Dr. Ewart George "Mike" Bertram

Mike Bertram passed away peacefully, in Toronto with family by his side, on September 1 at the age of 99. He was predeceased in 2002 by his beloved wife, Lee (nee Fraser) after 53 years of marriage; and is survived by his daughters, Leslie (Jim Rourke) and Sue (Ron Kodama); his grandchildren, Patrick (Robin), Ryan (Tanya), Shannon (Andrew), Dave (Lanna), Erin (Justin); his greatgrandchildren, Sorsha, Declan, Felicity, Isabella, Quinn and Grady; sister-in-law Gwen Kane; as well as many nieces, nephews and their families.

He grew up near Barrie in Dalston and was the last surviving and youngest of 8 children. His discovery with Murray Barr of the sex chromatin Barr Body in 1948 inspired a new era in research and diagnosis of genetic disease. As Professor of Neuroanatomy, he taught generations of medical and dental students at the Universities of Alberta and Toronto. Ambidextrous, he was renowned for using two hands to draw both sides of the brain simultaneously on the chalkboard.

Mike loved a great party, travelling, flea markets, desserts, springtime, dogs, a good joke, antique collecting, and planting annuals everywhere. He hated being late, most vegetables, autumn, throwing things out, and the thought of being infirm, so we are grateful that he was able to live so much of his life on his own terms.

Mostly he was immensely proud and supportive of his girls, their husbands, his grandkids and great grandkids. He loved being Gramps and Uncle Mike.

Thanks to his supportive team over the years including Drs. Erin Bearss, Melissa Melnitzer, and Ron Taylor; and to Fred Taylor, Almaz, Dianne, Naida, Merlina and the extraordinary staff at Hazelton Place Retirement Residence and the Temmy Latner Centre.

Visitation will be held at the Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home, 8088 Yonge St, Thornhill, on Thursday September 15 starting at 12:30 pm with a Service of Remembrance at 2 pm. The service will be live streamed. Masks optional but encouraged.

Internment on Saturday September 17 at 2:30 pm at Dalston Union Cemetery, 1734 Penetanguishene Rd, Barrie.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care or to a charity of your choice.

Condolences can be left on the Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home website at www.kanejerrett-thornhill.ca.

“Let’s go, the day’s half over.”