Oleg Bartkow

Oleg’s story began in Poland, where he was born and raised. As a little boy, he was full of mischief, always finding a way to get himself into some kind of trouble. He was a prankster at heart, from setting off firecrackers with friends to scare those passing by, to playing ding-dong ditch with a twist, tying doorknobs together so people couldn’t open their doors. That adventurous spirit stayed with him as he grew older, when he discovered his love for adrenaline and riding motorcycles.

From a very young age, Oleg was also fascinated by fish. Over the years, his passion grew, and he began creating beautiful aquarium habitats. Along the way, he discovered another passion, painting, which eventually led him to start his own business, where his hard work, dedication, and craftsmanship shone through. Little did he know that these passions would also lead him to the love of his life.

One day, while painting, Oleg met his beloved Maria. What began as a simple conversation about fish became the beginning of something far more beautiful. That chance conversation blossomed into an extraordinary love story spanning more than 50 years. Together, they built a family and raised five little mischievous rascals of their own.

Oleg and Maria eventually made the courageous decision to leave Poland and bring their family to the United States. Leaving behind the life, family, and country they knew was no small decision, but Oleg was determined to build a better future for his family, no matter how hard he had to work to make it possible. Once again, he established a painting and remodeling business, and word of his exceptional craftsmanship quickly spread. His work was top-notch, and his customers raved about the quality of his craftsmanship throughout the Grand County area.

Oleg could be stubborn, but above all, he had an enormous heart. He cared deeply for others, often putting their needs before his own. With his wonderful sense of humor, he always knew just what to say to lighten the mood and bring a smile to the faces of those around him. He was an incredibly hardworking man who devoted his life to his family, working tirelessly to ensure they never went without and to give his children the best childhood he possibly could. That same love extended to his grandchildren, as he passed down his passion for fishing and taught them to find joy in life's simplest pleasures. Oleg also took great pride in smoking the fish he caught, a labor of love he enjoyed sharing with family and friends.

Even in his final weeks, Oleg continued to embrace the simple joys that had brought him happiness throughout his life. He enjoyed one last fishing trip to Granby with his family, set up a small aquarium, smoked his famous fish, and even got to savor some of his beloved Polish herring, śledzie. These moments were a beautiful reflection of who he was, a man who found happiness in the little things and whose greatest joy came from sharing them with those he loved.

We already miss him more than words could ever express. His love, the memories we hold of him, and everything he built throughout his life will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him.

Oleg leaves behind his beloved wife, Maria; his five children, Rafał (Gosia), Monika, Ewelina (Brad), Katarzyna (Donald), and Piotr; his ten cherished grandchildren; as well as his loving sister and two brothers.

From the mischievous little boy running through the streets of Poland to the devoted husband, father, and grandfather he became, Oleg lived a life filled with adventure, laughter, hard work, and, above all, love. He will always be loved, always be remembered, and never be forgotten.

Funeral Service Information:

A funeral Mass honoring Oleg’s life will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Polish Roman Catholic Church, located at 517 E. 46th Avenue, Denver, CO 80216. Guests are kindly asked to arrive 15 minutes before Mass begins.

After Mass, family and friends are warmly invited to gather in remembrance, celebrate Oleg’s life, and honor the love and memories he leaves behind.

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Z głębokim żalem zawiadamiamy, że 2 listopada 2026 roku, w wieku 72 lat, odszedł od nas Oleg Bartków.

Oleg urodził się w Polsce. Od dziecka miał duszę psotnika i żartownisia, co z wiekiem przerodziło się w zamiłowanie do adrenaliny i motocykli. Jego wielkimi pasjami były również akwarystyka oraz malarstwo i prace wykończeniowe. To właśnie wykonując swój zawód, poznał miłość swojego życia – Marię. Ich małżeństwo trwało ponad pół wieku i dało początek wspaniałej, dużej rodzinie.

Pragnąc zapewnić bliskim lepszą przyszłość, Oleg i Maria odważnie wyemigrowali do Stanów Zjednoczonych. W nowym kraju Oleg z powodzeniem założył firmę remontową, zyskując w Grand County renomę wybitnego i niezwykle pracowitego fachowca, którego klienci niezwykle cenili.

Choć bywał uparty, miał ogromne serce, świetne poczucie humoru i bezgranicznie troszczył się o innych. Całe życie pracował niestrudzenie, aby zapewnić dzieciom wspaniałe dzieciństwo. Swoim wnukom zaszczepił miłość do wędkarstwa, uczył radości z prostych chwil i z dumą dzielił się własnoręcznie wędzonymi rybami. Nawet w ostatnich tygodniach czerpał ogromne szczęście z tych najdrobniejszych przyjemności: ostatniej wyprawy na ryby, założenia małego akwarium czy smaku ulubionych polskich śledzi.

Pozostawia w głębokim smutku żonę Marię, pięcioro dzieci: Rafała (z Gosią), Monikę, Ewelinę (z Bradem), Katarzynę (z Donaldem) i Piotra, dziesięcioro ukochanych wnucząt, a także siostrę i dwóch braci. Odszedł jako niezwykle oddany mąż, ojciec i dziadek. Jego duch przygody, śmiech i miłość pozostaną z nami na zawsze.

Informacje o ceremonii pogrzebowej:

Msza święta pogrzebowa odbędzie się w czwartek, 12 listopada 2026 r. o godzinie 17:00 w polskim kościele pw. św. Józefa (St. Joseph Polish Roman Catholic Church) przy 517 E. 46th Avenue, Denver, CO 80216.

Prosimy o przybycie 15 minut przed rozpoczęciem nabożeństwa. Po Mszy serdecznie zapraszamy rodzinę i przyjaciół do wspólnego pożegnania, wspomnień i uczczenia życia Olega.