It is not easy to write a few words about a man who throughout his life has been a most exemplary and honest gentleman in every respect.
The first time that I came in contact with Mr Harold Bartoli goes back to September 1963, when he received me in his office at Zachary Street, Valletta and interviewed me for my very first full time job. From that very same day, a bond was built between us, he became my boss and I got the job. I am proud to say that I was in his employ for well over 45 years. He always encouraged me to be brave and take the challenges in life. Many a time he would sit back and watch and he would let me take my own decisions, so long as they were taken in the best interest of the company. Working under such amiable conditions with a man like Harold Bartoli was not a burden but a pleasure in itself. And, although now I am in semi-retirement I still work part time, for one of the associate companies that he helped to bring to successful fruition.
His manner of addressing each one of his employees throughout the years that I have known him, was most exemplary in every respect.
He would never raise his voice with anyone and he always had time to listen first and then judge. He gave the best guidance not only to his three children David, Celia and Alan with his steadfast principles of “honesty is the best policy” but to all who knew him. I can recall a few instances when he suffered for keeping to his policy. He always believed that truth shall always prevail and come out to the surface. In my whole career working in the firm C & H Bartoli Ltd., I cannot recall one single instance that he was not proven correct. He was patient and very meticulous in his work. There again, one had to admire the fact that when he did something, he had to do it right the first time... no half measures existed for Harold Bartoli and working for him and with him, was indeed a great pleasure and a learning experience.
My wife Madeleine and myself still treasure the thought when HAB (as we often referred to him), had witnessed our marriage vows way back in 1969. He always respected and extended to us and to our family the best guidance and advice. His wise words are still in our ears and we shall treasure his memory for the rest of our lives.
The illness that HAB has borne with Christian fortitude and in silence over the recent past years, has really and truly brought out his humble and caring character.
Not wishing to bother anyone, he kept himself active till the very end. Had it not been for the physical change that one could observe especially over the recent past months when he was becoming frail, one could hardly believe that HAB suffered such a terminal illness that has now taken him to the grave.
Life brings tears, smiles and memories... but, whilst the tears dry and the smiles fade away, the memories shall live forever. Perhaps, I may not express the correct words to address to his children and family, but may it comfort them to know that Harold Bartoli is now in God’s loving arms. No matter how old we are, losing our parents is one of the deepest sorrows that a heart can know. But their caring and loving shall continue to live on. It is like a legacy of love that will always be with us and, each time that we embrace a memory, we meet again with those that we love, for the heart never forgets.
Harold Bartoli is now resting with God our creator. May he rest in peace.
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