With deep sadness, we said goodbye to Bert on August 13th. He leaves behind his wife of 67 years, Shirley (nee Mosher); daughters, Marlene (Jon) and Audrey; sons, Mark (Sugi) and Michael; grandchildren, Bethany, Colin, Brian (Chantelle), Julia, Sean and Nathaniel; step-grandchildren, Rick and Scott (Rebecca); and great-grandchildren, Tristan, Xander, Vivian, and Emma.
The last of 13 children born to Arthur and Lydia in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, he and Shirley left their Maritime home in 1948 and journeyed west to British Columbia where they put down new roots. Bert started a career working with the mentally handicapped and, after building his own home in Surrey, moved his young family to Tranquille near Kamloops where he worked as the Director of Nursing Services. Bert believed deeply in the value of education and completed a Diploma in Public Administration at the University of Victoria in 1965 by commuting weekly from the family home in Tranquille, and later made sure it was possible for each of his four children to complete their own post-secondary educations. In 1967, he relocated to Surrey to work as Business Administrator at Woodlands Institution and in 1971, accepted the position of Executive Director for the new Glendale Lodge Society in Victoria, where he remained until his retirement. After retirement, Bert served on the Boards of Directors for Mount St Mary’s Hospital in Victoria, and Pacific Coast Savings Credit Union (now part of Coast Capital Savings Credit Union). A highly intelligent and practical man, Bert was a loyal husband and father. When not hard at work, he loved to read, golf, listen to jazz and play bridge. He and Shirley were active square dancers for many years and once their children were grown, they travelled abroad and enjoyed many winters in California.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2pm on Sunday, August 21, 2016, at St Michael and All Angels Anglican Church, 4733 West Saanich Road in Victoria BC.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Mike and Sheala Wagnell
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Kate and Alan Cowood I am very sorry to hear of Bert’s passing. I have fond memories of his participation on the Board of Directors at Pacific Coast Savings, and of the many social gatherings associated with that work. Alan and I are thinking of you and your family, Shirley, and wish you comfort through your many wonderful memories.
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Raymond Kennedy So sorry to hear about the loss of Uncle Hubert. It’s so sad to think he was the last of my mother’s (Eileen Kennedy Hayes ) family. I recall talking to Uncle Hubert and Aunt Shirley when we attended Fr. Bernie’s celebrations. He reminded me so much of my mother. I really enjoyed the conversations we had.
It’s comforting to know that Aunt Shirley has her family for support. Please know that we, the Kennedy family, are thinking of you all, at this very difficult time.
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Jim Cutting My sincerest condolences. My sadness for you all at this time is bottomless.
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Carol and Bruce Lemky So sorry for your loss. Losing a spouse/parent/grandparent is never an easy thing. A lifetime passes all too fast. Hold fast to the memories and may your pain be eased. “What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us.” -Helen Keller
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Cathy and Jeff Reid Our sincerest sympathies for your loss. He was a kind, intelligent, and generous man. Aunt Shirley, we send you all our love,
Cathy and Jeff
Mike and Sheala Wagnell
On a personal note I remember the many times Bert’s sage advice spurred the Board of Pacific Coast (now Coast Capital Savings) toward a good result. Not only was he a wise man, but his sense of humour was a joy to share. He was always a supportive friend, and someone who will be missed.
Mike and Sheala