R.J. (BERT) ANDERSON VE4AP

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R.J. (BERT) ANDERSON VE4AP Passed away peacefully at Deer Lodge Hospital on October 26, 2001 at the age of 93. Bert is survived by his wife Frances; sons, Robert (Gwen) of Selkirk, David (Sharon) of St. Albert, AB, and daughter Gale (Moe) Balcaen of Brandon. He was predeceased by son Keith in 1973. Bert will also be lovingly remembered by grandchildren, Lori (Paul) Rempel of Ashern, Reg (Sandy) of Winnipeg, Darin (Grace) Balcaen of Cranberry Portage, Wayne (Shar) Balcaen of Brandon, and Chris and Erin of St. Albert, AB. Bert also lived to enjoy his great-grandchildren, Scott and Keith Rempel, Ashley and Austin Anderson and Riley and Sawyer Balcaen. Bert has three sisters, Ethel (Harry) Hughes, Mern (Russ) Merritt of B.C., and Net of Winnipeg. He was predeceased by brothers, Roy (Vera), Harley (Vera) and Morley (Maude). Bert was born in 1908 to Mel and Annie, who owned a farm just south of Silverton, Man. As a young man he became interested in radio and things electrical and this became his vocation. He started his first radio and electric repair business in Foxwarren in the 30s. During the war years he was a member of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan as a Radio Technician on Aircraft (Ansons, etc.) at No. 7 AOS Portage (now Southport). He regretted being unable to serve in the regular forces due to having a glass eye. After the war he moved to Brandon and worked in radio repair and eventually opened his own business, Radio Clinic. In the early 60s, he moved to Winnipeg and worked for several radio, T.V. and electronic businesses before retiring to his hobby. Amateur Radio (hamming) was an all consuming passion and joy to Bert. He was licensed as VE4AP in 1932. He saw and did all from spark gap to space and Internet technology with enthusiasm. He was honoured with a life membership in the Winnipeg Amateur Radio Club, Manitoba Ham of the Year, and Canadian Amateur of the year in 1981. Bert was also a life member of the Manitoba Amateur Radio Museum at Austin. He was proud that son Robert (VE4AU), daughter Gale (VE4GAL) and son-in-law Moe (VE4MOE) followed him in the hobby. Happily, Bert and Frances celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary together on October 24. Our family appreciates the care and comfort the staff at Kildonan Personal Care Centre gave Bert during his six year residence. He never lost his great sense of humour, and we hope the staff appreciated it. The staff at the home was tolerant of his mini work shop in his room and encouraged his efforts to be busy and productive. Thanks to all of you. Family service and cremation have taken place. In honour of Bert, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 301- 352 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2H6. Arrangements entrusted to Klassen Funeral Chapel, 338-0331.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 31, 2001