Sad news as superyacht broker Joe Bartram of Bartram & Brakenhoff died peacefully at his home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Christmas Eve, 24 December, 2013, aged 79 years.
Born in New York City, New York, on 12 July, 1934, he attended Choate School in Wallingford, Connecticut, and served in the US Navy from 1953 to 1955. After leaving the the Navy, he joined the Stamford, Connecticut, office of Northrop & Johnson where he worked with Bruce Brakenhoff Sr in what was to become a lifelong friendship. In 1967, he and Brakenhoff opened the doors of a new brokerage house called Bartram & Brakenhoff, which endeavoured to set new standards in integrity and plain dealing with yacht owners and buyers.
Bartram & Brakenhoff celebrated many superyacht sales over the years, and Bruce and Joe sold Bartram & Brakenhoff to David C. Lacz in 1998, but continued working in harness. Bruce Brakenhoff Sr died in June 2012 and, after a suitable period of mourning, Joe Bartram continued to sell boats. His last reported deal was in March 2013 when he found a buyer for the 29.6m motor yacht VaKoMaaNo.
Joe Bartram is survived by his wife, Barbara Hart Bartram, and his sister, Nina Bartram Griswold, along with many nieces and nephews.
Bartram & Brakenhoff principal, David C. Lacz, pays tribute, saying, 'Joe "Burr" Bartram, has been a guiding light for me and many others both personally and professionally and will be truly missed in our lives and industry. He was a true gentleman and yachtsman.'
Julien Elfenbein at BYS says, 'Joe Bartram was most of all a true gentleman yachtsman. He had acute insight into the qualities of his clients and their yachts. He left a legacy of dedication to family, friendships, good causes and fairness in all things. Joe was a worthy role model and will be sorely missed.'
Joe Bartam's nephew, Alex Clarke at Denison Yacht Sales, adds a personal note: 'I was introduced to yachting at an early age thanks to 'Unkie' Joe working on Fortunate Sun run by Len Beck, one of many captains, along with the likes of AJ Anderson, who have leaned on Joe for advice and guidance over the years. The list can never be measured as his ethics, good nature, giving spirit, and love have been passed on to generations and will continue to reverberate through the industry long into the future.'
His memorial will be held on 28 January, 2014 at 11 am in Saint Sebastians, 2000 Marietta (SE 25th St) Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33316, followed by a reception at the Fort Lauderdale Yacht Club.