From the Olio
Deceased July 18, 2022
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In Memory
Bart had never lived outside Kansas when he arrived at Amherst, but he brought his Kansas openness to campus and embraced us all.
Bart planned to be a science major but then encountered sophomore physics. As Bart said, “I barely managed to pass the course!” So he retreated to a major in history. Yet he found he still hankered for science and so ended up combining history and science—squeezing in organic chemistry senior year—a tough, tough schedule. But Bart followed through, using his characteristic self-discipline and stick-to-it-iveness.
Although he was a hard-working student, Bart knew how to relax and enjoy as well. He joined Phi Alpha Psi fraternity. And his fun-loving side was on full display when he and a Smith College friend, also from Kansas, set up the blind date on which Mike Ellsworth ’62 and I met freshman year. His friend Ellie lived in Ziskind House at Smith College, and she picked four girls to go out on a freshman blind date with four of Bart’s Amherst friends. However, each group was told a bit of a story—probably totally non-PC today. The four women were told that one of the men was very, very nice, but somewhat deaf, so we all must look directly at him when we spoke to him, and we should speak loudly. The four men were told—you guessed it—that one of the women was wonderful, but she was a bit deaf, and that clear focus on her and a loud voice when speaking to her were imperative. We had a really good evening—a movie and Rahar’s in Northampton and then a few rounds of cards in Ziskind House before the women’s curfew. Mike and I have celebrated “First Date Night” for 64 years: it never would have happened without Bart and his friend Ellie!
From that point on, Bart, with his infectious smile and laugh, always seeming upbeat, became a constant in our college lives. We shared many meals at the old Valentine Dining Hall, shared dinner and a show (orchestra seats!) with Bart and his family in New York City. Then Mike went to visit Bart and his family in Kansas. And Bart was groomsman in our wedding—September 15, 1962.
For all his hard work, Bart garnered an Early Acceptance at the University of Kansas Medical School. There he met Carol Betlack, who became his wife of 56 years. Bart and Carol raised two sons, Erik and Greg. And over the years, we stayed in touch with Christmas cards, notes and reunions, even though the two doctors—one in Kansas and one in Connecticut—didn’t have much time to spare. Bart came to New England with Erik and Greg to look at colleges, and we certainly enjoyed having them visit our home then.
As one might expect, Bart had a very successful career. After his residency in Seattle and his time with the U.S. Army Medical Corp at Walter Reed, Bart and Carol returned to the University of Kansas Medical Center as rheumatologists, Bart in the Department of Allergy and Rheumatology. Bart remained in academic medicine throughout his career, becoming professor of internal medicine. A pioneer in rheumatology, he was awarded the American College of Rheumatology Master Award. Dedicated to a life of service as a highly respected, exceptional physician and teacher, he did not retire until he reached the age of 79.
Yet as at Amherst, he always found time for fun. He especially enjoyed photography and travel, visiting over 100 countries.
Though Mike and I are saddened by Bart’s loss, we will always have in our hearts his smile, his laugh, his good humor and his energy. Our hopes and good wishes go with Carol, Erik, Greg and all of the Lindsley family.
Mary Ellen “Melyn” (Smith ’62) and Mike Ellsworth ’62
