William Herbert (Bert) Wilson was born in Moira, Northern Ireland on October 9th, 1934. He passed away peacefully at his home in Barrie, Ontario on Sunday, January 29th, 2023 with family and kind caregivers by his side.
Bert was the youngest of nine children - five brothers and three sisters. His mother died when he was a young child, so the sibling bond was strong, and they looked out for one another. At age 18, he left his homeland and boarded The Canberra Ship to Quebec City for his new life in Canada where he travelled to London.
He began working at Sun Oil (Sunoco) in Sarnia where his life took an unexpected turn when he met the President of the company who quickly realized his potential and encouraged him to go to University. Bert graduated from Western University with a degree in Chemistry and subsequently earned a Master of Education in 1977.
He was a proud member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, and it was during this time that he met the love of his life, Marion Keane. When Marion happened to answer the door one evening at the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority House, Bert said it was the luckiest day of his life. Bert and Marion celebrated 61 years of marriage last year.
Bert enjoyed a successful 33 year career teaching high school science for the London Board of Education. He was a committed track and field coach, an outdoor education specialist, the author of an outdoor education resource guide, a leader in professional development and the ultimate social convenor. The annual family Christmas parties he organized for the staff at A.B. Lucas were legendary.
Bert jumped at the opportunity to take his family to Australia on a teaching exchange. His interest in the outdoors grew into a life-long passion. Upon his return he initiated new programs into the curriculum that benefitted hundreds of grade 10 students who will always remember the unique opportunity to participate in outdoor education camping trips at Cypress and Bark Lakes.
Bert lived life to the fullest. His passions were sailing, golfing, woodworking and exploring the great outdoors. A hobby man at heart, he also enjoyed numerous other pastimes.
Bert was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and his family was the centre of his world. He leaves behind the love of his life, Marion, his children, Catherine (Anthony) D’Angelo, Jennifer (Jason) O’Neill, his daughter in-law Marie Walker, and his eight wonderful grandchildren, Emily, Lauren, Naomi, Wilson, Rosie, Maeve, Alexander and Sofia. He is now reunited with his beloved son John and we like to imagine they are enjoying the ultimate heavenly golf game and a cold beer.
Bert loved life and all that life offered. He had long-standing friendships through every stage of his life. Everyone appreciated his sense of humour, his kindness and his ability to engage anyone in a lively conversation.
Bert’s resilience, determination and optimism through his health challenges resulting from his stroke and his recent cancer diagnosis demonstrated his unwavering grace and grit.
Bert will be deeply missed by his family and friends, but his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched. We will always cherish the beautiful memories we have of him.
Thank you to the staff and caregivers at the Waterford Retirement Residence, Home Instead, Dr. Stu Murdoch and the healthcare professionals at RVH. In lieu of flowers, if friends would like, donations can be made on behalf of Bert to RVH’s Stroke and Rehab Unit, RVH’s Cancer Care Centre www.rvhinmemory.ca or Parkwood Institute (Stroke and Rehab Unit) in London. https://www.sjhc.london.on.ca/ways-to-give/donate-commemorative
A private family service will be held to honour Bert on February 18th and A Celebration of Life will follow in August.
Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family through adamsfuneralhome.ca