Lucian Stanley Bartnick

life story

Loving Husband, Father of 3, Friend to so many

Lou, a man of diverse passions and unwavering love, peacefully departed this life on Saturday, April 13.

Born with a tune in his heart, Lou's life was a symphony of melodies, his love for music echoing through every piano piece he played and every song he hummed. On the greens, Lou found joy in golf, his pure swing a testament to his dedication to the game. As a fervent sports enthusiast, he cheered tirelessly for his Michigan Wolverines, San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, San Francisco Giants, and San Jose Sharks.

Beyond sports and music, Lou was an avid traveler, embarking on adventures with his loving wife Dari and three children creating cherished memories along the way. His playful spirit, silly antics, and certain food obsessions brought laughter to all who knew him; his joy was infectious and his love boundless. Though he was a picky and particular eater, ever in search of the perfect cherry pie, his enjoyment of life's simple pleasures was evident in every moment spent with loved ones. Lou enjoyed a good game of poker or blackjack with friends, and he spent three decades with a video camera in his palm taking miles of footage of his family's vacations, sporting events, musical performances, and birthday celebrations.

He had a distinguished career starting in the Bell System which propelled him to groundbreaking work in Silicon Valley--most notably 20 years at Cisco Systems. He was the face and passion behind the creation of the Cisco Powered Network Program which not only enabled him to travel the world, but it also helped him select hundreds of trinkets to distribute at trade shows and conferences. Tchotchkes were a source of pride for Lou!

Lou passed through the Pearly Gates where he will continue to watch his family grow and prosper.

In Loving Memory of Lucian Stanley Bartnick

Lucian Stanley Bartnick, born on June 7, 1953, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, embarked on his final journey on April 13, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family. Lou, as he was affectionately known, leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories that will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him.

As a mischievous child growing up in Grand Rapids alongside his siblings Lynda, Pete, and George, Lou was no stranger to adventure and shenanigans. His childhood was marked by laughter, camaraderie, and the bonds of family that would shape his life.

From an early age, Lou displayed exceptional talent in both music and mathematics. His prowess at the piano earned him accolades, while his sharp mind led to academic achievements and awards.

Lou was a proud alumni of the University of Michigan, where he excelled academically. Armed with his education, Lou started a successful career, beginning at Michigan Bell before relocating to San Francisco to work at Pacific Bell in the 1980s.

Determined to further his knowledge and skills, Lou pursued and earned his MBA from St. Mary's College, a testament to his commitment to personal and professional growth.

In 1991, Lou married his lifelong partner Darilene, and together they pursued a journey filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams. The birth of their three children, Natalie, Logan, and Nolan, brought immeasurable joy and fulfillment to Lou's life. He embraced fatherhood with unwavering dedication, always quick with a joke or a helping hand.

Lou's professional accomplishments and contributions were not limited to his career at Cisco Systems; he was beloved by colleagues and friends alike.

In June 2018, Lou faced his greatest challenge with courage and positivity when he was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Despite the hardships he endured, Lou remained steadfast in his determination to live each day with purpose and meaning, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Throughout his life, and especially after his diagnosis, Lou lived each moment to the fullest.

On that peaceful Saturday in April, Lou bid farewell to this world. He is survived by his devoted wife, Darilene, and their three children, Natalie, Logan, and Nolan, who will carry his spirit with them always.

Though he may be gone from our sight, Lou's memory will forever remain in our hearts, a beacon of light and love that will guide us through the darkest of days.

A celebration of Lou's life will be held on Saturday, May 11 at the Bartnick family home in Danville, where family and friends will gather to honor his memory and share stories of his remarkable journey.

Rest in peace, dear Lou. Your laughter echoes in eternity, and your love will never fade.

memorial service

Celebration of life

May 11, 2024

We will be celebrating Lou at our home in Danville. Please contact us for the address. RSVP here- https://forms.gle/eLhdn71yADAAzSWF6

The gathering will commence at 1pm, with a special time dedicated to sharing stories and music beginning at 2pm. We encourage you to bring your fondest memories of Lou to share with those gathered, as we celebrate his legacy and the love he shared with us all. A memory table will be set up for people to temporarily share items that hold special meaning to their relationship with Lou.

Please wear clothing to celebrate Lou's life. These include Hawaiian shirts, Cisco Powered shirts, golf attire, jerseys, University of Michigan memorabilia, or any other clothing that holds meaning.

We look forward to seeing you there as we come together to honor and remember Lou in a celebration of his remarkable life.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Graham Hitch Cremation & Memorial