Keith Allen Bartlett, owner of the Pot Belly Deli, died suddenly Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, 2004, at his restaurant, as he prepared for the fourth annual Community Harvest Celebration. Keith was the founder of this community celebration. His concept took a few years to develop and started with a modest beginning. The annual event grew each year with this year’s celebration serving 3,500 meals. Support came from local merchants, citizens and even out-of town suppliers and donors. His goal was to pull the community together for this annual event.

Keith was born Sept. 25, 1951, in San Diego, Calif., to John Bartlett. and Carolyn H. (Setsodi) Bartlett. He spent most of his early life in San Bernardino, graduating from high school and then working as a meat cutter. He worked for meat markets and even operated his own shop. He also worked in residential and some commercial construction in the San Bernardino area.

Keith’s work as a meat cutter took him to Arcadia, Calif., and numerous other locals in Southern California. He eventually moved to Pocatello, Idaho, Kelso and Carson City, Nev. Keith was married to Judy Owensby in Minden, Nev., on July 27, 1991.

Keith and Judy moved to Oak Harbor in 1993. They opened the first Pot Belly Deli on Midway Boulevard and then moved to their current location on Highway 20. Keith was a member of the Elks Lodge No. 2362 in Oak Harbor.

Keith loved to cook, but more than anything, he loved to meet people and make them happy. His purpose in life was to help others. He also enjoyed skiing, home improvement projects and his involvement with Boys and Girls Club of Oak Harbor.

Keith Bartlett is survived by his wife Judy at the family home, Oak Harbor, his stepfather Charles F. Guzy of Highland, Calif., and two daughters Christy Fitzgerald of Redlands, Calif., and Christie Reilly of West Covina, Calif., and three stepchildren Chantel Anthony of Stryker, Mont., Jay Huls of Clinton and Jason Huls of Sparks, Nev., also survive. He is survived by one sister Cathy Thomas of Walker, Calif., by two brothers, Chuck Guzy of Highland, Calif., and Steve Guzy of Yucaipa, Calif. Ten grandchildren: Hailey Fitzgerald, Austin and Brandon Reilly, Porsch and Jesse Anthony, Zshanae and David Hernandez, John, Carlie and Joshua Huls also survive.

Graveside funeral services for Keith Bartlett were held Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2004, at 11 a.m., at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Oak Harbor with the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge officiating. Memorial services followed at noon on Tuesday at the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge with Pastor Roosevelt Rumble and the Elks Lodge officiating.

Memorials for Keith Bartlett may be made to the Community Harvest Celebration, 1022 SW Castilian Drive, Oak Harbor, WA 98277. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor, Washington.