Max Bartram

Max Elbert Bartram - Husband, Father, Educator – age 87, passed away September 20, 2022.

Max was born November 3, 1934, in Kit Carson, CO & spent the first year of his life in Cheyenne Wells, CO. He moved to Skidmore, MO in 1935 & then to CO in 1957.

His parents were Edith Mae Miller & Elmer Ellis Bartram, he had one brother, Maurice.

In 1952, he graduated from Skidmore High School, attended North West Missouri State University graduating with a degree in music & education in 1957. He attended the University of Colorado & in 1963 graduated with a master’s degree in counseling.

He began his career with Denver Public Schools in 1957. 1957 - 1980 he taught at Montclair Elementary School where he touched the lives of many students. 1980 - 1992 he worked in the Office of Employee Benefits where he helped many DPS teachers retire.

As a teacher advocate, he was president of the Denver Classroom Teachers Association from 1970 - 1972. He was also a lifetime member of the Colorado Education Association (CEA) as well as the National Education Association (NEA). Max was proud of the fact that he was awarded the Lion Advocacy Award in 1984 by CEA. The Lion’s Award recognizes individuals who have made contributions as advocates for education employees & public education. “Lions get shot at less than rabbits” therefore he decided to be a Lion.

He was also employed by the Denver Post 1961-1982.

On Aug. 27, 1955, he & Ann were married in Maryville, MO. They became parents to Celia Ann (Jeff Styer), Marlene Elise (Elmer) Becker & Mark Edmond (Janet Taylor). Grandparents to Eryn (Chuck) Rider, Kyle Hoisington, Dean Hoisington (Kyle West) & great grandparents to Kaylin & Charli Rider. Kaylin & Charli will forever remember Grandpa Max wiggling his ears.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edith & Ellis Bartram, his brother, Maurice (Marian) Bartram, Steve & Marie (nephew & niece).

Max was quite the musician & singer. He & Ann participated in multiple church choirs in CO & AZ. He enjoyed traveling & used the yearly NEA conventions to travel with his family to all 50 states, state capitals & multiple Canadian provinces. In 2017, his trip to Ireland with Ann, Celia & Jeff was a highlight. Many, many friends have been a big part of Max’s life & family was of the utmost importance to him. His last statements were “I love my family” & “We are going to be ok”.

We all know that he had quite the sense of humor, near the end of his life when the nurses asked how he was, he stated, “Well, I think I’m dying pretty good!”

Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 11:00am Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at Our Lady of Loreto Catholic Church, 18000 E Arapahoe Road, Aurora CO.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30am Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at Our Lady of Loreto Catholic Church, 18000 E Arapahoe Road, Aurora CO. Livestreaming of the service can be found at ourladyofloreto.org.

Burial will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Maryville, MO at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to: Our Lady of Loreto Catholic Church or The Denver Teachers’ Club in Max’s name to 1617 S Acoma St, Denver CO 80223.