Dec 1, 1935 - Nov 19, 2017
"Bert" Albert Lee Bartel, born December 1, 1935, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2017 after living with Parkinson's Disease for over 16 years.
Bert was born on a farm in Ste Anne, Manitoba to Agnes Penner and Ben Bartel. He was the 5th child of 10 children in a Holdeman Mennonite family. He left school early and bought his first new car by age 18 and first farm by 25.
Bert met Louise Toews through friends and they married May 7, 1960. They lived in St Vital Manitoba and had two children; Patrick in 1961 and Katherine in 1965. Searching for an adventure they moved to rural Abbotsford where they began chicken farming in 1967. Bert had much success as a broiler farmer becoming the President of the BC Chicken Marketing Board for 6 years. This position involved representing the interests of the BC Chicken industry across the country and took him to the GATT talks in Switzerland in 1991. Bert was also very active in community service through the Kiwanis Club and was an avid curler.
In 2000 Bert and Louise retired to their dream home in White Rock overlooking the ocean. Soon after Bert was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease but despite this he was able to enjoy many happy years travelling and enjoying time with his family.
He will be sorely missed by his family Louise, Patrick (Barbara Beach) and grandchildren Julia, Martha, and John as well as Katherine (Don Parkhurst) and grandchildren Maggie and Amelia. He will also be missed by his many siblings, in laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.
A Memorial service will be held at Victory Memorial Park Funeral Centre in Surrey Friday November 24th at 2 pm.
n lieu of flowers the family requests any donations be made to the Parkinson's Society of BC or charity of your choice.
Or buy and enjoy a BC grown chicken.
Condolences may be offered at www.victoryfuneralcentre.ca.
Victory Memorial Park Funeral Centre