Bernt (Bert) Alf Bruvall passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on August 14, 2019. Bert is survived by his wife, of 55 years, Penny (nee Wigle), daughters Lisa (Ed) Smith, Michelyn (Neil) Hagen, grandchildren Samantha (Bryce) Smith, Joshua Smith, Kevin Engel, Shae Hagen, Chantal McGarrity, great grandchildren London Engel, Casey Neimi, Charleigh McGarrity and sister Leon (Ron) Boucha, brother Thomas Bruvall, sisters in law Carol Bruvall-Einarson, Rosslyn Gruner, brothers in law Casey (Laura) Wigle, Rory (Patty) Wigle and many nieces and nephews.
Bert was predeceased by his parents Bernt and Borghild Bruvall, in laws Mac and Glennie Wigle, brother Jack Bruvall, sister in law Susan Bruvall and nephew Keith McKillop.
Bert was born on September 26, 1933 in Kenora, Ontario. Bert’s family moved throughout Northwestern Ontario with the railroad as he grew up, finally settling in Ignace.
Bert joined his father on the Canadian Pacific Railroad at the young at of 14. At 19 Bert joined the Canadian Air Force where he received his Electronic Technical Engineering training. After the Air Force he worked for Trans Canada Pipeline until he retired in 2000, after almost 40 years of service.
In retirement Bert and Penny took trips out west and into the states, however, the years they spent camping at Aaron Park were their favorite making many special memories with family and friends. They shared this love of camping with their grandchildren who were often found camped out with grandma and grandpa.
Bert also joined the “Tim Horton’s Coffee Club” during retirement, where he met special friend Gus Kropf. Bert and Gus spent many days playing crib during his time in the hospital with Bert winning by default in the end as he would fall asleep before the game ended.
Bert was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Family always came first and he loved visits and time spent sharing memories of his childhood and later his antics as a young adult. He recently had a very special visit with his niece, nephew and family, sharing memories of their father and his antics growing up.
Bert took great pride in his grandchildren and was always there to help out whenever needed whether it was building a dog house, borrowing his truck to go “mudding” helping with homework or offering his opinion, wanted or not.
Bert enjoyed his many visits with special friends Isabel, Anna and Roger while in the hospital.
Bert was one of a kind and has left us with “big shoes” to fill. He was loved by many and left us with many special memories. He will be greatly missed.
Special thanks to Dr. Jollymore, the nursing, kitchen and housekeeping staff and roommate Jack at DRHC for your wonderful care and compassion during Bert`s time in the hospital.
As per Bert’s wishes there will be no service, a private interment of ashes will take place at a later date.
If friends desire donations may be made to the Dryden Regional Health Centre Foundation through Stevens Funeral Homes at PO Box 412, Dryden, Ontario P8N 2Z1. Condolences may be posted at www.stevensfuneralhomes.ca
