Bert was born on 11 April 1920 to English migrants. His commitment to the church and his service to the community is truly inspirational. In 1942, Bert was accredited as a Lay Preacher in the Methodist Church, and in September of the same year, he married Joy Finlay in Fremantle Wesley. The marriage lasted an amazing 69 years and 8 months, until Joy passed away in May 2012.
Bert joined the Navy in 1940 and did further training in submarine detection at Flinders in Melbourne and Rushcutters in Sydney, qualifying as an ASDIC operator. He saw active service on a Motor Launch deployed around Bougainville (in the Solomon Islands) during the latter part of the war. Over the years, Bert lived in Northam, Kalgoorlie, Albany, Geraldton and Perth working in management for Lockes furnishers while also holding positions with Sunday School, retiring in 1981.
Retirement enabled Bert to touch the lives of many people through his handyman and woodworking skills. He spent much of his time in his expanding workshop, making cupboards and furniture for family and friends, with proceeds going to the local church. He learnt to turn wood, sculpt and play the organ.
Bert was admired for his Christian values, appreciation for the world around him, courage, perseverance, social responsibility, honesty, loyalty, organisational skills and eagerness to help others. In his later years, Bert was a
member at Trinity North Uniting Church.
He touched many lives and was a role model to many. He never complained and didn’t reveal his feelings much, but loved being involved, supporting and helping family, friends and unknown people. He was a great man with a sense of humour, sociable, generous, cheerful, friendly, but modest, a true Christian gentleman who made a difference and left those who knew him with wonderful memories.
Helen Harmer