1932–2024
With heartfelt sorrow the family of Bert announces his passing at the Sault Area Hospital on Thursday, April 11, 2024. Loving husband of Valerie for 64 years. Cherished father of Jodi and Jill. Proud Grampa (Bumpa) of Ryan and Sean Zago. He idolized his family, and they idolized him. Bert is survived by his younger brother Ken and predeceased by brother Roger.
Bert joined Ford Motor Company in his early 20’s eventually moving to the Sault where he established Highland Ford. He was a highly respected businessman, and his co-workers knew him as Mellow Bert. He received a Distinguished Dealer Award yearly and when he retired in 1991, he received a letter from the President of Ford Canada thanking him for his dedication, loyalty and business acumen.
Bert was an avid skier and boater until well into his 80’s. He served as President of the Searchmont Ski Runners in his younger years and thoroughly enjoyed free skiing upon retirement. Bert would track his spending (“I’m down to 28 cents per run!”) and would only stop to watch his kids and grandkids ski and race. Bert’s boating skills were well known on the North Channel. He and his co-captain Valerie were always heading somewhere and even tackled the Trent-Severn waterway. It was while boating that he learned self-tanner is not sunscreen.
Bert discovered an amazing talent for woodworking while retired on St. Joseph Island. The garage became a workshop where he spent many happy hours creating beautiful furniture (some in the Heavy Lifting category). His talent for keeping geese off his property was not so amazing. Bert’s passion was the gym. He was an avid tennis and squash player and was a member of the GLC for over 30 years. He worked out several times per week right up until he was hospitalized. At 91, he was such an inspiration.
Bert was a private and humble man, but his smile lit up the room. He left us on his own terms with family by his side. He will always be missed but his values of respect and a solid work ethic will live on through his family. Rest peacefully Bert. We love you.
In respect of Bert’s wishes, his family will lay him to rest privately. Memorial donations to a charity of your choice in Bert’s honour is appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758). www.northwoodfuneral.com