Obituary of Joseph Andrew Bartkowski

JOSEPH ANDREW BARTKOWSKI Joseph Andrew Bartkowski, of Camas, passed away November 30, 2008 in Vancouver at the age of 60. He was born on October 12, 1948 in Vancouver, WA to Edward and Clara Bartkowski. He lived his entire life in Camas. After graduating from Camas High School in 1967 he served in the Army from 1968 to 1970 and was wounded while serving in Vietnam. Joe worked at the paper mill in Camas for years and then went to work at Westlie Ford in Camas as a salesman. He worked there until he became ill. Joe had many interests, hobbies, and friends. He loved to fish, clam, ride and work on his motorcycles, shoot, and bowl and spend time with his family and friends. He enjoyed traveling and was going to Arizona to look for gold. Joe was a member of the Veteranâ??s of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans. He was preceded in death by his mother and father and his brothers, Ralph Barton and Rick Bartkowski. He is survived by his son, Richard Bartkowski of Lewiston, ID; daughter, Vicky Bartkowski of Ocean Park, WA; brothers, Jim of Estacada, OR, Carl and Ed both of Vancouver, WA; sister Belva Ostenson of Camas and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his special friend and high school sweetheart Pat Wilson of Yakima along with her family and good and wonderful friend Rocky Hammer who stayed with him and took care of him while he was ill. A celebration of Joeâ??s life will be held on Saturday, December 6 at 1pm at the Bethel Community Church in Washougal. Inurnment will be at the Camas Cemetery. Straubâ??s Funeral Home & Columbia River Cremation in Camas is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be given to the Ray Hickey Hospice House at 2112 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98661. To send condolences or to sign the online guest book visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com.