Barton Alan Katsilas

Barton Alan Katsilas, 59, of Millcreek, a doer and giver, a husband and family man, an authentic and honest soul who made better those around him, left this earthly plane Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021.

Cancer forced Bart’s journey earlier than he would have chosen, most certainly leaving him with the hope that his friends and family listened to his advice, given to his final days, that they should live, laugh, enjoy family and friends, and be kind.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Lucille B. Katsilas, who will be forever grateful she went on that blind date; daughters Antonia L. Katsilas and Alexandra D. Katsilas; grandson Fenix Meik; brothers Scott Katsilas and Stephen Katsilas; and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his father, George; mother, Gloria; and brother, Jeffrey.

Bart was born Oct. 24, 1961 in Salt Lake City and attended Skyline High School.  He worked at Crescent Electric Supply for 26 years.

Bart’s mind worked in ways others could only dream of, always planning his next project in a happy, purposeful way, understanding the joy of a task well done. His hands were always at work, fixing TVs, computers, websites, cars; what appeared a smoke break usually proved the moment he was mulling his next effort, such as the day he decided a tree grown askew and dangerous simply had to come down right away, and he did it.

Everything had a place and order for Bart, and at the center of his universe was his family, for whom he would do anything.  He loved concerts with wife Lucy, camping with daughter Toni, drives with daughter Alex, and long talks with them all.

To know Bart was to watch him hold court, telling stories in his slow, measured way to their inevitable funny ending, because Bart could see and appreciate humor in life.  He enjoyed an ability to laugh, to enjoy, to sometimes be silly, because what’s a life without fun, he said.

Bart’s ability to listen was legendary, his calm voice offering advice and observation; he could open his heart without judgement or expectation, just his ever-present willingness to embrace and help.

A drummer and lover of music, Bart loved to rock out to Jethro Tull, or sing along with his daughters to Kansas.  He loved his vehicles - cars had to be Chevys and trucks had to be Fords. He treasured drives into the mountains with his family.  He loved Utah, was proud to call it home, and enjoyed hiking, camping, fishing, and four-wheeling.  One of his favorite places was with his family on their deck, watching the sunset or spotting satellites.

The family wants to thank everyone who helped Bart and Lucy during his valiant cancer fight, including St. Mark’s Hospital, Utah Cancer Specialists, Utah Vascular and Interventional Specialists, and Quality Home Health and Hospice.  In his final days, as Bart worked through a checklist of what to do and said what he wanted to say, he left a model of kindness for us all.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, services Friday at Holbrook Mortuary will be private. Everyone is invited to watch the funeral service online at www.HolbrookMortuary.com, to watch the funeral scroll to the bottom of Bart’s obituary page on the mortuary website on Friday at 2:00 pm, the services will remain available to watch for 90 days. Interment will be at the Elysian Burial Gardens.

Donations can be made in Bart’s name to Cancer Bites SLC via PayPal or Venmo, or to Utah Cancer Specialists, Intermountain Medical Center, 5131 South Cottonwood St., L2, Murray, Utah, 84107.

Funeral Service Audio