Aaron David Bartley, 74

Aaron David Bartley, 74, of Kellogg, Idaho, passed away unexpectedly Nov. 28, 2023, in Kellogg, Idaho. Aaron was born April 12, 1949, in Oroville, Calif., a son of the late Thomas and Edith Bartley.

Aaron’s family moved to Texas for five years and then spent the remainder of his youth and graduated from Oroville High School. After high school, Aaron joined the Laborer’s Union with his brother, Dalan.

At the age of 30, Aaron moved to Hawaii to work with his brother, Leon. It was there Aaron met the love of his life and life partner, Francine. They were married Dec. 12, 1984, in Honolulu, Hawaii, and had their daughter, Erin Leilani Bartley, one year later. Aaron loved playing baseball on the island and spending time with his family. 

In 1987, Aaron and his family moved to Idaho, where he began working in the Laborer’s Union. He met and worked with some of his lifelong best friends like Alan Haddock and Ron Green. He also worked doing Hazmat Removal at the Silver Valley Superfund site.

Francine and Aaron opened their first vacation rental, and for the next 34 years, they owned and managed many more. Aaron learned to ski for the first time at age 50. At age 55, he retired from the Laborer’s Union to help full-time with the business with Francine. He took great pride in his work and loved working their business together.

In 2016, Aaron and Francine were blessed with the birth of their grandson, Maximus. Max loved following Grandpa around and helping him work on projects. 

During the final 20 years of his life, one of his greatest joys was spending time on Lake Coeur d’Alene on their boat, where they would frequently go to Carlin Bay in Harrison or wherever a good band was playing. Aaron loved to dance and was known for “getting the party started.”

Aaron is survived by his wife, Francine, of the family home in Kellogg, his daughter, Erin and grandson Maximus of Spokane; brother Vance Bartley of Sacramento, Calif., and brother Dalan Bartley; and nephew Heath of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. 

Aaron worked hard and enjoyed his life right up until the day he passed away. He took immense pride in the business he helped build with his wife and also in who he was as a person. Aaron will be deeply missed by his friends and family. 

A memorial service will be held Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, at 1 p.m., at Shoshone Funeral Service Chapel, 106 S. Main St., Kellogg, with Minister Steve Knoll officiating. 

Memories of Aaron and messages of condolence may be shared with his family online at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Service, Kellogg, is honored to assist the Bartley family with arrangements.