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Byron Bertram Obituary
Bertram
Passed away unexpectedly Nov. 19, 2012. Born to Warren and Kathryn (Sulsberger) Bertram on Oct. 17, 1930, in Woodsfield, Ohio. A resident of Canton since 1942. Preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, and life-long-love, Regina Ryan Bertram and brothers Bruce and Blane Bertram. A graduate of Lincoln High School and later a Business Management graduate of Alexander Hamilton Institute. Following his charter he commenced a 47-year career with the Ohio Power Company, retiring as Purchasing and Management Director of Ohio Power/Columbus Southern Power (AEP). He was a certified purchasing manager. Ever an avid sportsman, Byron early on found fairness, friendship, and fellowship with other players and those who loved the game. Inducted into numerous local amateur sports Hall of Fames, Byron was a longtime member and past President of the HOF Luncheon Club. He served many years on the Downtown Canton YMCA Community Board. He also served on the board of St. Paul's UMC in Canton and coached for many years in their Youth Basketball Programs. A member of William McKinley Lodge #431, F.& A.M. and the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Canton.
An ever generous soul and poet, he left us with what we his family hold most dearly and this, in his own words, epitomizes his passing:
POTLATCH
(FOREVER WARM)
POTLATCH WAS AN
INDIAN WORD MEANING
THE GIVING OF GIFTS.
WHAT BETTER GIFT IS GIVEN THAN CHILD,
SEED OF THE FLESH?
TO BEHOLD THIS
SEED GROW TO
A BEAUTEOUS LIFE,
AND TO TAKE ROOT IN THE EARTH OF
ITS OWN EXISTENCE.
AS IT SPLITS ITS HUSKS AND SHOOTS TOWARDS ITS OWN LIGHTS,
GOING ON GIVING
AFTER THE GIVEN
HAS GONE. A POTLATCH TO NOURISH LIKE A
CONSTANT SUN,
UPON THE PSYCHE OF THOSE WISE
ENOUGH TO PERCEIVE,
THAT IN THE GIVING IS THE GAIN AND THE GOING IS ORDAINED. IT IS NOT OUR LOT TO BE HOLDERS
BUT LAUNCHERS OF LIFE'S SEEDS. A GIFT GIVEN, IN TURN GIVEN BUT NOT
TO BE HELD,
EXCEPT IN THE
RECESSES OF OUR
MINDS WHERE WE
SECRETLY DWELL, AND DISTILL OUR MEMORIES TO CLEAR ESSENCE OF
PURIST JOY. THAT
BUBBLE SUBTLY WITH A GLOW THAT IS
FOREVER WARM...
BYRON BERTRAM
12/75
Survived by his brothers Warren, Guy, and Keith; best friend, James Lindesmith; daughters, Jill Hayden (Doug Ackerman), Gail (Timothy) Bridges, and son, Byron; grandchildren, Ben (Kristy) Hayden, Marshall Hayden, Tyler Hayden, Nora Bridges (Andy Mrkva), and Samantha (Brian) Lundgren; great- grandsons Quinn Lundgren and Parker Hayden.
As per his wishes, no services will be held. The Wackerly Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts to The Canton Ex-Newsies Association benefitting the underprivileged in the area or to St. Paul's UMC. Personal condolences are invited online at
www.wackerlyfuneralhome.com
(Wackerly 330.455-5235)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Byron Bertram
December 12, 2012
Just today, December 12, found out about Bert passing. We were good friends and worked together at AEP for many years. I'll miss him and our phone calls (and Memories). Jack and Ursula Corbett
kathy geiselman
December 9, 2012
Not knowing or meeting Byron, the poem/saying indicated in his obituary must reflect the character of this scholar and gentleman.
Know that your loved one is now taking CARE OF ALL OF YOU FROM THE HEAVENS.
Bob Gorski
December 2, 2012
Dear Bertrand Family,
I first met Bert nearly 30 years ago as a local vendor to Ohio Power. More recently, our paths crossed nearly every Sunday morning at the 30th St Giant Eagle while enjoying coffee with friends. Bert was always asking about my two daughters, both of which had served him numerous times at Milk and Honey over the past 10 years. I had just seen him the day before and was stunned to learn of his sudden passing. Bert was a true gentleman and has certainly earned his heavenly reward. My thoughts and prayers are with you
and may God grant you love and peace during this difficult time.
John Sanders
November 29, 2012
To the Bertram Family
I am saddened to hear of Papa B's passing. My sympathy and love go out to you all.
ALLYSON WEHL
November 26, 2012
TO THE BERTRAM FAMILY,
I AM SO SO SORRY TO HEAR OF BYRON'S PASSING. HE WILL BE MISSED AND MORNED BY MANY, MANY FRIENDS, RELATIVES, AND FAMILIES HE HAS KNOWN HIS WHOLE LIFE.
