AUBURN — Keith B. Bartlett Sr., a lifelong resident of Bethel, passed away on Dec. 21 after an extended fight against lung cancer.

Keith loved the outdoors and found some of his happiest moments in life fishing, hunting and watching his children and grandchildren play sports and enjoy their lives.

He was fortunate enough, and very proud, to be married to his true love and his best friend, Suzanne, on Oct. 16, 1960. Together they shared many, many hours on their boat on the lakes and off the coast of Maine. He was quick witted and always had a funny story to tell, a twinkle in his eye and a way about him that helped others to see, appreciate and live on the lighter side of life.

He was born in East Bethel on July 28, 1937, and attended Gould Academy before enlisting in the United States Navy to serve his country in the Korean War. During his eight years in the Navy, he saw service on the USS Midway, the USS Luzon, the USS Ajax and the USS Black. By age 17, he had sailed around the world, while being stationed in ports in Honolulu, Hawaii, Newport, R.I., San Diego, Calif. and Chelsea, Mass.

He earned many medals; among them are the Naval Good Conduct Medal, the China Service Medal, the Secretary of the Navy Commendation of Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Medal. Additionally, his ribbons of commendation included Korean Presidential Unit Citation, the Navy Presidential Unit Citation, the Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Navy Battle Efficiency Ribbon and the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon.

Soon after his honorable discharge from the Navy, Keith and his partner Suzanne started a painting contracting company in Bethel. After many years in business and having established a reputation for exception work, Keith retired to focus on building a hunting cabin on family land in East Bethel. He poured nearly all of his time and energy into creating a special place on the mountain and he loved having his friends and family there with him.

Keith is survived by his wife of 50 years, Suzanne Stowell Bartlett; two sons, Keith Jr., his wife, Laurie, and their two sons, Jeffrey and James of Sherborn, Mass.; Jeff and his wife, Karen, and their children, Zachary, Molly and Tyler of Norfolk, Mass.; as well as many half brothers and sisters.

He was predeceased by his father, Raymond Madison Bartlett; his mother, Grace Nowlin Bartlett; and his grandfather and grandmother Guy and Rose Bartlett.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.andrewsgreenleaf.com