Born February 10 1920 and passed into glory September 19, 2018. Bert was the 10th child of Menno and Antje Norden from Zandeweer, Groningen, Nederland. He was pre-deceased by his parents and all of his siblings as well as his wife Gladys (Klazina) March 5, 1999. He is survived by his son Marv (Linda), by Irene, his granddaughters Julie (David), and Leanne (Jim), and his grandson Michael (Nicole) and one great grandson, Hunter.
Bert led a long and full life and accomplished a great deal in this time. He built his own ham radio antenna and base station at age 17; he was in the Dutch underground resistance movement during WWII. He married his school sweetheart in 1941 and had one son named Menno (later known as Marv). Bert and family moved to Canada arriving July 7, 1948 in Quebec City. They settled in the town of Barrhead, Alberta. He started his own electrical contracting business as well as operating an appliance store on Main Street. He was one of the forefathers of the Christian Reformed Church in Barrhead.
Bert built his own tv set three years ahead of any transmission or existing reception. Always the optimist! After six years in Barrhead he wanted to expand his work skills, subsequently, we moved to Vancouver in July 1954 settling in North Vancouver and working for BCTel as a broadcast engineer. While living in Vancouver he decided to build his own house and after a year we moved into a 3200 hundred square foot home in North Vancouver. Bert always had a five-year plan that was readjusted to suit his time schedule.
At one point he decided he wanted to learn how to play the organ so he set about building a two-tier organ. He became a proficient mechanical organ player. Not liking the idea of climbing up and down the stairs, accordingly he built a full operational elevator in his house which was a delightful toy for the grand kids. He did not have any hobbies except his family, work and flying. His pilot license was endorsed for float planes and twin-engine aircraft.
He was on the Board of directors for the “Back to God Hour” in Chicago for six years and he also represented Canada at the World Tele- conferencing in Geneva Switzerland for 9 years. Bert served as an elder in the CRC for many years starting at the age of 28.
Mom and Dad enjoyed the role of grandparents to their 3 grandchildren. They loved them unconditionally and were always ready to take care of them or provide for their needs.
Bert retired from Telus in 1981 and was a widower for 19 years. Two special women in his life should be recognized after Glady’s passing. Two special friends: Diny Molenkamp from the Netherlands and Cadda Tett from North Vancouver. Cadda was a close friend for the last 14 years and was with Bert till the end.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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