Bertrand was born in Cittadella, Provincia di Padova, Italy.
In 1959, on his 21st birthday, he immigrated to Canada, landing on the shore of Halifax, Nova Scotia. He crossed Canada to join his older brother, Luigi, in Prince George, British Columbia. He eventually made his way down to Vancouver, where he settled on the East side of the city for the next 61 years.
During those years, Bert worked in numerous mines, in many parts across Canada, as a blaster, from 1959 until 1996. Of proud note, in 1962, he received two medal awards from the United Kingdom for safety practices in the mine. It was in the Fall of 1996 when Bertrand was seriously injured on the job in a post-blasting incident which ended his mining career, forcing him into early retirement.
Bert, or Mustachio, as he was better known as, passed away at the Fair Haven LTC facility where he had been living for the past six months, on October 17, 2020 with his family at his side.
Bert leaves behind his wife, Brenda; step-daughter, Nicole Markin, who resides in Oliver, BC; three great-stepchildren and two great great-stepdaughters. He is also survived by his remaining two sisters, Maria and Concetta and twelve nieces and nephews, back in his homeland of Italy, and their children.
Bertrand was an avid sports fan, and he loved playing soccer. He also enjoyed his time off work at the Vancouver Race Track, placing his bets on his favourite horses, along with a lot of dabbling in the Stock market, favouring various Mining companies. Bert was also an avid power walker, making short of 8-mile walks to his favourite grocery store, at lease twice a week. He also loved Italian opera and classical music. His favourite song that he liked to sing to his wife was, "Catch a Falling Star". Bert's favourite quote in life was, "It Is What It Is".
He says goodbye to all of his Canadian-Italian friends, and in lieu of flowers, Bertrand would like everyone to spend more time with their families and also to get out and walk eight miles from time to time in his memory.
If there are those wishing to make a donation in memory of Bertrand, please donate to the Roman Catholic Church, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 2025 Napier Street, Vancouver, BC V5L 2N8.
The family, both in Canada and Italy, are left with many cherished memories.
Due to the current restrictions of COVID-19, there will be no funeral services, per his request.
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To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit our website at www.dignitymemorial.com
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