Bert was born in Hungary on May 12, 1927 and passed away on March 6, 2014 in Trail. Bert moved to Canada when he was 6 years old, and was raised in Alberta. He came to British Columbia in 1947, gaining employment with Cominco. He was general foreman of the furnace plants when he retired in 1985.
Bert was predeceased by his daughter Sharon Lee in 1968.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lillian, his children; Gwyn Cowen of Castlegar, Tammy (Tim Loughlin) Molnar of Fruitvale and Brett (Monica) Molnar of Montrose, grandchildren; Lisa (Brent), Troy, Kevin (Genevieve), Kathleen (Chris), Eric, Kristi, Dallas, Thomas and Katie, great grandchildren; Connor, Teanna and Seena; siblings Mike (Maureen) Molnar of Castlegar, James (Mary) Molnar of Trail and Violet Krest of Castlegar and many nieces and nephews.
Bert was a long-time member of the Trail Eagles Aerie 2838, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #14 in Rossland and the 44 FLD Royal Canadian Engineers with the rank of Sergeant.
Bert took part in many sports: curling, hockey and ball. For many years he coached hockey. He also loved hunting and fishing with his family and friends. He loved the time spent at home and at Christina Lake with his children and grandchildren, as well as the winters in Arizona with Lillian.
A Celebration of Bert’s life will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2014 at 1:00pm at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 170 at 248 Columbia Avenue in Castlegar. Gwen Ziprick of Castlegar Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements. As an expression of sympathy, donations made to a charity of your choice in his name would be greatly appreciated.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. LaRocque and the 3rd floor medical staff of KBRH for their kindness and support.