HERBERT (BERT) ALLAN LUCKHURST

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HERBERT (BERT) ALLAN LUCKHURST September 29, 1923 - July 21, 2011 After a long illness, Bert passed away peacefully at his residence, Misericordia Place. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Dora, in August 2010 after 62 wonderful years of marriage. Bert is survived by their three children, Laurie Allen (Michel Monnin), Pamela (Dennis Martin) and Neil (Sylvie Cartier). He was blessed with seven grandchildren, Julia Allen (Scott Moore), Leah and Lewis Allen, Eric and Patrick Martin and Jean-Philippe and Daniel Luckhurst-Cartier. He had one great-grandson, Cole Moore. Sadly, Bert was predeceased by his grandson Dominic Luckhurst-Cartier in 2008. Bert is also survived by his older brother Bill, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Frances and Gordon Lee and his brother-in-law Jack Morgan, as well as many nieces and nephews. Bert grew up in Winnipeg on Brock Street, which in the 1920s was the countryside. He and his family spent many happy summers at the family cottage at Boundary Park. While a teenager, he met Dora there. Eventually, their own young family spent summers at Boundary Park until the mid-1960s. Then, Bert and Dora discovered Lake of the Woods. They built a lovely cottage on St. Helena Island in the early 1970s. Family life included picnics and bonfires, many ski trips, boating adventures and water skiing. Bert was supportive of all we children's endeavours. From him we learned we could do anything we set our minds to. Bert obtained his Bachelor Commerce from the University of Manitoba in 1946. He joined the Manitoba civil service and became a Director in the Department of Industry and Commerce. He then moved to the business world, working first as the manager of Pioneer Electric's Brandon operation and then manager of McLean Machinery in Winnipeg. For the majority of his career, he was self-employed as a business consultant with his firm, Resource Developments Ltd. Bert was also involved with volunteer activities. He most enjoyed serving as a director of the Red River Exhibition, as President and Director of the St. Norbert Foundation (now Behavioural Health Centre) and Commodore of the Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club. He also spent many hours coaching hockey and driving kids to football and hockey away games. Bert and Dora had a wonderful life together. They loved their island home and their box car ski chalet at Aggasiz Ski Resort. They traveled extensively and loved tennis, skiing, boating and throwing or attending parties. They had friends of all ages and interests. There was never a dull moment in our family. Over the last few years, Bert's health declined but although his physical health and speech were impaired, his mind was sharp and lively to the end. He loved the iPad and enjoyed nothing more than sitting with Laurie watching videos clips of great-grandson Cole, checking the weather for the cities where his children and grandchildren lived and watching the stock market. His day revolved around his favourite TSN sports channel. Another source of pleasure in his later years were the regular emails he received from family members far and wide. All who encountered Bert during this last phase of his life commented on his wonderful smile. It was the sweetest, most genuine smile and truly lit up the room. He never complained and was always appreciative of all the help he received. We will all miss him. In lieu of flowers, friends are requested to consider a donation to Misericordia Health Centre Foundation, 99 Cornish Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3C 1A2 or Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 256 Smith Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 1K1. Cremation has taken place. There will be a graveside service of interment at Section D-5 Brookside Cemetery, 3001 Notre Dame Avenue, Saturday, July 30 at 10:00 a.m. The service will also include the interment of Dora's ashes alongside Bert's. Should you wish to attend, please gather at the main gate by 9:45 a.m. Thomson Funeral Home 669 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0X4 783-7211 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 26, 2011