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BERT SIEMENS
1956 - 2022
Bike commuter, blood donor, bread baker, church goer, dumpster diver, gardener, listener, observer, scientist, social democrat, tree trimmer, VW lover.
Born a month prematurely in Goodsoil, SK on a cold January day, Albert (Bert) John Siemens left us decades too early when he died near Bird's Hill, MB at age 66 while riding his bicycle with friends.
He was the third child and second son in a family of six. During his childhood, his family lived in Ransom, Kan., Etna Green, Ind., Surrey, B.C., and the Saskatchewan communities of Watrous, Langham, and Wymark.
He attended high school and Bible school in Saskatchewan and then moved to Markham, Ill. to serve with Mennonite Voluntary Service. He attended Canadian Mennonite University for a year before studying agriculture at the University of Manitoba, graduating in 1986 with a master's degree in plant science.
He started his agricultural research career at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Station in Morden. After his marriage to Brenda Suderman in 1991, Bert moved to Winnipeg, where they lived in the Wolseley neighbourhood for 31 years.
He spent the bulk of his career at the Grain Research Lab of the Canadian Grain Commission, working in the malting barley and wheat programs before moving to the field of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR). Bert learned the work from agricultural NIR pioneer Phil Williams, and then went on to mentor others, creating novel testing methods for the industry, which saved time and resources. He was known by oilseed farmers across the country for his coordination of the annual harvest survey for oilseeds and he served on the Prairie Recommending Committee for Oilseeds, which approved new varieties of canola, mustard, and flax.
In retirement, which began just days before his 66th birthday, he took a four-month continuing education course to qualify as an arborist. In spring, he pruned several hedges for his neighbours with promises to do more next year. Usually a rule follower, he had plans for guerrilla pruning in his neighbourhood, plotting which boulevard trees and hedges he would trim with his new skills and equipment.
Bert was a member of the NDP for four decades, giving both time and money to the cause of social democracy. He ran in the 1990 provincial election in the Pembina constituency, where he improved the NDP's popular vote even though he finished last.
He believed in the power of people to do good, and contributed where he could, achieving 206 blood donations, volunteering with Wolseley Residents Association, Canadian Blood Services, and the community outreach program at Home Street Mennonite Church.
Bert was a self-described nerd, with a big smile and infectious laugh. He loved being a dad to his two children and together they played board games, rode their bikes, discussed politics, and fixed stuff. He built a little library with his son David and a year later, they built a bigger and better one after the first one was destroyed by arson. He was an avid gardener and baker, sharing the harvest and distributing his famous peppernut cookies each Christmas.
He was happiest behind the wheel of his 1985 VW Westfalia camper van, logging in 150,000 km over 21 years. He knew the quirks of this vintage vehicle and never faltered when a long queue of cars trailed behind him as he chugged up hills well below speed limit.
He is survived by his wife Brenda Suderman, children Hillary and David, brother Len, sisters Marian and Esther (Henry, Scott, Rebecca Janzen). Also mourning his passing are parents-in-law Peter L. and Magdalena Suderman, brother-in-law Lyle Suderman (Carol, Kara, and Nicole), and sister-in-law Beverly Suderman-Gladwell (Geoffrey, Nathan, and Asa). He was predeceased by his parents Ruben and Tina Siemens of Rosthern, SK.
A memorial service will take place at 4 p.m., Saturday, September 24 at Home Street Mennonite Church, 318 Home St., Winnipeg with livestream at https://youtu.be/YieKVXODmPQ In Bert's memory, donations can be made to the church's community outreach fund by e-transfer to donate@hsmc.ca. If you are able, consider donating a unit of blood to Canadian Blood Services in honour of Bert.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 24, 2022
Condolences & Memories (23 entries)
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Bert was always a fun guy to be around. I really enjoyed the all times we had together. After v.s. I went to see him twice, once in Swft Current and the other time in Morden. I was amazed to see that he had trained his cat to jump a hoop. I had been recently thinking that I would like to travel back to Canada to see him again some time. So I am shocked and saddened by his passing. My deepest sympathy to his family. John Janzen - Posted by: John Janzen (Friend from V.S. days in Markham Ill.) on: Nov 26, 2022
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Bert was one of the nicest people I have ever had the privilege of knowing! I work in the NIR world and he was so patient with me. He taught me so much about the technology and the impacts it has on research and industry. Every time I would go to Winnipeg we would sit in his office or go down for a coffee! We would chat for hours! He has made a huge impact on my life and I will miss him! - Posted by: John Folino (Friend) on: Oct 31, 2022
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Deepest sympathy to the SIEMENS Family. I worked along side Bert at the CGC, and over many years we were regular Breakfast and Coffee partners. I always enjoyed Bert's friendly conversation and broad field of knowledge. We had met for coffee once since his retirement and were looking forward to many more get to-gathers. I was very sorry to receive the sad news. God Bless, Len - Posted by: Len Alexiuk (Friend nad co-worker) on: Sep 30, 2022
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My deepest sympathies to you Brenda, and your children on the tragic death of your beloved husband and father. I’m so sorry I never had the chance to meet Bert, except through this achingly beautiful and loving obituary. He sounds so fun, and special, and just a wonderful person to be around. It’s easy to see why so many people are so grateful he was a part of their lives. I hope this outpouring of love will continue to support you in the weeks and months ahead. Bert leaves a rich and loving legacy in you and your kids and everyone who knew him. May his memory be a blessing. I’m holding you in my heart. Deepest sympathies and much love, Cathy Alex - Posted by: Cathy Alex (Friend ) on: Sep 30, 2022
