01/22/2014

In Memoriam

Legendary yacht broker J. Burr (Joe) Bartram, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in Ft. Lauderdale on December 24, 2013. He was 79 years old.

In the very late 1950s and the first half of the 1960s, Joe was associated with Northrop & Johnson in the Stamford, Ct. office along with his dear friends Bruce Brakenhoff, Sr., Julien Elfenbein and Dick Loh. In 1967, Bartram & Brakenhoff formed, which was unquestionably the "gentleman's" yacht brokerage firm of the Industry. The firm has been a member of YBAA ever since.

Joe was an active member of the New York Yacht Club, the Indian Harbor Yacht Club, and the Storm Trysail Club, as well as being a founder of NYYC's Harbor Court. Over the years, he served on many NYYC committees including the race committees, house committees and membership committees. He was active in several America's Cup syndicates and was co-manager of the Courageous syndicate which successfully defended the cup in 1974.

In addition to having orchestrated some of the biggest deals in the industry at the time, the impact, influence and friendships that Joe had among many of the superyacht's finest captains, brokers and crew was unmatched. His guidance and mentorship will last for generations; and without question, the industry that Joe loved so much will forever benefit from his leadership, passion and integrity.

Joe is survived by his wife Barbara, his sister Nina Griswold and numerous nieces, and nephews, and hundreds of friends.

Donations in Joe’s honor may be sent to the Carpenters Boat Shop (http://www.carpentersboatshop.org), 440 Old County Road, Pemaquid, ME 04558, to the attention of Robert Ives. Donations may also be sent to Lahey Clinic (http://www.lahey.org) 41 Mall Road, Burlington, MA 01805.