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BART GILBERT (JOHN)(BARTHOLOMEW)
Born: Aug 23, 1959
Date of Passing: Apr 03, 2020
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BART GILBERT
August 23, 1959 – April 3, 2020
Bart is survived by his partner Brenda Skulason and her family; his sons, Matthew and Cameron Gilbert and their mother Christine Martin; his mother Nancy Gilbert; his sisters, Victoria and Sarah Gilbert and predeceased by his father, John Stout Gilbert.
An Applications Specialist in mining ventilation, Bart spent his career working with industry clients and engineers to determine how to best build the giant fans needed for mines.
As a child, Bart loved to read about how things work. This reading, along with visits to the U-505-German submarine and trips down into the realistic coal mine at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago fueled his curiosity, and perhaps shaped his approach to the world.
His first job in heavy equipment was in the shipping department at Winnipeg's Kipp-Kelly, followed by different roles at New Flyer Industries and Motor Coach Industries. In 1986, he began at Alphair Ventilating Systems Inc., where he was first a salesperson and then head of sales. Bart had an almost all-consuming appetite for technical problem solving and worked at Alphair for 28 years. In 2014 he went to Advanced Fan Systems and then ACI Howden.
Although Bart was self-taught rather than a licensed engineer, he became a sought-after expert in mining ventilation and was invited to speak at conferences in Montreal, Dubai and Sudbury, among other places.
In addition to technical material, Bart devoured history, political news, thrillers, and science fiction. At the time of his final illness, he was reading four books at once. Long before the internet, he indulged his passion for facts by spending a number of early pay cheques on his own set of Encyclopedia Britannica.
While working at Kipp-Kelly, he met Christine Martin. Together they had two sons, Matthew and Cameron, who inherited a love of books and learning from their parents.
An appreciator of fine food and drink, Bart was also an inspired and adventurous chef. He was always eager to tackle ambitious cooking projects and excited to share new and unfamiliar foods with his family.
A self-confessed workaholic, Bart was on the job seven days a week for most of his career. However, before his sudden illness, he had begun to contemplate retirement with his partner, Brenda. They had enjoyed trips to Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Spain, Greece and South America in recent years, as well as time with their beloved cats and dogs at home in Camp Morton, Manitoba, a peaceful spot near the shore of Lake Winnipeg.
Born in Lafayette, Indiana, Bart grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At the age of 18 he moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba with his family. He lived in Camp Morton for the past 10 years.
When normal life resumes, we plan to hold a gathering to share memories of Bart.
If you would like to celebrate his life, donations may be made to D'Arcy's Animal Rescue Centre or the United Way Winnipeg.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 11, 2020
Condolences & Memories (17 entries)
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Still missing our random chats one year later. I admired your intellect, wit, devotion to education and deep curiosity. Thank you for being my friend. Without your encouragement and acceptance of my curiosity and personality, I wouldn't be who I am today. - Posted by: Dave Routhier (Friend/co-worker) on: Apr 07, 2021
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I never knew Barr past our early childhood years, so my memory of him is of a bright, adventurous, handsome boy, one time as a pirate complete with eye patch appearing at our front door early one morning asking us to play. Our families were friends, I remember the cooking in his mother's kitchen, the infant PBS Sesame Street on the portable tv, and enacting the tale of the golden goose in their living room. The family was enlightened and artistic and kind. Sponge painted patterns up the stairway walls and listening to the Beatles in an upstairs bedroom with his sister, and birthday sleepover parties in a backyard tent with his sister Victoria, my classmate. I just wanted to share this snapshot of memories for his family to have this glimpse of the boy I knew. - Posted by: Susan Volz (Childhood friend ) on: Mar 07, 2021
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I was so sorry to hear of Bart’s passing. I met him and his family soon after they arrived in Winnipeg, and he touched my heart with his smile, sense of humour and intelligence. My deepest condolences to Nancy, Victoria and Sarah as well as to the people he loved after our paths separated. - Posted by: Luci Grechen (Friend) on: Oct 08, 2020
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I first met Bart in 1997 while working at the Goderich Salt Mine. He (Alphair) supplied our new fans in our ventilation upgrade. We became friends and whenever I had a ventilation issue, there was only one person I called - Bart. Of all the people I have dealt with, Bart was the one that I could always count on to give me the right information, even if it was not what I wanted to hear. He was a true professional. My sincerest condolences to the family. RIP my friend! - Posted by: Bruce Gartshore (Friend and professional relationship at Goderich Salt Mibe) on: May 26, 2020
