Albert (Bert) was born on February 19, 1923 in Montreal, Quebec, and passed away peacefully on May 3, 2023 in Ottawa, Ontario, at the ripe age of 100, with his daughter Gerry, and son-in-law Peter by his side. Bert was predeceased by his beloved wife, Peggy, his mother Marie-Anne (nee Nadon), father William Fox, and sister Pearl. He was a devoted husband to Peggy (Margaret), his loving wife of 74 years. Bert was a cherished father to daughters Barbara (Vince), Sheila (Tim), and Geraldine (Peter), and loved by his grandchildren Juanita, Greg, Kelsey, Brady, Shaun, and Mike. He also leaves behind 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
Bert grew up in Montreal, Quebec and had a busy childhood supporting his mother, enjoying close friendships, and becoming very involved with the Boy Scouts.
During the Second World War Bert joined the Canadian Navy, and was trained to work in the boiler and engine rooms, the noise of which caused hearing loss as he aged. He served mainly on the destroyer Restigouche, escorting merchant ship convoys across the North Atlantic. In 1943 while his ship was in refit in England, and Bert and his fellow shipmates were working on a local farm, he met his future wife, Peggy, at a dance. They were engaged within 4 months, and then Bert went back to sea with his ship. After the war was over he returned to Jarrow to marry Peggy, and she joined him in Montreal to begin a new life together.
Bert found work at Northern Electric and stayed employed with them until his retirement. Bert and Peggy had 3 daughters, and raised them in the veteran house they bought in Pointe Claire, Quebec. Because of the positive influence the Boy Scouts organization had on his life as a child, he gave back by becoming a Scout leader, and also made sure his daughters participated in Brownies and Girl Guides.
When they retired, Bert and Peggy found many ways to amuse themselves, particularly with lawn bowling. For several years they became snowbirds, travelling down to Sarasota, Florida for the cold winter months. After moving to Kanata, Ottawa to be near their daughters, they continued their lawn bowling, but also joined a seniors’ centre where they made more friends and enjoyed carpet bowling and bridge. They also joined the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 638, which warmly welcomed them into their supportive community, and where Bert and Peggy could be seen most Fridays enjoying the fish and chips lunch.
Bert was a man capable of great focus and determination. He continued to go to the fitness centre to maintain his strength, until the pandemic closed down the opportunity. He was very devoted to caring for Peggy in her later years, and they seemed to have a language and understanding of their own. He also shared her love of the Catholic church.
A Memorial Service will be celebrated at Beechwood National Memorial Centre 280 Beechwood Avenue, Vanier, Ottawa, Ontario on Tuesday, May 16 at 1pm. The family will receive condolences at 12:30 pm. A small reception will be held after the interment. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, the Canadian Cancer Society, the National Poppy Trust Fund, or a Legion branch.
Sheila, I well remember your parents dancing so enthusiastically at Kelsey and Erica's wedding.
Bert certainly lived a long and productive life and will be missed by so many family and friends.