He was born on January 30, 1962 in Amesbury, MA to Robert Morrill Bartlett and Barbara J. (MacAskill) Bartlett. He was preceded in death by his father and his brother, Robert E. Bartlett.
Bill was a lifetime resident of Salisbury MA, until 2017 when he and his wife Cheryl purchased the farm in Farmington, NH. One of Bill’s greatest passions was Milking Shorthorn dairy cattle. He bred generations of excellent cow families, including his favorite, “Peri”, with many descendants still in the barn today. He showed at many local and national shows, where he won many champion titles, and earned All-American titles. He was an active member as a board representative for the American Milking Shorthorn Society (AMSS). Being an active member of the AMSS, he established many personal connections who would become our cow family and friends. Along with showing the cows, he loved to make his own hay; he would spend long hours mowing, tedding, raking and baling.
Along with his farm, Bill and Cheryl owned and operated The Pines Camping Area (PCA) in Salisbury, MA. Bill was an integral part of this campground from spring clean up, fixing water leaks, cutting up the down trees, everyday maintenance, winterizing in the fall, watching the boats come in from the marsh sites and playing ball with Shortie. There was never a time he wasn’t working. Work wasn’t the only area he enjoyed with over 125 seasonal campers; he had a lot of close friends, resulting in Saturday night dinners, and the water fights with the seasonal kids. Always leading the fun with hay rides, noise parades, pool games, bingos, LCR etc. Bill had other hobbies as well including sailing, antiquing, playing cards with his friends, loved learning about history and sharing his knowledge. Let’s not forget his love for ice cream!
Bill is survived by his beautiful wife Cheryl (Kostka) Bartlett and his pride and joy, their dog Shortie. Also his children Lauren (Chris) Blackwood of Salem, NH, Lindsay Bartlett of Salisbury, MA, William “Billy” Bartlett of Salisbury, MA, Justin Gould (partner Carly Capolupo) of Salisbury, MA, and Courtney (Chad) Osborne, of Farmington, NH. Bill is also survived by his mother Barbara; and his siblings Jane (Robert) Kiggins of South Hampton, NH, Joanne Bartlett of Salisbury, MA, Donna (Jack Sandborn) Bartlett of Salisbury, MA. He is survived by one granddaughter Jordan Blackwood. Along with his family he is also survived by his PCA family, cow families, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. William also leaves behind his private nurse who took care of him until the end, Kayla (Nurse Ratchet) LaFlamme and her family.
Please join us in Bill’s Celebration of Life on Saturday May 3, 2025 from 1-5PM at The Blue Ocean Event Center, 4 Oceanfront North Salisbury, MA 01952. RSVP to Courtney Osborne at courtneyg3796@gmail.com or text/call 978-424-3416 by April 14th.
