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"Bart", age 53 of Denver, Colorado.
Regulars at the Nob knew and loved bartender Bart Case, but their tears flow freely as they mourn the man at the heart of one of Denver’s most beloved dive bars. At 10 a.m. Monday, May 1, a small group of regulars found the doors at 420 East Colfax Avenue still locked because Bartley James “Bart” Case, age 53, wasn’t there to open them. He had died in the night with his beloved (albeit mostly just to him) pup, Milo, at his side.
Bartley James “Bart” Case loved his dog, Milo. “He was a saint,” says Pixie Garcia, a regular who met Case in 2014. She recalls him walking people to cars, buying a warm coat for an elderly regular, and literally pulling the hoodie off his back to give to someone in need. “He took care of us all in his own way.” The service extended to non-customers: Case’s aid to a stabbing victim outside the bar got its own coverage in 2015.
Born in Denver and a graduate of East High School, Case worked at numerous local bars (and had a brief stint as a carnie) before landing, newly sober, at the Nob Hill Inn in 2013. Bartender Christy Simonsen hired him on the spot. “Bart always looked out for me,” she says. “He would always show up when I closed [the bar] alone to make sure I was safe. I loved him like he was my actual brother. I’m paralyzed with grief today.”
Although a lifelong Denver resident, Case's admiration for Red Wings hockey great Gordie Howe and Lions running back Barry Sanders kept him rooting for Detroit. He was also known for his generosity, thoughtful gifts, elaborate LEGO builds and colorful shirt collection, many of which were thrifted from local stores.
But most of all, Case will be remembered as a bartender’s bartender, a fixture of old Denver, and a good friend.
Bart was preceded in death by his mother, Tara McCraken and is survived by his father and stepmother, John and Judy Case; siblings Jason Case, Power Case and Ruth Bartlett; daughter Alician Musat and son Jaime Case
To plant a tree in memory of Bartley James Case, visit the Tribute Store.
23
May
1530 Logan Street
Denver, CO 80203
23
May
1530 Logan Street
Denver, CO 80203
Services will conclude at the Cathedral.
12801 West 44th Avenue
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Address 13436 West Arbor Place, Littleton, Colorado 80127 Phone (720) 344-8565
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