Frank Joseph “Bob” Bartos Jr.

June 4, 1913 — March 25, 2014

Bob Bartos was born on June 4, 1913 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Frank Joseph Bartos and Claire May (Bouck) Bartos.

While working as a shoe salesman, Bob met and fell in love with Mary Jane McLean, declaring to himself on his first sighting that she was who he would marry. Indeed, they married three years later in 1933 when she turned 18. They were married 74 years until her death in 2007. They had three children, Mary Jo Palermo, Judith C. Green (Conrad), Michael T. Bartos; nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

In 1947, E.H. Stuart, CEO and majority owner of Carnation Company invited Bob to become director of the Friskies Pet Food division of Carnation Company. Bob continued to breed and show dogs while managing the development of Friskies dog and cat food at Carnation Farms, which included managing up to 350 dogs and 500 cats in the Carnation kennels.

International dog fancier, artist and author Darle Heck properly characterized Bob’s interest in Scotties when she wrote, “Of all the breeds Bob became involved with, Scotties were the one dearest to his heart and the breed with which he had the greatest success. When asked why Scotties had so much appeal for him, Bob said, ‘Scotties are an honest dog. They don’t tell you that you’re great – you have to prove it to them. They are independent souls and one of the hardest breeds to show. They’re a contradiction both in structure and personality. You must sell them on the idea that showing is a good idea.’ ”

Bob’s honorary life-time membership in the Scottish Terrier Club reflected his breeding, handling and competitive success. In 1967, Bob took Ch. Bingo to Best in Show at Westminster and since then three of Bingo’s progeny were Westminster Best in Show winners, including the latest, Sadie. Scotties have won the Westminster show eight times, surpassed only by wirehair fox terriers.

Recently, Bob was asked what he considered his greatest accomplishment. His answer, “I advanced the breed!” On another occasion, when a family member was heralding his 1967 win at Westminster, Bob responded, “Bingo won Westminster. It was not about me. It was getting the best out of Bingo.”

In 2000, Bob and Jane sold their Bellevue home and moved to Poulsbo to be closer to family. When Jane died in 2007, the dog world was reminded of Bob and soon many articles and contacts with present-day breeders/handlers were undertaken. At age 96, he attended the largest terrier dog show, Montgomery County Terrier Dog Show in Pennsylvania. He was immediately recognized and for seven hours hosted a steady stream of professionals and amateurs who came to meet Bob Bartos and were encouraged.

In the past seven years, Bob tapped into a long-time love for cars and became an active participant in “The Donut Gang,” making many new friends. Though he could not drive, he bought a 1936 Ford four-door convertible sedan just like the one he and Jane had in 1936. He also became active in the Olympic Vintage Auto Club. His new friends of the car world became fans who loved to spend time with Bob.

Bob and Jane were private people who did not pursue fame nor fortune. He recently told a class of children when asked to what he attributed his longevity, “I never worried about the things I could not control. I did my best with the things I could control.” So it was that Bob lived a full life, contributing to the joys and experiences of many.

His family and friends celebrated his life April 9, 2014 at the Rill Life Tribute Center, Port Orchard. He did his best and now is at peace.

— Family of Frank Joseph “Bob” Bartos Jr.