John Bartkowski, fountain of opportunity and encouragement

Men like the late John Bartkowski are rare, say many Borderland folks.
The entrepreneur, financier, real estate developer, family man and community anchor, died Tuesday at age 93, at the local hospital in the town he helped to fortify.
A quiet man, simple in many respects, the founder of Coca Cola Bottling in the Falls was successful in dozens of endeavors. But it was his need to extend that good fortune and cultivate achievement in others, that really defined the man.
Bartkowski was one who practiced the concept “pay it forward” long before the phrase was coined. Its philosophy is that a received favor passed forward to another who needs help will eventually reward the original benefactor. The notion was first described by Benjamin Franklin.
“This is a great loss for our community,” said Patti Ballan of Ballan Furniture. She said Bartkowski gave her furniture store, previously owned by her father, George Ballan, its start.
“John anonymously backed many individuals and businesses,” she said. “He believed in the young entrepreneur and offered help to get them started.”
Ballan said Bartkowski’s connections were often behind the scenes. “John never wanted to have credit for helping as many people as he did,” she said. “I think he was very passionate about his community.
“And he was a very hard worker. You’d never know that he wouldn’t have had to work that hard if he didn’t want to,” Ballan said. “He passed on a great legacy for his family.”
Vic Davis said it was the spring 1969 when he and business partner Bruce LaVigne wanted to start a business but didn’t have the money. “We had heard that Mr. Bartkowski was a man who might help.”
Davis talked about how he and LaVigne flipped a coin to see who would be the one to give the businessman a humble call and ask for help. LaVigne got the job. “John said ‘Come on over,’” remembered Davis, still amazed. So the pair met with Bartkowski, who said he’d get back to them.
Within a week, Bartkowski called back. He’d arranged a line of credit at two different banks and told the young men to go into both banks and negotiate the best deal.
“That’s how we got our start,” said Davis, “and we’ve been in business for 40 years.”
Davis also recounted his introduction to Bartkowski, which was a few years before the momentous business meeting. It took place in the developing Gold Shores area, a popular spot in 1965 for the keg parties of teenagers. Bartkowski then owned and was developing Gold Shores.
“We were having a great time at this perfect spot, with a little road to a beach,” said Davis. “Then a dump truck comes along and an old guy (seemed like it then) gets out.”
“You know, this is private property,” said Bartkowski. After a few moments, Bartkowski continued: “Well, you guys have a good time and don’t be tearing the bark off the trees.” Then Bartkowski went on his way, but offered one last quip: “That keg better be Budweiser.” (The beer he sold at the time.)
Davis said Bartkowski’s loss of son Randy near the family’s home on Dove Island was extremely hard on the father. Davis has always suspected that the closeness of Randy’s age with his and LaVigne’s fostered a kinship with the businessman. “And he liked to hunt and fish, so later he’d fly up to our camps,” he added. “Both Bruce’s and my family are so grateful that our paths crossed with his.”
Jean (Bergvall) Thompson knew Bartkowski from the time she was a little girl when her family shared holidays and summers with his, at lake getaways and on Dove Island. She referred to him as “Uncle Johnny.”
Thompson’s father, Otis Bergvall, worked for Coca Cola Bottling from its beginning and the two were the best of friends. They hunted and spent almost every summer weekend together.
Thompson said that the quiet, sometimes silent Bartkowski could be very private. She said that he personified the “gentle” in gentleman.
“No words can say how much he meant to our family,” said Thompson, who spoke on behalf of her late parents Otis and Vera Bergvall, as well as for sister Janet Nelson, and brother Jerry Bergvall. When Thompson’s parents both became ill with cancer, Bartkowski was forever there when they needed him, she said. “He gave so much of himself, not wanting anything in return. And he came to us.
“He offered unconditional friendship and love, always with a smile,” said Thompson. “His was the kind of generosity you could never pay back, and he didn’t want you to.”
Thompson remembers the special love Bartkowski had for his wife, Amelia, who passed away a year and a half ago. “We feel it’s not surprising he went so close behind his wife,” she said.
Ladd Kocinski said Bartkowski knew how to work hard as well as have fun. Kocinski, who is a building craftsman and instructor, remembers roofing a garage for him at his Dove Island residence. “Amelia was out of town and John told me to be there early,” said Kocinski. “Now apparently his early was different than my early.” Bartkowski gave the carpenter a lecture but softened it by concluding that “Getting chewed out is an educational experience.” It’s a quote Kocinski has never forgotten. “He was a fair man, and he always treated me well.”
Bartkowski sold Paul Constantine his Falls business, which became Border Texaco. “He chose Paul for the business,” said Myrtle. She said he remained a kind and encouraging friend throughout his life. “He came to Paul’s 90th birthday party,” she remembers.
Bartkowski’s son Jim said he was also a loving dad and grandpa. “This is tough right now,” he said, his voice breaking. Jim said his dad had an incredible mind that made him very interesting. “He was trading stocks just last week,” he added. “He had great foresight. He touched a lot of people; some of the stories we didn’t hear about until now.”
Grandson, Jay, who has taken the helm of the patriarch’s business, agrees. He said he is enjoying the stories of the sons and the daughters whose parents knew his grandfather. “There’s not many left from his generation,” Jay said.
Bartkowski was perpetually active and between dealings, was always inviting his grandchildren somewhere. “It was a wonderful environment to grow up in,” he added. “I was blessed to have a grandpa like him.”
Daughter Joyce Bartkowski expressed the following: “I had such great parents and they had such a fabulous life together. My dad did so much ... He had a wonderful life.”
But Joyce added that having such an extraordinary father all these years doesn’t make it any easier to say good-bye. “He was our inspiration,” she said. “He was our rock.”