Condolence: While I did not get the opportunity to get to know Bert well, I do know the impact that he had on his fellow team members at Transfreight. His winning smile and positive attitude definitely left an impression that won't soon be forgotten. My sincere condolences and heartfelt thoughts to Bert's family and friends.

Condolence: Bert,
We first met just over 19 years ago when I started working at GSW. Over those years you became a close friend and confidant. Even though I was older you never let that affect our friendship. We had so many great conversations and “debates” over the years on so many different subjects and issues. I always enjoyed chatting with you. I’m not sure we really ever solved any world problems but you certainly made me think, smile, laugh and in the last days cry. If you had an opinion on something you let me know even if we didn’t agree. If you thought I was wrong you told me. I liked that you would let me know where you stood. But you always did it out of respect. That was mutual between both of us. You were never too busy to lend an ear or a helping hand. God only knows I bothered you too many times to solve my computer issues most of which were the fault of the user if you know what I mean! You were an extremely competent “IT guy” and had the patience to go along with it. The success of your career is a testament to that. When it came to technology, you were my “go to guy” and always willing to give advice. While you enjoyed your work for sure it was family that was the real treasure of your life. You were a proud father and loved your girls dearly. You could see it in your eyes every time you mentioned their names. I know just how much you loved life and that aura rubbed off on everyone you met. You always found the positive in everything and never liked to dwell on negativity. I honestly can’t think of a single time that I heard you complain. To complain was not your nature. That was the genuine Bert. Even with failing health your choice was optimism. And once again throughout it all, I never heard you complain even once. You showed incredible determination and strength to fight your disease right to the end like I’ve never witnessed before. Where you got all that strength to fight such a gallant battle I’ve never know. We had so many good talks over the last few weeks and I will treasure those moments forever. I learned so many things from you. You always led by example even in your final days. Through your actions, you showed me how to be a better person. I think that was your gift to me. You touched my heart as you touched the hearts of so many others, more than you’ll ever know. I’m going to miss you dearly and things just won’t be the same without you. I wish we could have had more time. But you did leave behind the positive impression you made on me, something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Bert as so many have said, you really were “one of the good guys” with the kind soul and uplifting spirit. Until we meet again my friend, I love you Bert.
Dave

Condolence: This was not part of the plan. We had too many stories to laugh about, so many years. Who's going to listen to my whining now? I wish you'd driven across Canada with me. I wish we had so many more years together.
Bert was a wonderful friend , husband and loving father to Jessica and Heather. We are all going to miss him dearly. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Condolence: Bert was a caring loving husband and father to his two daughters and a never to be forgotten son-in-law to us. Rest in peace Bert we will cherish your memory always.
From Pam and Andy

Condolence: Thinking of the family Bert left behind, Sonya and the girls and Bert's parents, sister, brother and extended family.

Bert you were way too young for this. You are now in a better place, a much better place than any of us can imagine.

I remember when you came to Canada - you were so young and so quiet and so shy, but you had that smile :) And you were tender hearted, that was clear to see.

I think with fondness of your younger years, growing up on the pond behind your house with my son, hours and hours of raft making and bug catching - whatever boys do on a pond! You were a great friend to Mark.

It was a pleasure to know you.Thanks for being you.

Condolences to your family.

Condolence: Dearest Bert,

This all feels like a dream to not have you here with us anymore. You fought so courageously for almost 3 years. Although you lost the battle, you won the admiration of many for your strength and undying positivity throughout it all. The pain you endured was unimaginable but right to the end you found a way to smile. You amaze us all.

I will never forget the first time meeting Phil’s good buddy “The Dutchman” or “Crazy Dutchman” as you were sometimes referred to. You and Phil no doubt had a close brotherly relationship with far too many inside jokes for me to keep up with. Your smile and laugh was contagious and we are so lucky to have shared so many good times with you.

I will cherish all the heart to heart talks we had this summer, we knew we all needed many more years together. We got to say our goodbyes and for that I’m thankful. You always greeted me with the biggest warmest hugs and always gave me 2 when saying goodbye. Thanks for all those “extra” hugs - as they will help me through this sad time. Until we meet again.

Love Always,

Nichole

Condolence: Bert,
14 years, more or less that I have been in your realm. Through our morning 'coffee talks' at GSW, we learned so much about each other and that we had so much more in common than we initially thought.
It made me initially uncomfortable to have said from one guy to another over the last couple of months that I love you. So uncomfortable between the two of us, but we both understood the circumstances and the “I love you” return was appreciated. It felt a little weird for both of us, but eventually felt so very normal.
I love your positive outlook. I love the many laughs that we shared over the years. I love your caring nature. I love your smile. You, and only you, could make me think things over thrice instead of twice. Your personality was a giving, engaging and forgiving one. Your appreciation for silence was one that I loved, will never forget and completely appreciate.
Of the many people in my life that I have met, loved, lost and/or disconnected, you are one of the very few to which I can truly attest that I would aspire to be more similar. I can only hope that we will see each other again someday my dear, dear friend. I don’t have a brother, but I would have been proud to have you as one. Everyone loves you, Bert. I will never forget you and look forward to seeing you again someday.
I love you.
Phil

Condolence: My deepest condolences to Sonia, Jessica, Heather and Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you on this very sad day. Love Karen and Brian Tomchick