ENGELBERTUS (BERT) CORNELIS BAKKER

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ENGELBERTUS (BERT) CORNELIS BAKKER October 5, 1931 - May 7, 2012 Peacefully after a short but courageous battle with cancer, Bert Bakker of St. Andrews, Manitoba, passed away with his wife by his side at the Selkirk and District General Hospital. Bert is survived by his wife Nellie of 54 years, daughter Debbie (Dale) Mayers, sons Albert and Jack (Susan), grandchildren Jennifer, Theresa (Devon) and Billy, whom he all cherished greatly. Bert was born in Noordwykerhout, The Netherlands, the first of nine children born to Engelbertus Johannes and Anna Maria Klara Bakker. He is survived by his family: Dora deVre, John (Mary) Bakker, Riet Meursing, Cecilia Donnelly, Frank Bakker, and Simon (Jo) Bakker. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Wilhelm (Bill) Bakker, and his sister, Anna Clara Mayenburg. Knowing that future opportunities in Holland were limited at the time, and that Canada was looking for immigrants, a young adventurous Bert immigrated on his own to Canada, in 1954. After settling in Winnipeg, Manitoba, he worked in a variety of jobs, including building picture frames, working in a bush camp, constructing roads, delivering milk, and working as a carpenter. He bought his in-laws' mink ranch in St. Andrews in 1966 and operated for eight years until the fur industry declined. Right afterwards, Bert took on another venture and started building his greenhouse business. Together with his wife, they successfully operated Bakker's Greenhouses until 1997 selling bedding plants to local residents. Upon retirement, Bert continued his love for growing flowers and keeping busy. He was not one to sit around and be idle. He had an amazing ability to fix and repair just about anything, as he believed if there was a will, there was a way. He was always doing something, as he often said, I can rest when I am six feet under. Bert's family would like to thank the staff at the Selkirk and District General Hospital for providing excellent care and comfort during his short stay. Prayers and viewing will be held Monday, May 14, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Margaret's Roman Catholic Church, 105 Little Britain Road, Lockport, Manitoba. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 15 at 10:00 a.m. also at St. Margaret's Church. Interment will follow at Glen Eden Cemetery, 4477 Main Street, West St. Paul, Manitoba. A luncheon will follow at Little Britain Hall, Little Britain Road, Lockport, Manitoba. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Bert Bakker, to The Palliative Care Program, Selkirk and District General Hospital, 100 Easton Dr., Box 5000, Selkirk, MB R1A 2M2 Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk, MB in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
Publish Date: May 12, 2012

ENGELBERTUS (BERT) CORNELIS BAKKER October 5, 1931 May 7, 2012 Peacefully, after a short but courageous battle with cancer, Bert Bakker of St. Andrews, Manitoba, passed away with his wife by his side at the Selkirk and District General Hospital. Prayers and viewing will be held Monday, May 14, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Margaret's Roman Catholic Church, 105 Little Britain Road, Lockport, Manitoba. Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, May 15 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Margaret's Church. Interment will follow at Glen Eden cemetery, 4477 Main Street, West St. Paul, Manitoba. A luncheon will follow at Little Britain Hall, Little Britain Road, Lockport, Manitoba. Full obituary to follow in Saturday's paper. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.
Publish Date: May 9, 2012

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 12, 2012