefit in the future. Many of the institutions in the city that help residents of all ages have plaques on their walls that memorialize his contribution. But Bart Barnes’ legacy to Bristol is more than buildings or institutions such as this newspaper and the state Freedom of Information laws he championed and fiercely protected. Through his many activities and the causes he supported -- during his tenure as publisher and through his continuing involvement in the local Rotary Club, United Way, the Bristol Yale Club and many other organizations -- he fostered the ideals of community covenantal service, that former resident Albert Jabs writes about elsewhere on this page. This ideal endures through the many local programs he fostered and the many individuals he helped achieve their full potential. In the days to come, there should be an outpouring of tributes and remembrances expressing thanks and admiration for this remarkable man who touched many lives through the causes he championed as a journalist and as an individual with a wide range of interests and a deep concern for the people of Bristol. E. Bartlett will be long remembered and deeply missed as one of the most influential and productive builders of Bristol. ©The Bristol Press 2004 E. Bartlett Barnes is a direct anscestor of Thomas Barnes (1615-1688) one of the first 40 settlers of Hartford, CT.