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In Memory of George H. Bartlett

March 2nd, 2021

It is with a heavy heart that I share that George Hodges Bartlett passed away on March 1, 2021. The third Headmaster of South Kent School, Mr. “B” epitomized the values of SKS.

The son of South Kent School founder Samuel Slater Bartlett, George grew up here on the Hillside before heading off to Groton, Williams and the U.S. Air Force.  George returned to SKS in 1961 as the School’s biology and Latin teacher. Following in his father’s footsteps, Mr. Bartlett took on the mantle of leadership and served as South Kent School’s Headmaster for 20 years, from 1969 through his retirement in 1989. 

As a mentor to all the Heads of School who followed, George has maintained the legacy and upheld the values that his father set in place here at South Kent School nearly 100 years ago.

George  practiced simplicity of life in wearing the same, general “uniform” every day: a blue work shirt, knit tie with a pig penny tie clip, a blue blazer and brown boots. His office and home were simple and uncomplicated, with pictures of his family visible as the only extra adornments.  He was unquestionably the most self-reliant person on campus, equally adept at rethreading broom poles, repairing a clock with a strip of metal cut from a soda can, or healing the bruised ego of a 16 year old. George practiced directness of purpose every day of his life, always leading by example, getting straight to the point, and showing us how to get the job done right in simple, straightforward ways. 

George maintained a close connection with the School post retirement and was a familiar face at alumni gatherings, alumni weekend, and as a member of our Board of Trustees. Few people pass through life shaping so many others. As a husband, father, teacher and headmaster, George taught us all compassion, humility and the importance of finding humor in every situation.

Our thoughts and prayers are with wife Maggie, children Polly, Peter, Caroline, Ben, and the entire Bartlett family.

Warm regards,

Lawrence A. Smith '73
Head of School

If you would like to share any of your memories of Mr. Bartlett please email them to [email protected]. Memories will be posted to the website, our Pigtail Alumni Newsletter, and added to the next issue of The Hillside. If you are not already a member, please feel free to join the SKS alumni group where alumni will also be sharing their memories. https://www.facebook.com/groups/135802943249753/

Comments

Richard R. Cuyler
• 3 years, 5 months ago
During the 2nd WW, my dad, John Cuyler, was asked to join the SKS faculty in 1944 to teach French and Latin. For approximately 2 or 3 more years my family lived there. George (Geordie) was older than me, but, in a sense, he took me under his wing, taught me fishing in Hatch Pond, how to shoot a. 22 rifle, how to whittle a stick or fashion a wooden rifle with which to play "war". He also had caught a young crow which he kept in the family cellar. My best time with him and all the Bartletts was a month in Eastham on the Cape in August of 1945 at the end of the war. As he and I graduated from different schools, went off to college, and into the military during the Korean War, we went our separate ways. Every few years when I could make it back to South Kent, he'd be there as Headmaster or retiree, devoted to the place. My heart is heavy, too, and I am grateful for having known him and his family. Blessings to them all!
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David Strickland
• 3 years, 5 months ago
It is difficult to accept that this towering man is no longer among the quick. Just a few days more than 43 years ago, Mr. and Mrs. B., the Aikens and dear Andy tended to me through some of the darkest hours I’ve known. From the uncertainty of my earliest days on campus through to Prize Day 1978, I knew that I was in the care of a steward who treated all his charges with equanimity and warmth, who saw to it that we learned to apply his example and the school’s precepts to our own widely varied experience, whose curiosity and intellect served to enrich our still-malleable minds. He was a true, gentle man, and I will always think of him with love and respect. Dear Bartlett family, I join you in celebrating the matchless individual you generously shared with so many.
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Chip Bieler
• 3 years, 6 months ago
Mr. B was the very embodiment of Servant Leadership! He lead quietly by example in his faith and focus. Every person he touched was equal and we were all made to feel important in his presence. He never boasted or put others down to gain power. He simply made everyone around him better. I was lucky enough to have know him and honored when I was one of the first to receive an award named after him on that hillside. Godspeed Sir!!
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Peter Bartlett
• 3 years, 6 months ago
This is beautiful La, thank you...
Reply

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