We Remember
WEBB, Bert
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Bert Webb passed away peacefully at Kelowna General Hospital on December 27, 2013 at the age of 84. He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years Freda, and three daughters: Debora, husband Terry of Kelowna, Nancy, husband Robert of Chilliwack, and Rebecca, husband David of Kelowna, beloved grand-daughter Katie, step grand-children Brad and Sandy and great step grand-child Ray, as well as, nieces Michelle, Suzanne and Carla Webb. Bert also leaves behind many extended family members in B.C., Ontario, England and Ireland. He was sadly pre-deceased by his parents Edwin and Margaret Webb, his brother Edwin Joseph (EJ) Webb and sister Isabel Quinn.
Bert grew up in Enderby and attended Normal School in Victoria. He later graduated from UBC with a degree in education. He began his teaching career in Keremeos where he met and married his wife Freda. Bert enjoyed a lengthy career in various administrative capacities including principal, supervisor and director of instruction for elementary schools in the Keremeos, Prince George, and Kelowna School Districts. One of the highlights of his career was the three years spent with the Canadian Forces in Germany as Director of Instruction for Department of National Defence schools. Bert will always be remembered for his positive attitude, kind and gentle manner, and passion for teaching. His encouragement had a profound impact on many in the profession.
After retirement in 1984, Bert used his personal experience with ill health as an inspiration to help other cardiac patients, with an emphasis on prevention and education. Bert became involved with the local Heart and Stroke Foundation and went on to sit on the Provincial Board. He worked passionately for the development of the Central Okanagan Association for Cardiac Health (COACH). He recognized the need for information and reassurance for cardiac patients in the Okanagan waiting for surgery in Vancouver, and with the support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation, established an information centre on 2E at KGH. It was subsequently named the ‘Bert Webb Resource Center’ in his honour. Bert also worked tirelessly for the Kelowna Coronary Exercise Society and organized a visitation program for patients at KGH waiting for heart surgery.
On January 27, 2004, Bert suffered a severe stroke while visiting cardiac patients at KGH. With incredible strength and determination, and professional support, he was able to recover sufficiently to return home where he spent the next ten years in the care of his loving family.
Bert enjoyed a variety of hobbies including photography and fishing. He was a member of the Lonely Loons Fly Fishing Club and the Kelowna Naturalist Society and had a long standing interest in the environment. He loved garage sales and bargain hunting, restoring and refinishing old furniture but, most of all, spending time at ‘The Lake’ (his ‘little piece of heaven’) with his family, his dogs and many friends.
Bert was a unique and irreplaceable man. He was deeply loved and will not be forgotten.
Thank you to Dr. Mackle, Dr. McCauley and the staff on the 5th floor at KGH. Another very special thank you to care aide, Violet Faasse.
A Memorial Reception will be held on January 4, 2014 at Springfield Funeral Home between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. Please drop in and share your memories an opportunity for an open mic will be given at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the B.C. Heart and Stroke Foundation or the BC Cancer Agency Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins Centre for the Southern Interior.
For those wishing to send a condolence, photos or share memories, may do so by scrolling down this page to the area called “Share Your Condolences”.
Service
Saturday, January 4, 2014 from 2 - 4 pm
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
Share with Others:
B.C. Heart and Stroke Foundation or the BC Cancer Agency Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins Centre for the Southern Interior, #4 – 1551 Sutherland Ave., Kelowna, BC V1Y 9M9
Service Information
Service Details
The service for WEBB, Bert is scheduled for Saturday, January 4, 2014 from 2 - 4 pm . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Springfield Funeral Home
2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Freda and family,
Our thoughts are with you today and always. As you mentioned in your obituary Bert will always be remembered for his positive attitude, kind and gentle manner, and passion for teaching. His encouragement and leadership had a profound impact on teachers and the quality of education provided not only in the school districts he worked in but all the school districts in BC. From our perspective Bert was the best, most sensible and constructive administrator we have had the privilege of knowing. Like you we were fortunate to know such a fine and honourable gentleman. We will all miss Bert. Stay strong and remember that so long as Bert stays in our memories, he will be with us.
