Oh my, I just now learned of Bert's passing. He was one of my favorite library users during my tenure at the Pacific Grove Public Library. Whenever Bert requested a title via Interlibrary Loan, it was the highlight of my week as his reading tastes were without doubt, the most erudite and sophisticated. He truly was a gentleman and a scholar. Since I retired, we would see one another occasionally at the local farmer's market or at Whole Foods, and Bert always had a title to recommend to me, or was wanting to add his two cents to some issue or other. He was one of the most brilliant men I've ever known. I hope his final days were without and pain or suffering.

Bert Quelch was one of my favorite library users during the years I served as Senior Librarian at the Pacific Grove Public Library. I did not realize he had passed away...he truly was a gentleman and a scholar. 
Ellen Gill Pastore
Monterey, CA

I miss you and think about you every day.  You were the love of my life.

We first met Bert when he came to our open house, a peace offering to the neighborhood we had subjected to dust, noise, and the ungainly presence of a dumpster/rubbish skip at curbside during a two-year building project. Of all the guests, he stood out as the most urbane, engaging, and wittiest of attendees. His East Coast gentility was apparent. He informed me at the outset that he was not one for quotidian neighborhood social gatherings but came out of curiosity and because the invitation was gracious enough. I said I think we will get on very well because I find many people tiresome and ignorant, qualities not mutually exclusive. That he also drank tea in the English fashion I told him was a plus. He was not put off by my directness and even seemed amused. I was delighted and I looked forward to continuing discussions of books, art, and current events. Sadly, such was not to be. No sooner had we moved in than our lives took a different turn, with time- and energy-consuming obligations to various family members in crises. Five years later, we are still digging out from that initial move, and now Bert is gone, and with him those anticipated discussions. 

I have a few encounters to treasure: His appreciation of a loaf of pumpkin bread that turned into a discussion of the offerings of the Musée d'Orsay, or the time he called to thank me for my condolence note on the passing of his dear friend Joan. My favorite is his almost childlike delight in my bringing him an oversized snowman Christmas cookie. Not wanting him to feel obligated to eat it, I said it could be used for a decoration. To that he replied by making cups of tea for us and eating much of the cookie. He apologized that he had to cut short our visit because of a doctor's appointment. 

As Bert's health deteriorated, he seemed ever more to make clear his need for privacy, and--truth be told--he could do "surly" with the best of them. I wish I had not believed him. I never got to tell him about a book he might have liked, Frank Kermode's "The Sense of an Ending: Studies in the Theory of Fiction", but then he'd likely already read it. I would have liked him to know that he was a gentleman, one of the very few deserving of that kind of esteem and maybe the last one I've met.  

With sympathy to family and friends,

We have been neighbors since 1995. He has been a kindest person to me and my children.  He is a true gentleman, he cared away more than he showed. And we, our family knew it. I will miss his extremely intellectual way of speaking, most articulate choice of words, and the way he smiled with those blue eyes. Thank you Bert, you will always have a special place in our hearts.

I will miss Bert and I wish him peace as I look out of my window looking at his house. 

I got to know Bert when he moved from NY to Pacific Grove in 1995 with his companion Joan. He purchased a home across from us. His stood straight and tall and very handsome. He talked with a NY accent and with an occasional higher pitch in his speech when he talked. I could almost hear him talking as I write this. Later I found out that he was born on the same year as my father. Bert was born in the year 1928.

I remember him as a person with high intellect, a kind heart, a voracious reader and an avid library patron. Often times, he would drive to Santa Cruz and other cities to check out books.

Although he was not able to travel much as he became older, he never stopped reading and 3 newspapers always awaited him in the morning. His interests were wide as deep. Sometimes, he would stop me as I took my dog for morning walks to chat and to pick my brain. 

Bert was also a kind and an appreciative person. Even a small favor he would, often times, send a Thank You card or a bouquet of flowers just show his appreciation. 

Bert was a private person but not anti-social. He often expressed how he tried not to bother or inconvenience others. When his path crossed people in need, he was extremely generous in times of need. 

He will be remembered often.

I was Bert's neighbor for the last 5 years of his life. He was a very gentle and intelligent man. I much enjoyed visiting with him and looking out for him.

Bert was an amazing person that helped us when we needed it the most and we are endlessly grateful we got to know him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends.
Rest In Peace, Bert.

Bert was an amazing person that helped us when we needed it  the most and we are endlessly grateful we got know him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends.

Bert has been such a joy in our lives over the last 10 years. We will miss his quick wit, wisdom and generosity.  He will always have a special place in our hearts. My Mom, Audrey Vaughn, used to tell us stories about her adventures with Bert as kids when they would visit New York. Rest in Peace, Bert; we love you!

Although we didn't know Bert well, our Mother, Audrey, and he were quite close and she was very fond of him.  He was extremely kind to her as they grew older, and our family will always be grateful for that. He was a generous man who will be missed. We will keep him in our prayers. 

Sharon and Steve Taylor

OBITUARY

Bertram A Quelch

24 May, 1928 – 20 August, 2015

Joseph G. Duffy

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