Editorial: ‘Quiet and humble,’ Lou Bartolini got good things done for Marin
Lou Bartolini was one of those Marin residents who strove to make our county a better place.
Mr. Bartolini, a Black Point resident, was a patron of the arts and, with his wife, Marge, was a leading benefactor of the Marin Center’s art gallery, a venue that bears their name.
The public gallery occupies 2,000 square feet of the county Exhibit Hall.
Creating a local art center had been talked about for many years, but Mr. Bartolini made it a reality.
He died Monday at the age of 91, but his contribution lives on.
Together with the Civic Center exhibits, the Bartolini Gallery provides extensive space to showcase what he called “arts for all” and support for local artists’ works.
His wife is a longtime member of the county’s Cultural Services Commission, which serves in an advisory role for the Marin Center complex and the county fair.
Some of its shows included 80 works by local artists over 80 years old, as well as “Marin City 80,” a tribute to the 80th anniversary of Marin City.
Currently, the gallery is showing 40 abstract paintings by Marin County women.
The gallery has become a popular venue for community receptions and a draw for local art lovers.
Born and raised in San Francisco, Mr. Bartolini built a successful career as a broker. In his retirement, he was a longtime member of the board of directors of North Bay-based Westamerica Bank.
He was a prime example of a retiree who kept busy.
For many years, he was a leader and benefactor of the Marin Symphony, including serving as its president.
He was also a stalwart member of the Rotary Club of San Rafael, serving in local and regional roles including district governor. He generously supported its Marin and regional causes and projects.
For many years, he was a fixture in the group Marin Forum, where he was a favorite at the monthly meetings with his trivia questions about important dates in history, sprinkled with his wit.
He was also involved in local politics, serving as campaign manager for his friend, former San Rafael Mayor Al Boro, and supporting many other causes.
Over the years, he was a frequent contributor to the Readers’ Forum on this page.
Mr. Bartolini was an example of a Marin resident who contributed to his community, in time, talent and money. He’s not alone. For that, Marin is fortunate.
His local leadership, both public and behind the scenes, showed what could be accomplished.
He led by example and others would often join him.
Marin Forum member Noralee McKersie, former executive director of Marin Symphony, called Mr. Bartolini “a quiet and humble doer.”
He wanted to help get good things done. He wanted to give back to a community that he had called home.
Lou Bartolini’s smile, ready laugh and inspiring can-do attitude will be missed, but his legacy will be part of our community for years to come.