I was saddened to learn of Bert’s passing. On Apr. 1, 1980, Bert interviewed me in Vancouver for a teaching position in School District 23. That interview led to a 32 year career in SD23 as a teacher, vice-principal, and principal. I will be forever grateful to Bert for his role in making that possible.
With deepest condolences and my heartfelt sympathy to all the Webb family.
I hope it comforts you to know that your grief is shared by all of us who knew Bert. He was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed.
Dear Debora & Family – so very sorry to hear of your loss. I hope all the wonderful memories you have of your dad will help you through this sad time. Sending hugs your way,
Diane Greer
My sincere condolences to you and your family, Deb. Although I never had the privilege of meeting your Dad I do know through our discussions just what a family and community minded person he was. He will be dearly missed. May knowing the “footprint” he left, be the memories that help your family through this difficult time. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Marion
I was sorry to hear of Burt’s passing. He was a gentleman in all ways and respected but all who knew him. He will be missed.
Lynne Deacon
To Freida & family, we share our deepest condolences at Bert’s passing. He will be greatly missed by all his former colleagues and his many friends who respected and valued his leadership and friendship over the years.
I am saddened to read of Bert’s passing. We were colleagues on the Heart and Stroke Foundation Board and various committees for several years, and he was a tremendously dedicated volunteer. He also had an amazing sense of humour and together we did several admirable stints at the HSF Volunteer Conference, as “Bert and Ernie”, “Popeye and Olive Oyl” and “Cats”. My sincere condolences to Freda and all of the family. Bert was a wonderful man and left a meaningful legacy for heart patients in Kelowna and everywhere. Sincerely, Carol Jillings
To Nancy, Debora and Rebecca
Your father was such a huge presence in your lives so I know that the days ahead of adjusting to the hole his passing leaves will be difficult. May you be comforted by the knowledge that he loved you all with his whole being. Each one of you has been given the gift he modelled and it will give you strength to carry on that most precious legacy. Thinking of you and your mom with lots of love.
Pat McKimmon
Dear Freda, Debora, Nancy and Rebecca, We are sorry to hear of Bert’s passing. We have many fond memories of Bert from years ago. I always smile remembering how he and my dad (his brother EJ) called each other “Sam.”
I see that bargain hunting and garage sales are still a common theme in the Webb family.
Debora, Nancy and Rebecca I know you will cherish the time you had with your father who lived a long rich life. Blessings Carla, Michele, Suzanne, Jennifer and Joyce
Debora, so sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you.
Sorry to hear of your loss, Debora.
Thinking of you.
Rebecca and family,
Although I only met your dad a couple of times when he came in to see you and/or Katie, I know he was a very precious part of your family. Please know my thoughts are with you all during this very difficult time.
I was saddened to hear of Mr. Webb’s passing. He interviewed me for a job in 1973 and I got to know and respect him as well as working with two of his daughters during my years in School District #23. He will be missed by all of the people he met, encouraged and inspired during his time in Kelowna. I wish that I could be there to attend his memorial but am away from Kelowna.
Nancy, and family, you are held in my thoughts and prayers in this tough time.
Dear Nancy & family,
Cherish your memories; our hearts go out to you; our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely
Roy & Roz Francis
Our condolences to the Webb Family. Bert’s passing makes me realize the contributions he made to Education as well as Health. He was an inspiration and left our world a better place. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Carol
To the Webb Family- my sincere condolences to you all , as well as to close friends, as Bert touched many people, not only in his private life but in his career and volunteer time. Both in his work in education and with the associations for cardiac changes and improvements, our paths crossed over the years. His sincerity and caring for others is remembered , from the time he interviewed and hired me into the School District in the 70’s.
There are many memories to be shared.
Please be comforted as time goes on knowing Bert’s life touched so many and will continue to do so.
Sincerely, Ann Haymond Hill