George Michael Bartee; Ranch Caretaker
George Michael Bartee, a ranch caretaker at Fig Tree Farms, died on Tuesday at his Santa Paula home. He was 59.
Bartee was born Feb. 24, 1942, in Fullerton. He grew up in Ventura County, where he attended local schools.
While serving in the Marine Corps he met his future wife, Leslie Pierce. The couple married 37 years ago.
He was an avid surfer and one of the regular long-board surfers in the Ventura area in the 1960s. Most recently he rode a horse at the Silver Spur Ranch in Oceano and provided guide services for riders on the trails through the Oceano Dunes.
He enjoyed fishing the Umpqua River in Days Creek, Ore., and had a passion for photography, golf and telling or listening to good jokes.
In addition to his wife, Bartee is survived by his daughters, Brandy Davenport of Days Creek, Ore., Kayleen Bartee and Erin Bartee, both of Corvallis, Ore.; his mother, Delta Bartee of Ventura; his sister LaDonna Martinez of Ventura; his brother, Guy of Ventura; and four grandchildren.
A celebration of his life is scheduled at 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the Ventura Pier.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura.
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