February 22, 1930 - November 17, 2020
It has taken some time for us to put words to paper after our enduring grief and loss of a great Family Man on November 17, 2020.
Bert had been a Resident of Chartwell Malaspina Care Home in Nanaimo for the past 4 1/2 years where he was enjoying a life of great care and new experiences every day.
He passed peacefully with his Care Aid and Nurse at his side, not alone, and having just heard the words of love from his beloved wife, Sandra, over the phone.
Bert had a full and exciting life of 90 years, enjoying every minute, from the tobacco fields of Southern Ontario at an early age, taking him to the mint fields in Oregon after riding the rails with his childhood friend, Al Town.
After several years of managing car dealerships in Ontario and Nanaimo; a Tank Commander in the Military; one of the first Reserve/Auxiliary RCMP Officers in Nanaimo, working alongside many of the Regular Members in Policing duties; Allstate Insurance Broker, as well as many varied and interesting occupations along the way, Bert settled into the Real Estate Business, managing Block Bros. and Canada Permanent Trust in Nanaimo, as well as several others, and in the 80's as Owner/Manager of Island West Realty Ltd. here on Gabriola, initially with Marianne Kristiansen and later with his wife, Sandra, joining him for 14 of those years.
Bert was an active Member of the RCMP Veteran's Association; a Private Pilot and Member of COPA, the Canadian Owner's and Pilot's Association; an avid fisherman, golfer, dirt bike racer, RV'er and a loving father and husband. He was always thinking of others in the many decisions in his life.
Bert is survived by his wife, Sandra, of 53 years, Sons, Dennis and Darren (Adeline) and Daughters, Darlene (Roger), Katherine (Garry), and Kristy (Dallas); nine Grandchildren: Taylor, Kennedy, Sheridan, Gavin, Carsen, Eliana, Kevin, Jessica and Abigail; two Great-Grandchildren, Aurora and Theodore. Also survived by one Brother, Archie (Grace), in Ontario and many nieces and nephews.
Bert will be missed by all, but will remain in our hearts . . . . until we are together again.