William D. Bartran

William Dallas Bartran a pillar in the Fort Collins community passed away August 19th, 2010 in his home surrounded by family. Bill was born on November 14, 1933 in Lyman, Nebraska to the parents of William E. Bartran and Thelma Richardson. Most of his childhood was spent growing up in Grand Lake, Colorado, where he enjoyed earning his title of Eagle Scout. He later moved to Fort Collins where he was a graduate of Fort Collins High School. He was a member of the Colorado Aggies basketball team and a graduate of the Colorado State University. Bill served in the Air force as a navigational pilot prior to beginning his career as a home builder. Following in the footsteps of his father he established a home building business – Bartran Homes Inc. For over 40 years he has created many neighborhoods throughout the Fort Collins, community and was well known for his quality and craftsmanship for the homes he built. He was passionate about creating not just houses but homes families truly loved. Bill also began one of the first sod farms in northern Colorado known as Turf Master Ltd. He was respected throughout the business community and among his sub contractors and customers as a man of integrity, honesty, and a strong work ethic. Bill was very active in the Fort Collins community. He was involved in numerous city committees, charities, an active member of the Northern Colorado Association of Home Builders, served on the United Bank Board of Directors for over 23 years, and was a member of the Fort Collins Elks Lodge. Bill married Nancy J. Weinland in Fort Collins in 1959 and raised four wonderful children together. As active members of the community they enjoyed social and charity events, traveling, skiing, and camping. In 1993 Bill retired from home building and became a cowboy which was a lifelong dream. The many years he spent on Table Mountain Ranch were some of his happiest times. He loved sharing its beauty with his family and friends. Bill loved to ski, fish, garden, camp, golf, travel, and cherished his close friends, but his greatest pride was in his family. He is survived by his daughters, Cris Silkman of Draper, Utah, LeeAnn Mill of Loveland, Colorado, Michele Mosner of Princeton, New Jersey; and his son, Dan Bartran of Fort Collins, Colorado; 18 grand children, and 4 great grand children. We welcome everyone to his celebration of life service Wednesday, August, 25 2010 at 2:00pm. The service will be held at Timberline Church in Fort Collins. In lieu of flowers charitable contributions can be made to Fort Collins United Way or Habitat for Humanity in his name.