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My condolences to everyone's loss. Bart was a TRUE friend and a well respected person. He taught me and my coworkers here at ICSI what ventilation was all about. We knew that we could count on Bart to assist in any way he could. An expert in every way. Bart, we miss you. May you rest in peace. Michael - Posted by: Michael Irvin (business associate) on: May 01, 2020
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My condolences to Bart's family and friends. He will certainly be missed by many. He never hesitated to help new professionals in the ventilation field like myself. I would not be where I am today without his guidance. - Posted by: Daniel Bury (Industry acquaintance) on: Apr 17, 2020
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My deepest condolences to Brenda and Bart's family. Bart had a great sense of humor. - Posted by: Zack (Colleague) on: Apr 16, 2020
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Hello Brenda and family, I have only know Bart for about 10 years but felt immediately after meeting him a kindred soul. Bart shared many values that I respected. Continuous learning, self humility, work ethic, service before self and just getting stuff done. I was taken back with him reaching out to me while in the hospital. I had two phone calls on my cell on the weekend. It was not a shock to me, since Bart would call anytime - and I always relished the call. I would do anything for Bart. He had that special touch and cared for everything that I cared for. After calling him back from Mexico, he gave me the news that his life was coming to an end. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to tell him how much I cared and loved him. I miss him more than he could ever understand but I'm so happy I met him when I did. - Posted by: Michael Gribbons (Friend) on: Apr 16, 2020
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Paula and I were sad to hear that Bart had died suddenly. I had the pleasure of working with Bart many years ago at Alphair in Winnipeg. He was a terrific associate who had tremendous energy and passion for his work. I had the pleasure of seeing Bart at the 2019 Montreal Mining conference and he told me that he was spending more time relaxing and enjoying vacation trips. To Brenda hold onto these memories. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers Danny & Paula McKinnon - Posted by: Danny McKinnon (Former Co-worker) on: Apr 15, 2020
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We'll miss Bart as much as he enjoyed food and cooking, beverage alcohol, and cigarettes. It was always fun with Bart around, he spoke his mind and loved to discuss any issue. Our condolences to Brenda and Bart's family. - Posted by: Jim Crawford (Friend) on: Apr 15, 2020
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Dear Brenda, Please accept my sincere condolences to you and your family. - Posted by: Janice Chase (Friend) on: Apr 14, 2020
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My deepest condolences and sympathies go out to Brenda and Bart's family - so very sad to read of Bart's passing. I first met Bart whilst working on a Project in Saskatchewan but soon found out Bart had involvement on almost every mine I had ever worked on or even heard of in Canada and the US and we could talk about people and projects around the world and it was almost certain he had some connection. We had some great discussions about the industry and also about travel and food and adventure. He was a great individual, always kind and sincere with an unforgettable laugh. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. - Posted by: Monica Bernard (Friend and Colleague) on: Apr 13, 2020
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It is with great sadness to learn of Bart's passing, I will miss his silly laugh. My condolences to you Brenda and his family. - Posted by: Patrick Mercier (Co-Worker) on: Apr 11, 2020
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Bart was a short-term acquantance because of distance (we live in Calgary) I respected Bart for his knowledge. He was a fact finder. He startled me with his ability in Trivia Pursuit. His collection of facts was inspiring. I enjoyed his sense of humour.. All my memories will be gracious. - Posted by: Al Connelly (I am Colleen (Christine's sister) husband) on: Apr 11, 2020
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My sympathy to the family. Bart was a great friend of my late husband Bob Wetherall from Motor Coach. - Posted by: Tamara Wetherall (Old friend) on: Apr 11, 2020
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My deepest condolences to the family. Bart was one of a kind and will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Cheryl (Raccoon Lady) (Friend) on: Apr 11, 2020
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It is with sadness that I read of Bart's passing. I worked with Bart at Kipp Kelly many years ago and have very fond memories of Bart and Christine. His sense of humor is what endeared me to him. They were the fun times full of special memories. Heartfelt sympathy to his family. Valerie Boddis (McCurdy) - Posted by: Valerie Boddis (Friend and co-worker) on: Apr 11, 2020