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
Though I did not know Bert for very long, I delighted in his gentle friendship, and the chats with Don and Karen. I will miss him, and I offer my sincere condolences to the family.
Dene
I worked with Bert for twenty years and it was only many years after he had retired that I learned that Bert was a true Canadian hero. He was a quiet dignified man who never once discussed or mentioned his WW II experiences. Bert was a Beaufighter pilot during WW II and he participated in the infamous Black Friday raid (07 February 1945) when Bert and other Beaufighter pilots attacked enemy ships in a fjord on the Western coast of Norway. Bert survived but 9 Beaufighters were shot down (6 were from Bert’s RCAF 404 Squadron).
We owe much to heroes like Bert. On November 11th please pause for a moment and think about Bert – a young man flying a twin-engined Beaufighter under heavy enemy fire from ships at anchor in the cold Norwegian fjord on 07 February 1945.
I got to know Bert when he moved into Ophir Place. He was a gentle soul and always had a smile. I used to tease him about waking me up when I was a little girl growing up in Scotland, and we would hear planes droning overhead on their way across the North Sea.
Peace my friend, you have earned your rest.
My condolences go out to his family.
So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Condolences to all the family,
Dear Ramsden Family:
Although I never met Bert, I was told that he was previously a member of 404 Squadron, the Squadron I currently Command.
As a Beaufighter pilot participating in Black Friday, probably the most significant event on our Squadron’s history, Bert cemented himself as a “404 Buffalo” forever.
It is with great sadness that I hear of his passing. On behalf of all members of 404 Squadron, past and present, please accept our deepest sympathies in these difficult times.
Respectfully,
LCol David Proteau
Commanding Officer
404 “Buffalo” Squadron
Meeting and getting to know Bert, a 404 Squadron veteran, was a highlight of my military career. His bravery and service during the Second World War, when he was a Beaufighter Pilot with 404 (Buffalo) Squadron, was truly inspirational. Being able to participate in the Black Friday memorial in Norway with Bert and Don, to hear Bert’s stories and singing of a quiet hymn while divers were placing a monument at a crashed Beaufighter deep in a fjord near Naudstal is a life memory for me. I wish I could be there for your farewell to Bert.
Although we did not know your father very well, we remember him as a gentle man with a twinkle in his eye. We are so sorry for your loss but know that he is in a better place.
Dorothee and Terry
Thinking of you and your family in this time of sorrow. Sincere condolences to all the family. Love Edena xoxo
We were so sorry to hear of Uncle Bert’s passing. He was one of the sweetest persons we have ever known. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Bert was truly an amazing man, whose kind gentle soul touched everyone. I was lucky to have known him. He will be missed by his family, friends and many acquaintances.