1920-2009
Bert passed away peacefully in his sleep June 11th at Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster, in his 89th year.
He is survived by his daughter Lindsey (John Altstadt), son Karl (Maria), beloved granddaughters Erin Altstadt and Alexandra McCann, his sister Betty, niece Elizabeth, nephews Jim Thompson (Dorothy), Collin (Mary), Murray, Allen, cousin Angie Roberts (Ralph), and a number of great and great-great nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife Dorothy Ann (DA), his sister Margaret Schimmeyer and his brother Frank.
Born in Prince Albert SK, Bert grew up in Duck Lake until he and his family moved to Vancouver in 1940. He served with the RCAF, squadron 442, in Alaska, France and Holland. After the war, he worked with the Hudson Bay Company until he joined Warner’s, later becoming their national sales manager. Married in 1952 to Dorothy Ann, he and his family moved to Quebec City and Ottawa, with Warner’s. When he left Warner’s, he returned to North Vancouver and upon retirement, DA and Bert moved to Vesuvius Bay on Salt Spring Island.
Bert and DA loved living on Salt Spring. Bert helped build the new Anglican Church, golfed with the Fickle Fingers group, fished and enjoyed being a member of the local legion. When Alzheimer’s, made independent living impossible for DA, Bert moved to Meadowbrook. On DA’s death, he moved to Burnaby to be closer to his daughter. He continued his life-long love of hockey even until his last days in the RCH.
Family and friends were very important to Bert. Being a father and grandfather brought him the greatest joy in his life.
A memorial service will be held at Meadowbrook, Saturday, July 11th at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.