Barton H. Bay

CDR. Barton H. Bay Barton H. Bay went on to his special place in heaven on May 26, 2018, the day before his 84th birthday. He was at St. Luke’s hospital under hospice care after having a devastating second stroke last week. He displayed great strength and perseverance during the past 8 weeks after suffering his first stroke, he was determined to get back to cutting his grass, walking his beloved companion Diesel four times a day like clockwork (so the neighbors could set their watches) driving his stick shift Jeep Wrangler to do all his errands, or just taking care of the house, and his wife. But most likely it was to get back home to “watch the grass grow” for hours while having his Martini and a smoke in his favorite chair on the back patio at cocktail hour. Or maybe it was to think of all he had accomplished in his life. After being born to Herbert and Lenore (Frey) Bay he was raised in south Toledo in a house built by his grandparents to which he still lived until his passing. His Grandpa Frey, who lived with them, would say “hey kid, lets go to the lake” and off to Lake Leelanau or Zukey Lake they would go for the summer, taking days to get there and where showers were uncommon. He went to the “castle on the hill”- Harvard Elementary, then on to Libby High School where he played football, making lifelong friendships. He went on to “TU” - University of Toledo, where he joined the fraternity Pi Kappa Alpha “PIKES,” making more lifelong friendships. He then joined the Navy – first as a cadet, then on to flight school after being commissioned an officer (ensign), and subsequently was awarded wings as a helicopter pilot. That’s what brought him to Pensacola, Florida where, on a blind date he met his beautiful bride, swooning her on their second date by pulling out his straw hat and Ukulele and singing her a song. They married a year later April 25,1959 and had 2 children. They moved to many cities over the years. It was while he was out to sea, on naval aircraft carriers, that he was able to see the world before bringing his family back to live in Toledo. He finished his naval career at Selfridge Air Force Base, Michigan, in the Navy Reserves, retiring as a Naval Commander, all while going back to UT to finish with a BA in accounting, then working downtown until retirement. Summer family vacations were spent at Miley’s Resort, the same week every year, where NO ONE could understand why you would want to go there unless they went. Friendships made there were of a special bond. There were also yearly tent camping vacations in Canada, first at Ipperwash then onto The Pinery, which only ended a few years ago. He always wanted to go back. He stayed busy after retirement becoming active in the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, where he was baptized, serving on the board of Walbridge Park, and meeting with his fraternity brothers once a month. Everyone looked forward to the Bay’s annual Christmas Party because it was the only way to start off the Christmas season. Everyone knew if you stopped by to say ”hi” to Bart, it would often turn into an impromptu cookout and party. Bart has left behind a hole in so many hearts with his passing. He has touched so many lives, which was apparent by how many people came to say goodbye to him this past week. Everyone should leave this world with that amount of love for him, but it comes from being honest, kind, and respectful. Barton leaves behind his wife, of 59 years, Marian (Rustic), his children Beverly (Gregory) Zmuda and Brian (Linda) Bay; grandchildren Zachary (Dana Kaighin), Alexa, Zohn and Aubrey Zmuda, Brianna and Brenton Bay. The family gives special thanks to UTMC, The Rehabilitation Hospital of NWO, Kingston, St. Luke’s and Heartland Hospice. Visitation will be at Walter Funeral Home, 4653 Glendale Ave., Thursday, May 31st 3-8 pm with a funeral service at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1825 Glendale Ave. Friday at 11 am. Donations may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church or Heartland Hospice. Please visit walterfuneralhome.com or our Facebook page to leave condolences for the family.