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My deepest sympathies to you Brenda, and your children on the tragic death of your beloved husband and father. I’m so sorry I never had the chance to meet Bert, except through this achingly beautiful and loving obituary. He sounds so fun, and special, and just a wonderful person to be around. It’s easy to see why so many people are so grateful he was a part of their lives. I hope this outpouring of love will continue to support you in the weeks and months ahead. Bert leaves a rich and loving legacy in you and your kids and everyone who knew him. May his memory be a blessing. I’m holding you in my heart. Deepest sympathies and much love, Cathy Alex - Posted by: Cathy Alex (Friend ) on: Sep 30, 2022
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I am so sorry we couldn’t do anymore to save your life that day. My husband and I tried very best to get help as fast as we could. We rode to the spot last night and said a prayer. - Posted by: Nancy Kroupa (Rider) on: Sep 28, 2022
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My deepest sympathy to the family. Bert was indeed a gentle person. He will surely be missed. - Posted by: Michelle Gratton (Former coworker) on: Sep 27, 2022
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Grateful to have worked with Bert at the Canadian Grain Commission since 2010. He was an inspiration and sowed many seeds of kindness and action in this world. As a fellow cyclist and scientist, he was a kindred spirit. Our warmest thoughts and prayers are with anyone who knew him. May he Rest in Peace. - Posted by: Michelle & Craig Holigroski (co-worker and friend) on: Sep 27, 2022
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Our deepest condolences to Brenda and family. Such a loss for you and all of us. We got to know Bert through Covenant Church in Winkler in the 1990s when he was still single. We enjoyed and appreciated his presence there. We were also among his supporters during the Manitoba election when Bert ran as an NDP, and fondly remember the fun we had "celebrating" with him that night of his "win". - Posted by: Mary Anne and Brian Hildebrand (Friends) on: Sep 26, 2022
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I new Bert from the U of Wpg, the Student Christian Movement, the NDP. His dedication to social justice and the social democratic tradition were inspirational. May you enjoy the fruits of kingdom of heaven that you have worked so hard for Bert. - Posted by: Jim Vickers (Friend from University) on: Sep 26, 2022
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I worked at the Grain Research Lab for 33 years and often ran into Bert in the hallway or in my lab or his. We always stopped for a quick chat and exchange of good wishes. Bert was always in a Zen like state of calm, cool, and collected. I always felt better after our usually daily encounter. Bert was taken from us way to early. Rest In Peace my friend. (Don Gaba, Coworker and friend) - Posted by: Don Gaba (Former Coworker ) on: Sep 25, 2022
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I worked at the Grain Research Lab for 33 years and often ran into Bert in the hallway or in my lab or his. We always stopped for a quick chat and exchange of good wishes. Bert was always in a Zen like state of calm, cool, and collected. I always felt better after our usually daily encounter. Bert was taken from us way to early. Rest In Peace my friend. (Don Gaba, Coworker and friend) - Posted by: Don Gaba (Former Coworker ) on: Sep 25, 2022
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My condolences to the family. Bert was a wonderful co-worker and friend. Enjoyed working and doing coffee with him and chatting about events. Always ready with a big smile. - Posted by: garth paulley (co-worker) on: Sep 25, 2022
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To Brenda & family and to Bert's siblings, Please accept my deepest condolences. That is a beautiful obituary, and the memorial was very nice. I learned a lot of new things about Bert and his passions. I am a first cousin to Bert's father, but Bert and I are very close in age. If Bert had been born closer to his due date, we might have shared a birthday. It was always good to see the Ruben Siemens family when they would visit or attend family reunions. I know that Bert will be missed by many. He has left a wonderful legacy. Sending love & hugs. - Posted by: Linda Rosluk (Cousin to Ruben S.) on: Sep 25, 2022
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I am so shocked and saddened to learn of Bert’s passing. My heart goes out Brenda, her children, all the family and all those who knew him. - Posted by: Lorraine Stevenson (Friend ) on: Sep 24, 2022
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I am so sad for Brenda and her family. A great loss for them, and also for the neighbourhood and beyond. A caring, kind, good-humoured and intelligent man, he is gone far too soon. My deepest condolences. - Posted by: Margo Goodhand (Friend/neighbour) on: Sep 24, 2022
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Brenda and family My deepest condolences on the sudden death or your dear husband and father Bert. You are in my heart and in my prayers as you grieve your great loss. Linda Whitford - Posted by: Linda Whitford (Quilting friend to Brenda) on: Sep 24, 2022
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I only met Bert once, but have heard stories of Bert from my friends Marian and Len for over 20 years, so I felt I knew him somewhat. But that said, I only knew about the brother, not the volunteer, social democrat, nor the scientist. What a great loss to the world. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Barb Shawcross (Friend of family) on: Sep 24, 2022
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I remember many holiday visits with Bert and the cousins. Always a good time playing games. Sorry I didnt know you better as an adult. You will be missed. - Posted by: Timothy Kreiter (Cousin) on: Sep 24, 2022
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Dear Brenda & family, we were and are saddened about your loss of Bert, your husband & father. We are sending you our condolences, prayers and blessings today. God bless🙏 - Posted by: Sandi Mills & Bill Mills (Cousin to Brenda ) on: Sep 24, 2022
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Bert was a gentle spirit with a profound impact. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Ens Vivian (Cousin -in-law) on: Sep 24, 2022
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Our condolences on this shocking and sudden loss. I cherish memories of Bert as a gentle and caring friend, not just to me and fellow church members, but also to the street folks who were part of the Third Usher coffee and breakfast time. Bert had a non-threatening way of asking probing questions. May your many good memories be a further resource to you during this dark time. - Posted by: Ken Bechtel (Former pastor and friend) on: Sep 24, 2022
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What a beautiful honouring of such a kind soul. Thinking of you all today and will be with you online . - Posted by: Flori Ens (First Cousin (through marriage )) on: Sep 24, 2022
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