Bert was born in Taber, Alberta, the youngest of 14 children. He spent his younger years in Alberta. In 1963 he moved to Salt Spring Island and established a body shop. He was the first government certified auto body mechanic on Salt Spring Island. When he retired in 1973, he and Emma were enticed by the weather and the fruit trees and moved to Summerland, B.C. They returned to Salt Spring Island in 1990. Bert was predeceased by his wife Emma (Riehl) in 1992.
He leaves to mourn his passing: his son Larry (Ethel) Fraser, Salt Spring Island (SSI); grandchildren Michael (Noella) Fraser, SSI, Holly (Claude) Pinel, Saskatoon, Sask., Scott (Morven) Fraser, SSI, Calvin (Deanna) Fraser, SSI and Kelly Fraser, Grande Prairie, Alberta; daughter Delores (Trevor) Owen, Kamloops, B.C.; and grandchildren Cheri Henderson, Los Angles, CA, Brenda (Bob) Cooper, Kamloops, Brian Henderson, Fernie, B.C. and Keith Clarke, Victoria, B.C.
He will be fondly remembered by his 20 great-grandchildren. He always had a secret stash of jelly beans ready for their visits. During his retirement years, Bert became a talented woodworker. He built Larry and Delores each a grandfather clock, and cedar chests for all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His family and many many friends cherish the burl tables and pieces of miniature furniture and buildings he created for them. Bert also kept busy with his love of reading and gardening. In 93 years, he was never idle and always had a project on the go!
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 12, 2008 between 7 and 9 pm at Hayward Funeral Home #22 – 315 Upper Ganges Rd.
A graveside service will be held Friday, June 13, 2008, 11 am at the Central Cemetery, on Salt Spring Island, B.C. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.