GAIL AND JILL, IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO LOSE BOTH YOUR PARENTS SO SOON. LIFE IS NEVER THE SAME FROM THAT DAY FORWARD. DAUGHTERS LOSING THEIR DADS IS UNBEARABLE. MY HEART GOES OUT TO ALL OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
FROM THE HEART
ALLYSON WEHL AND SON, DOUG SOUTHWORTH.
Tim Mulroy
November 25, 2012
To the Bertram Family, I am lucky to have met both of your parents thru the great kids and family you are. My thoughts are with you all.
Gregg Schorsten
November 25, 2012
My sympathy to family as I got to know Byron through brother Guy and through the Hall Of Fame Club
Kathie Wakefield
November 25, 2012
To the Bertram Family
I am so sorry to hear of Byron's passing. I will miss his hug and kiss on Sunday morning. I have known the family all my life and truly enjoyed the time I shared with Byron as a trustee of the church. My sympathy goes out to all the family. The tribute in the Repository today was a great testimony to an outstanding man. Rest in peace my friend. You gave so many wonderful moments of joy to others.
Love to you all
Julie&Ray Guardado
November 25, 2012
Guy,so sorry for your loss of your brother Byron,our deepest sympathy.
Don & Teresa Sloas
November 24, 2012
Dear Bertram Family,
We are deeply saddened by Bert's passing. He was a tremendous leader and set the bar for fairness and compassion at heights few will ever reach. He was always respectful of everyone and their situations. He was my mentor, coach and thankfully my friend. Our condolences also extend to Lindy his great friend and teammate. We will sorely miss him. May God bless and comfort you all!!
Don & Teresa Sloas
Ben, Jenny Tyler & Fletcher
Terri (Sogan) Caniford
November 24, 2012
Jill, Gail, and Byron, I am so sorry to hear of "Bert," your dad's passing. He had just been in recently to see my dad at Woodlawn where my dad was having physical therapy. I will never forget all the fun summers we had as kids going to our dads' softball games to cheer on the Ohio Power team that our dads played for. I pray you will cherish all those wonderful memories of your dad. My deepest sympathy.
Nancy Brunoni
November 24, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to your family in the loss of your father. Not only did Byron and Bill Fisher work together at Ohio Power, they were friends also. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time.
Ellalee Fisher and Family
Kathy Ovecka
November 23, 2012
I was so blessed to know Byron most of my life as a member of St Paul's UMC. He impacted not only my life but my husband and children also loved him dearly. What a good good man and what a tremendous loss to our community and world at large. He will forever be remembered in our family as a kind, spiritual, decent man who always had time for a hug or a pat on the back and to ask about the family. God bless you B! Sending deepest sympathy to the Bertram families. Sincerely, Kathy Ovecka
November 23, 2012
Jill, Gail and family, I was so shocked to read about your Dad"s passing. What a charming guy he was, we are thinking of your family during this most difficult time. Nancy and Joe Halter
Betty Ford
November 22, 2012
Dear Friend, Warren & Family,
My sympathy and prayers with you and your family."Bert" was truly a great person, my memories of him from my days at Ohio Power, he always had a smile. My Love and God's Blessing.
Betty
Russ
November 22, 2012
He certainly will be missed at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Club. What a shock it was at Monday's meeting when everyone found out.
November 22, 2012
Warren,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May your fond memories bring you peace.
Nancy Maggiore-Hoover
Cyndi Gardner
November 22, 2012
I met Byron many years ago at the YMCA. Byron always had a kind word and a smile on his face. He will be truly missed.
November 22, 2012
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. "MR. B" WAS A WONDERFUL MAN.
LIZ MIHAI BAKER
November 22, 2012
Dear Jill,Gail,Bee,
Our heartfelt sorrow for the loss of your dad. We will surely miss him.
Maureen and Frank
John Adorjan
November 22, 2012
Dear Family,
Take solace in knowing that Byron epitomized the Christian Gentleman: Always willing to extend a hand of comfort or help.
Another of the Ohio Power "Good Guys" is gone. May his soul rest in peace.
November 22, 2012
Dear Warren, Sorry to hear about your loss! May GOD bless you! Your friends, Tim and Michael Foehrenbach
WIMPY JAEB
November 22, 2012
WARREN, SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THE LOSS OF YOUR BROTHER. HE WAS TRULY A GENTLEMAN AND WILL BE HE WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS AND WILL BE MISSED.
Ken Groves
November 22, 2012
Dear Warren, Guy, Keith, Jim, and Families,
I want to extend my deepest sympathy to all of you in the loss of such a loving brother and friend. He was one of Canton's finest gentlemen and will be solely missed by everyone who's life he touched. He always had a kind word for everyone he ever met. May God comfort and bless all of you at this time.
Ken Groves
November 22, 2012
Dear Warren, Guy, Keith, Jim, and Families,
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to all of you in the loss of a loving man and friend. One of Canton's true gentlemen. May God Comfort and Bless you at this time.
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