Bert passed away peacefully on Monday, November 3rd, 2014 at the age of 93, joining his beloved wife, Marie who predeceased him in 2004, as well as parents, Joseph and Mercy and brothers, Cal (Eleanor) and Cec (Bess). Born in Castor, Alta., Bert is survived by his son, Don (Nancy); daughter, Karen (Chip); grandchildren, Andrea (Chris), Jennie (Trevor), Jon, Jamie and Jeff and great-grandchild, Zachary.
Bert is lovingly remembered as a selfless, kind and gentle soul – a humble hero who risked his life as an RCAF pilot in the Second World War to help preserve our freedom. Raised in Nelson, B.C., he lived there until 1967
when his government work took him to Victoria, where he retired as a director of the B.C. Assessment Authority 30 years ago. A devoted family man and Christian, Bert inspired us with his grace and courage, especially in dealing with failing eyesight in later years.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, November 14, 2014 at St. Aidan’s United Church, 3703 St. Aidan’s Street in Victoria.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bert’s name to the CNIB.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
19 Responses
I was thinking of Bert today when I decided to look him up and learned that he had passed on. It is with very fond memories that I recall meeting Bert. We met when I hosted him for the 404 Squadron reunion weekend in 2006 in Greenwood, Nova Scotia where I flew as a flying instructor at the time. Bert shared his very moving and personal memories of his time with 404 Squadron with us. My fellow air crew and I felt honoured to meet him. When I was posted to Ottawa, I worked in a job that found me travelling to Victoria. I contacted Bert to see if we could meet again, and sure enough he agreed. I have a wonderful memory of him coming to pick me up and take me out for fish and chips one fine evening and I so enjoyed spending this time with him.
Bert was one of my heroes and how he handled himself served as an example to me and is a story that I share with my children. I am so thankful that our paths crossed.
My condolences to all who miss him.
I’m so sorry to hear of Bert’s passing. We didn’t communicate often but enjoyed it when we did. We both are admitted procrastinators. I’ll miss his notes.
To Don & Karen & everyone in the extended Ramsden family.
Both Dorathy and I are deeply saddened to learn of Bert’s passing.
While it is challenging to find the right words to acknowledge the loss of a loved one, our condolences and deepest sympathy go out to you and everyone in the Ramsden family.
May the precious memories and cherished moments you hold dear to your heart help comfort you during this time of loss
In Memory of H.W.R. Ramsden – AKA to some as BIll, Bob & Bert
WITH OUR SYMPATHY
Herb, Dorathy, Darren & Jason Lexa
Dawson Creek, BC
To Don & Karen,
I had the good fortune to meet your Dad in 1968, my rookie year with the Surveyor of Taxes Office which, in part, morphed into BC Assessment in 1974. I consider it both an honor and a privilege to have known Bert as a mentor and as a friend. A more genuine person would be very difficult to find in anyone’s lifetime.
A couple of my special memories include (1) celebrating Bert’s 50th birthday while working on a re-assessment project in Fort Nelson, BC and (2) an opportunity for me to get Bert behind the controls of an airplane during a beautiful evening low level flight hedge hopping across the Peace River region of NE BC during one of Bert’s visit to our local Assessment Office.
Herb
To Karen and Don and families
Please accept our condolences on the passing of your Dad.
(Brenda was kind enough to let us know)
From Shirley and George Mowat, Gay Robinson, Jim and Eileen Scott, Bette Jean Scott and Tom and Bonnie Scott
(Agnes and Jim Scott’s kids)
BERT AND I WERE SQUADRON MATES ON #404 SQUADRON. HE WAS A PILOT AND I WAS A NAVIGATOR. #404 SQUADRON SPENT MUCH OF THE WAR FLYING THE BEAUFIGHTER, AND IN THE LAST MONTHS OF THE WAR WE FLEW MOSQUITOES. BERT AND I WERE THE ONLY TWO MEMBERS THAT SERVED ON #404 DURING WWII THAT ATTENDED THE NORWEGIAN MEMORIAL TO #404 SQUADRON AT FJORD, NORWAY. THIS TOWN AND HARBOR ARE THE LOCATION OF THE BLACK FRIDAY CATASTROPHE. BERT FLEW ON THIS MISSION AND GAVE A VIVID DESCRIPTION OF WHAT HE EXPERIENCED.
I AGREE WITH WHAT MANY HAVE SAID ABOUT BERT, AND I ALSO AGREE THAT HE WAS A VERY FINE PERSON. HIS FAMILY CAN BE VERY PROUD OF HIM.
My heartfelt condolences to Karen, Don and your families on the loss of Bert. He was one of the sweetest young men I ever had the pleasure to work for and I will always remember him and Smokey. I will miss his smile, kind heart, and sense of humor. I am happy he is now at peace and reunited with Marie.
Karen, Don and families,
My memories of Uncle Bert are warm and many – he was as a treasure, a joy, a gentle soul, an unsung hero and a true gentleman who had a remarkable way of making every one of us feel cherished and special – our lives were made richer and gladder with his presence. He will be missed by so many.
Thinking of you with heartfelt sympathy,
Ginny
Don. My condolences to you and your family. Haven’t seen you in years. Let’s catch up and tell some old stories about the old days.
Bert was a real gentleman with a great ability to make friends easily. He was one of the finest men I have ever had the pleasure to be with, on and off the Uplands Golf Course. Always smiling and comforting to anyone whom he associated.
God Bless you Bert; your friend Russ.