Harry Barton Mendendhall II, 74, passed away on December 17, 2020 at the UC Health Hospital in Highlands Ranch from COVID-19. Bart was the only son of Cover & Willie Mendenhall he was born on October 31, 1946, raised in and a lifelong resident of Rocky Ford.
Bart, a graduate of Rocky Ford High School, received a BA from Colorado College in 1968 and a JD from the University of Colorado School of Law in 1971. He was a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve, serving from 1968 to 1976.
Bart was due to retire at the end of the year after 49 years as an attorney and community leader.
He served as the Rocky Ford city attorney and general counsel for the Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District and the Arkansas Valley Super Ditch Company for many years. He was a Rocky Ford city council member from 1977 to 1997. He was a past director of the Koshare Indian Museum, Inc. (having been an active member of the Koshare Indian Dancers during junior high and high school). He was also a past director of Community Hospital Building Inc., Arkansas Valley Fair Association, Rocky Ford Chamber of Commerce, and Community Assisted Living Inc. Bart served as president of Rocky Ford Lions Club 1980-81. He was a lifetime member of the Rocky Ford Elks Lodge No. 1147.
Bart served as president of the Colorado Bar Association 1999-2000 and was chairman of the Water Law Section. He was a fellow, trustee and president of the Colorado Bar Foundation. From 1986 to 1991 he was a commissioner for the Colorado Supreme Court nominating commission.
Bart enjoyed hunting and hosted an annual bird hunt near his home in Rocky Ford; he was never without a Labrador hunting companion. He was an accomplished cook and entertained often. He traveled to Italy several times and had hopes of returning during his retirement. Bart will be missed by all for his convivial nature, outstanding community leadership and sage advice.
He is survived by his five cousins and their children: David (Laura and Taylor) of Rocky Ford, Mary (Hal, Lucy and Ellen) of Portland, OR, Moira (Doug, deceased) of Colorado Springs, Lynn (Oliver and Henri) of Denver; and Stuart (Cindy) of Colorado Springs.
Bart was preceded in death by his parents and his cousin, Ward.
As per Bart’s request cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held in the spring.
Memorial donations may be made to the Palmer Land Conservancy or Colorado Cattlemen’s Foundation.
Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
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