Albert William "Bert" BRIDGEWATER

BRIDGEWATER, Albert William "Bert"
October 7, 1914 – November 2, 2016
After a long and full life and just a few weeks after his 102nd birthday, Bert Bridgewater passed away at the Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre. His parents Albert and Christina emigrated from England and Scotland to Saskatchewan at the turn of the 20th century. They instilled in Bert and his three brothers Charles (deceased), Frank and Richard a sense of integrity, conscientiousness and respect that stayed with him all of his life – through the Depression years as a young civil engineer, through active service in WWII with the Royal Canadian Engineers, and through a long career at the St. Lawrence Seaway Authority in Montreal. Bert was awarded the Legion of Honour medal for his contribution to the liberation of France in 1944. Bert took great pride in the family that he and his wife Florence (deceased) raised together. His five children – Bert (Alison), Phyllis (Brian), Ted (Barb), Nancy (Peter) and Jane (Terry) and their children Katie, John, James, Kellie, Jill, Warren, Luke (deceased), Karen, Laura, Lawrence, Jan, Beth, Tess, and Caroline are immensely proud of him. Bert's nine great- grandchildren will hear many fond stories about their great-grandfather – and hopefully remember and live by his life lessons and the example he set. Bert will also be remembered by old friends in Montreal where he was active in St Thomas' Anglican Church and the freemasons. After Florence's death in 1992, he moved to Ottawa where he made many close new friendships. He was very involved in the activities of the Stillwater Creek Retirement Residence, the Friendship Club of Bells Corners, and Kiwanis. He participated in discussion groups, played bridge, travelled widely, sang in a men's choir, and sometimes even went dancing. The family is very grateful to the staff of the Perley-Rideau, where Bert lived for the last year of his life, for the great kindness, comfort, and care they afforded him. A funeral service and reception for close family and friends will be held at Christ Church Bells Corners on November 8 at 11:00 a.m. In memoriam and in lieu of flowers, donations to the Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre would be appreciated. Condolences, donations or tributes may be made at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com.