Albert Lamers

1957 - 2018

November 15, 1957 – March 17, 2018

Albert (Bert) Lamers, age 60 years, passed away as the sun was setting over Georgian Bay on Saturday, March 17, 2018 with family by his side, at the West Parry Sound Health Centre, Palliative Unit. Born November 15, 1957 in Thunder Bay, Ontario to Theodore and Minnie (Wanders) Lamers, who immigrated to Canada in 1952 from the Netherlands. Along with his four brothers, Bert grew up on the family dairy farm his parents established in the rural community of Murillo, near Thunder Bay. As the son of hard-working, dedicated and loving parents, who survived WWII and had sacrificed all to leave their birth country, Bert acquired skills, knowledge and a pragmatic, no-nonsense attitude to life he would carry with him always. After graduating from high school, Bert longed for new experiences beyond the farm. He left Northern Ontario for college in Toronto where he excelled in the Carpentry program at Mohawk College, obtaining his diploma and fulfilling his apprenticeship in 1979.

By September of that same year, the lure of Canada's rugged, most western province, along with a building boom, saw Bert heading to Kamloops, British Columbia. There he plied his trade as a licensed carpenter building all manner of structures, including log homes. In his off hours, he reveled in the spectacular countryside, exploring, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, camping and skiing. By the mid-1980's demand for tradespeople in B.C., had slowed significantly however, Ontario's building boom was in full swing. With the guarantee of steady work offered by a trusted friend and fellow carpenter already back in Ontario, Bert returned to his home province. He settled in Parry Sound where he would remain for the rest of his life. After a time partnering with other carpenters, Bert decided to set out on his own. His first venture, known as Probert, was later rechristened to Timber Millwork. A true old-world craftsman in every sense, Bert's reputation grew as a man with exacting skill, strict adherence to detail, integrity and a work ethic instilled by tenacious Dutch parents. Such were the defining hallmarks of his personal and professional life.

A social, gregarious, spirited man who reveled in spending time with family, friends and neighbors, Bert could initiate a party in the blink of an eye, which often began in the infamous “Bert's Shop” at his home. For all the celebrations held over the years among friends and family for weddings, anniversaries and births, as well as community events, no one ever considered the party complete unless Bert was in attendance. An avid aficionado of most sports, golfing at his beloved local club was a mandatory part of his summer. Watching NFL (and sharing friendly wagers with a dear buddy), kick-boxing and NASCAR were also regular must view events. Bert was a passionate outdoorsman. He hunted with the same group of buddies and his son, for years at the “Smiling Buck” camp. He fished the waters of Georgian Bay summer and winter. Epic snowmobile adventures, and buggy trips on “Roadhag” with friends, kept Bert connected to the wild, undeveloped landscape he so loved.

Bert was preceded in death by his father Ted in 2017 and is survived by his loving life partner Annette; his mother Minnie; his children Deryk (Renee), Brandi Lyn (Peter) and Albert (Michelle) and his children's mother Cynthia; granddaughters Aubrey Lynn and MacKenna James; brothers John (Lynn), Willie (Jodee), Mike (Nancy) and Ted Jr. (Faye); nieces Cheryl-Lyn, Kristen (Ryan), Nikki (Jason), Erin (Jamie); nephews Colin (Kate), Adam, and Andrew (Lindsey); great-nieces and great-nephews, relatives in the Netherlands and many dear friends in Parry Sound, elsewhere in Canada, California and Florida, all whom he also considered family. According to Bert's wishes, shortly before he passed an incredible Celebration of Life was held with him at his residence in Carling Township. Cremation has taken place through Dignified Funeral Alternatives in Barrie ON.

A funeral mass and memorial service will be held June 6th, 2018, at 12.00 noon, at St. Agnes Parish Church, 1019 Brown St., Thunder Bay, ON. www.stagnesrc.ca Family will be greeting all who wish to attend the service, and the luncheon immediately afterwards in the church hall. Internment of Bert's ashes to take place following the luncheon, at Stanley Hill Cemetery near Thunder Bay.

A very special thank-you must be given to the extraordinary team at the Palliative Unit of West Parry Sound Health Centre, especially Lori, Kelly, Lyndsey, Carol, Melissa and Alysha, Dr. Shaw and Dr. Witt, Hospice Team members Jessica and Melanie, and CCAC Home Care RN's Pam, Christine and Joanne, for their unwavering kindness, dedication and attention to every aspect of Bert's physical and emotional care, especially in the last weeks of his life. Through their combined efforts, Bert had been at home and was set to return for his remaining days when he slipped gently into his final sleep. Prior to his passing Bert had requested, should anyone so choose, memorial donations be made to any of the following; Hospice West Parry Sound www.parrysoundhospice.ca West Parry Sound Health Centre (Palliative Unit) www.wpshcf.com; Northern Cancer Fund at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

“The living owe it to those who no longer can speak to tell their story for them.” C. Milosz