UNCLE LIONEL, IN MEMORIAM
The passing of Lionel Barthold is a very significant milestone for the Bartholds and extended family, as well as his friends and colleagues. It is of course a personal, heartfelt loss, but it also marks the historical passing away of a generation, well exemplified in the character and integrity of the Barthold elders, whose experience we would do well to remember and honour.
My first encounters with Lionel were his visits to California when I was a child. My early impression of him, through a young lens, was his general affability, mellow composure, confident carriage, and wit. He was warm and affectionate with my mother (his sister) while also being a good friend to my father, with whom he had a good relationship and many interesting conversations.
As I got older, and had occasion to experience Lionel on the east coast, as well as more interaction with the Barthold clan generally, I began to observe how much the rest of the family looked up to him.
Uncle Lionel (as I knew him) was sharp and incisive, intellectually driven and curious–an engaging interlocutor on matters of history, politics and religion– while at the same time practically grounded in real-world problem solving and execution, from plumbing to woodworking. He could bake a good loaf of bread, too (and taught me the same). He had a broad understanding of science, was a brilliant electrical engineer, and knowledgeable in matters of business and enterprise. He was a man of the world, well-read and well-travelled. He connected and was comfortable and kind with people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. He loved the outdoors and spent much time there, was athletic, physically strong, and well-coordinated throughout his long life, including into very old age. He came as close to a “Renaissance Man” as anyone I have ever personally known. I always enjoyed his company and conversation, though I regret that I was not around him more. I was impressed by what seemed to be his steady rudder. I often find myself trying to channel whatever genes I might share with Lionel that might allow me to develop this quality.
Lionel’s generation lived through the Great Depression and World War II (including serving in it). These folks grew up without television and lived most of their lives without the Internet. It is both humbling and inspiring to ponder the wisdom and experience of this passing generation, and to learn from them. Lionel exemplified the best of his era. Looking at the current situation in America and world-wide, we need the solid anchoring of our able ancestors. I hold Lionel’s image prominently in this pantheon.
The Barthold legacy is good and strong. I am glad to be a node in this beautiful cosmic fabric.
Paul Keeling
Oct. 17, 2025