of Essa Township, ON, passed away at his home,
(due to complications from dementia for the past 12 years),
on Saturday, January 20th 2024 in his 82nd year.
Bert met his wife Elzabeth in teachers college. He went on to become the head of the business department at Barrie Central Collegiate. Bert coached minor league league hockey in Thornton. Bert enjoyed the outdoors and was active in the Barrie Kennel Club with his labrador retrievers. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife Elizabeth.
Beloved husband of Elizabeth.
Loving father of Paul, Adrian, Erin, and father-in-law to Amanda (Tivendale).
Cherished grandfather of Ryan, Kieran, Cameron, Takeo and Gemma;
and great grandfather to Milo (deceased).
Bert was the oldest son of John and Mary van Niekerk (deceased)
and dear brother to siblings: Wally, Bea, Sara, Adrian Sr., Catrine,
Marian, John Jr., Martin, and youngest brother Tom (deceased)
and brother-in-law to Anne (Verbakel), Loek Starrenburg, Jan deVries,
Gail (Jackson), Bruce Wild, Geert van Mil, Liette (Demers), and Maria Hudovernik.
Bert was the son-in-law of John and Ellen Gray (both deceased),
and brother in-law to Mary Lynne Gray (deceased), Anne (deceased)
and John Graham, John and Doris Gray (both deceased),
Mike Gray (deceased), and Margaret Weeks.
Sadly missed by his canine friend Norman, and his feline friends Ryan and Max.
Bert will be sadly missed and forever remembered by his relatives and friends.
At Bert’s and the family’s request, cremation has taken place.
A memorial service is planned for a later date in the spring.
As expressions of sympathy, donations
to the OSPCA would be appreciated by the family.
For more information, or to leave a condolence message for the family,
please visit our website at www.bridgefuneralhome.com