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BARTHOLEMI (BERT) JOSEPH VANDERSTEEN
Born: Oct 10, 1926
Date of Passing: Jul 01, 2013
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryBARTHOLEMI (BERT) JOSEPH VANDERSTEEN October 10, 1926 - July 1, 2013 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our loving husband, father, grandpa (Papa') and great-grandpa at Fisher Branch Personal Care Home with family by his side, at the age of 86. Cherishing his memory, his loving wife of 62 years, Lea; his children Linda (Les), Sharon (Mike), Carol (Melvin), Gail (Gary), Glenda (Greg), Connie (Dennis), David (Tania) and Debbie (Merv); 21 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; 11 siblings and their spouses as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Josephine and John VanDerSteen, brothers and sisters-in-law, as well as three beloved grandchildren in infancy, Carrie Bilinski, Garrett Kochan and Caleb Shaw. Born in Fisher Branch, MB, he was the third of 12 children. Growing up in the 1930s with such a large family not only instilled a hard work ethic in Bert, but a love for time with family of all ages. Family gatherings were treasured times with cards being played, snowmobile rides, bonfires and fishing trips. His life included many jobs and ventures including selling Watkins, cutting wood with his brother Bill, construction up north in Churchill, owning and operating B & L Feeds and running a family farm. He was the Reeve of Fisher Branch for nine years and worked as a Trustee with the local School Board as education and contributing to his town were passions of his for many years. He was very instrumental in making a school bus a reality for the students in the Fisher Branch area as well as the town's dream for a personal care home and chalet. Dad was often described as a "pillar" of the community and his whole family. He always led by example with his kind and gentle ways, always standing up for what he believed in and working well with others to make big things happen! He was well respected in his community and will be lovingly remembered by all. A celebration of his life will take place on Thursday, July 11, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the Fisher Branch Community Hall. Private family interment at a later date. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the doctors and nursing staff at Percy E. Moore Hospital. Special thanks to all the staff at the Fisher Branch Personal Care Home who treated Dad and our whole family with respect and care to the very last moment. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dad's memory to the Fisher Branch Personal Care Home Inc. FISHER FUNERAL HOME INC. In care of arrangements. Fisher Branch, MB 204-372-6271 or 204-372-6803
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 06, 2013
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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I still can't believe you're gone but u are safe and out of pain!! I love you so much, as I lay here with grandma I pray u will do the same as I asked of her, watch over Austin and I and be my angel!! Rip my beautiful papa till we meet again watch over me!! - Posted by: Bekah (Granddaughter ) on: Jul 12, 2013
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It was so nice having uncle Bert being my bus driver during his bus driving days for the school years. It gave me a warm feeling knowing that family was always there even on my way to school. Rest in peace uncle. Condolences to the family. - Posted by: Susan pickett ( Letexier ) (Niece) on: Jul 12, 2013
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So sorry, our sincere sympathy to the entire family...we will miss his smile and friendly hello, and conversations when we were at the PCH to see my Mom...he will be missed by many - Posted by: Eileen and Rick Stapleton (Friends ) on: Jul 11, 2013
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Dear Lea and family. Sorry that we cannot be with you today. Sincere condolences and loving thoughts to all. - Posted by: Helene & Guy Masson (Family) on: Jul 11, 2013
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My sympathies for your loss. I will always remember Bert as a soft spoken gentleman who loved his community and his family. I cannot think of one person who did not like or respect him, and that is perhaps the greatest tribute to someone...to be remembered so well. My prayers for you at this sad and difficult time. - Posted by: Laurie Clark (Wevursky) (friend) on: Jul 09, 2013
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My deepest sympathies to the family. I remember as a teenager working for Bert during hay season and he always treated me with a soft demeanor. RIP, Bert...your work on earth is done with great success! - Posted by: Roger Meilleur () on: Jul 09, 2013
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My condolences to Linda, Carol and the rest of the Vandersteen family. Growing up in Fisher Branch and going to school with Linda and Carol, I remember their Dad as a gentle, soft spoken man who loved his family. May warm memories help comfort you now. - Posted by: Laurette (Bernier) Truszynski () on: Jul 09, 2013
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condolences to Lea & family hard to believe that Bert is gone i remember him as a big strong man always with a welcoming smile from us both he will be remembered - Posted by: armand & germaine Labrecque (cousins) on: Jul 09, 2013
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He was a special man. I will always have fond memories of his beautiful smile. My condolences to all his family. - Posted by: Jack and Jacquie puranen (Friend) on: Jul 07, 2013
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My sincere sympathy to Bert's family and to each of his brothers and sisters. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Sister Florence Caners. - Posted by: Sister Florence Caners (relative) on: Jul 06, 2013
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Deepest sympathy to Lea and family. I enjoyed my visits with Bert at the PCH. Saw him most every day. I remember when Ed and I traveled to Van. for a school board convention with Bert and Lea. We had a lot of fun and laughs. Rest in peace Bert the world is a better place for having had you in it. - Posted by: Diane Senkow (Friend) on: Jul 06, 2013
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Our sincere condolences to the family. Our hearts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. - Posted by: Ralph & Pat Tanchak () on: Jul 06, 2013