Obituary of Bartholomew Daniel Stephens

Bartholomew (Bart) Daniel Stephens, of Bremerton, WA passed away in his home, surrounded by family and friends on Saturday, August 29, 2015. He was 37 years old. Bart was born on July 12, 1978 in Bremerton, WA to Greg and Pat (Lang) Stephens. From an early age Bart showed his intelligence, bravery and quick wit – keeping his parents, teachers, and friends on their toes through countless adventures. In high school and college he excelled in math and science, graduating from Central Kitsap High School and the University of Washington with a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology. He went on to work at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Iverson Genetic Diagnostics where he worked to find a cure for pediatric cancer and developed and integrated new pharmacogenomic testing technologies. In 2008 Bart returned to the University of Washington to obtain a certificate in Construction Management, following in his brother and father’s footsteps with a career in residential and commercial construction. It was through these studies that he found his true passion: creating furniture and functional art with wood. Over the past few years Bart built a variety of pieces for friends and family. In addition to his professional pursuits, Bart was an avid outdoorsman and adventurer, enjoying skiing, hiking, camping and rock climbing. In elementary school Bart badgered and badgered his parents to send him to ski school, and once there he easily mastered the skills, going on to compete in downhill skiing as a member of the University of Washington’s Ski Club. During the summer he loved to camp at Icicle Creek, outside Leavenworth, and was known for telling great stories around the campfire. Bart was a driven individual with a ferocious thirst for knowledge and, true to his character, when diagnosed with colon cancer in 2014 was steadfast in his search for information on a variety of treatment options. Together with his family, Bart fought hard and remained brave, dedicated, caring and humorous, even throughout his difficult final months. Bart leaves behind his loving parents, Greg and Pat Stephens, who admired Bart for his strong sense of adventure, humility and kindness; brother Gabe Stephens (Rebecca) who has long been inspired by his passion for the outdoors; sister Katie Stephens who admired Bart for his drive to find a deeper meaning in life; and countless aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who loved him dearly and cherished his wit and loyalty. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2015, 1pm at UW’s Center for Urban Horticulture in Seattle, WA and all are welcome to celebrate this man we miss so much and who was taken from us too soon. The family would especially like to recognize and thank Bart’s sister Katie, who left her job and moved home to care full-time for her big brother. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Katie Stephens’ Caregiver Fund or The Port Townsend School of Woodworking.