The Deming Logging Show community is mourning the loss of Brian Bartow, a beloved competitor, champion speed climber, family man and longtime member of the logging sports community whose passing has left friends and fellow competitors heartbroken.
Brian’s connection to the Deming Logging Show began when he was a young child. Over the years, he returned to the show as a highly accomplished speed climber, building a legacy that made him a familiar and respected presence among competitors and spectators. His achievements in logger sports were recognized well beyond Deming, with competition records listing him among top performers in events including tree climbing, axe throwing, birling and other logging competitions.
For the Deming Logging Show community, however, Brian represented far more than his accomplishments as an athlete. He grew up watching his father perform the spar tree act for decades. When his father retired, members of the show wondered whether anyone could step into those famous “clown shoes.” Brian did exactly that, carrying on the tradition and filling the role in a way that the community remembers with tremendous affection.
Some of Brian’s most treasured memories at the show were also deeply personal. The community celebrated when he proposed to his girlfriend from atop the spar tree. More recently, those who knew him had the opportunity to watch the next generation begin its own connection to the show when Brian’s child climbed for the first time.
His loss has left the Deming Logging Show wondering how the tradition will continue without him. Organizers say they will do their best to carry on while remembering the remarkable contribution Brian made to the event and the people who call it home.
Brian Bartow’s death has also prompted an outpouring of support for his family. A fundraiser created in his memory describes him as a devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend, and says his death was sudden and heartbreaking.
The Deming Logging Show extends its deepest condolences to the Bartow family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of sharing the logging-show community with Brian. His legacy will live on through the traditions he helped carry forward, the people he inspired and the memories created high above the spar tree.
