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Lynne Hartford emailed today, 17 June 2008, "I am sorry to inform you that Brian Hartford class of 1970 has passed away. He passed away Saturday June 14th in Russellville, KY. He was cremated and will be brought back to Columbus. Brian's graveside service will be held on July 12th at Evergreen Memory Garden off St Mary's Rd in Columbus. The time is 10:00 a.m."
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John Crimmel (1970)
The last time I saw Brian was back in 1980. The class of 70 celebrated our 10 year reunion on a Saturday night and Brian invited a bunch of us out to his parents house in Smiths Station, ( I think it was Smiths Station ), on Sunday afternoon. I don't remember who all was there that day but we spent a most enjoyable afternoon closing out the reunion weekend. Brian was in good spirits and was playing the role of the congenial host to the hilt, talking with everyone and making sure that we were all having a good time. That is how I want to remember Brian, as the fun loving and caring person that he was. Brian my friend, your journey has come to an end all too soon. Knowing the pain and suffering that you had gone through in your later years I take great comfort in knowing that you will not be suffering any more and that you have moved on to a far far better place. My thoughts and prayers go out to his brothers Jeff and Mike and to all the members of the Hartford family. Even though you are gone you will never be forgotten by those of us who knew you and cared about you. Sleep well my friend.John Crimmel BHS Class of 1970
Catherine "Vinnie" Donato (King) (1972)
I lived across the street from Brian and am sad to hear of his passing. I plan to attend his memorial. I will never forget the great quarterback playing football with this little freshman girl in our front yard. He even let me wear his senior ring for a week! He and my father were very close since my dad was an athlete and respected Brian's skill. I hope to see some Baker alum at the memorial.God Speed Brian!! Love, Vinnie Donato
Roy Cook (1968)
By far the best athletes to come out of Baker. Brian could punt the ball 50 yards every time, great quarterback, could play basketball and a good high jumper. He will be missed.Lance Hartman (1968)
As Roy' Sunshine' Cook said, Brian was the BEST athelete to come out of Baker High School and as I got to know him my senior year, he beacame a good friend with a good sense of humor.The lst time I saw him was at a Boy's Club reunion in June of 1986. Brian had lost his arm in an industrial accident and was quite apphrehensive about.After several innings of some serious softball playing, Sunshine, Richie Hester and I began to 'PROD' Brian into joining us. To our greatest satisfaction, he did. When it came his time to bat, he swung so hard , he threw his prosthesis off his arm, into the' outfield'. It caught us all so far offguard, he legged out a triple before our shortstop could get to the ball. After he scored, we called the game, sat around and laughed about that, and then gave Brian the "Gameball'. What a day! What a guy. He overcame his adversity and enjoyed a day with his former classmates and teamates.
Brian, you'll be missed, my friend.My condolences to Mike and Jeff. May God Bless the HARTFORD family.
William Lewis (1971)
When you think of the word friend it should be spelled Brian. We played football together and shared a couple of classes his senior year. At practice they would make him come down there with us lowly defensive backs and practice some. When we paired up for tackle drill once he said now Lewis don't hit me hard and I won't hit you hard. He went first and lived up to his word when it was my turn I lowered the boom. He got up and I laughed and said we don't get many free shots at the "STAR" quarterback. Brian as long as I new him even with all that life threw at him always lived up to his word. Through are friendship and football I got ot know all the Hartford's from mom to Mike,Jeff and I became great friends so much so I named my first son after him may God comfort this family and keep HARV safe.
Rodney Wolfinger (1969)
I too have to say..the BEST athlete to ever wear the Baker Blue. I had the pleasure of playing sports with Brian as we were growing up and knew his Mom real well. What a woman! My most fond memory of Brian is that, of course he was better than all of us no matter what sport we played but Brian had a big heart and not a big head. He always encouraged everyone around him and never hesitated to come over to you if you didn't do so good and say..."don't worry bout it man, we'll get 'um next time." I can still remember when Brian was a freshman and I think it was the first varsity game he got in and he throws a touchdown pass to, I believe it was Mike Stokes. Throwing touchdown passes wasn't unusual for Brian, but this paticular one he was practically on his back. Pure athlete. 4th down, down by 3 with 5 seconds to go....Give the ball to Brian.....5 seconds left in basketball game down by 1...give the ball to Brian...last inning down by 3 runs, bases loaded, 2 out, 3-2 count...I want Brian at bat. But most of all...i want the memories of a great childhood friend. God Bless you Brian and your brothers and especially Mrs. Hartford.Gwen Fowler (Setayesh) (1975)
My dearest Brian & sweetheart! you never knew this little freshman was watching you at practice and many other times after school. I was head over hills in love with you. I was heart broken when I heard you were leaving town and never got a chance to say hello or goodby. But there were many looks from your eyes into mine in the passing bys ......I only wonder what could of been if we spoke that day before. I was shocked and even sadden to hear of your arm accident but truly broken hearted even now to know that such a young man has left this earth to join the other stars amoung the heavens. God bless you sweetheart & your family always!Georgia Grant (Kelley) (1970)
Brian I cheered you on when you were running the ball or setting up a play! I will be there with you one day cheering you on in Heaven. Smile down on us all at BHS Brian~ Love in Him, Georgia Grant Kelley