I served with Bert at Bien Hoa, South Vietnam in 1968.  He helped me when I first arrived there.  I have thought of him often and wish that I could have made contact with him after leaving Vietnam.  He was great guy and helped me adjust to life in Vietnam.
Rest in Peace, brother.

Bert! 3 years!  Seems longer (or shorter) than that.  What a man you were!  And  still are, in so  many of our memories.  Everytime I go by Makapu'u, and see the waves, the cliffs, the Islands, I think of you, how you teased me and taught me and how we talked story. You had great one-liners, you were generous, you mentored many young folk into the ways of Aloha, and respect for Namaka and the gifts of Ho'o'ponopono, a teacher in so many ways. 

One time I met you and your partner (whose name I cannot remember - sorry,  my brain is getting soft:) and you both spoke of how you were twin flames, walking the same road until the day of quiet. I need that image and ideal now, and I have it when I think of you.  Aloha friend, always.   malachy

Bert, 
I had 2 amazing dreams about you. Just like in life, you were friendly, compassionate, full of enthusiasm, and very kind to me.

Aloha and Mahalo
Malachy

I served in Vietnam with a Bert Bento at Bien Hoa beginning in January 1968.  Bert had a friend from Hawaii named Fong that was there also.  I was new in country and Bert helped me get settled just prior to the Tet Offensive.  I often think of him and the help and support he provided me upon my arrival. 
RIP Brother.


My deepest sympathy for your loss.  I am so sorry my condolences are nearly a year overdue.  

Bert was my bodysurfing Kumu, my teacher at Makapu'u.  He would kid me about my learning curve, telling me I was in kindergarten as a body surfer and I was very happy when he promoted me to 3rd grade one day! He taught me how to pick a wave and let the wave's energy move my body to the shore, using gravity and motion. Ecstasy! He would tell me, "Malachy, why you take that wave? You fell because Namaka say, 'who is this boy, Bert? Learn him please before I spank him!"' He was always happy and gregarious.  Even if he didn't know the people at the spot where he got into the ocean, before long everybody was laughing and with his introducing strangers to strangers, a kinship of the waves was born.  I miss you Bert, you were awesome and Makapu'u will always remember you as I will remember you every time I catch a wave there.

I met Bert at the gym. He was working out with a friend of his and our friendship started from there. We went to ballroom dance classes with a friend of mine and kept in touch even after we stopped taking classes. I will miss his smile, calm demeanor and help at the gym.  What I will remember most is his love of body surfing, wanting to see owls and enjoying a meal of steak with a glass of wine.

I was just thinking about Bert yesterday, and not sure how I found this information.  He and my late husband, Alan Davis, who worked as an PBX installer at ABY were friends.  Race car enthusiasts.  I always remember his bright smile and caring demeanor.  My condolences to the family.  

Im am really sorry to hear about Berts passing. He befriended us all and his wisdom and presence will always be apart of us!

I 1st met Bert bodysurfing at Makapu'u. Every time we meet we bro shake and pat eachother on the back.  At times we make animals noises and such and he get a kick out of my very bad impressions of a crow and monkey.  It was always great to share the water with people with the same appreication for the ocean and nature. 

The last time I saw Bert, as always, he was all smiles and happy to see you.  I just arrived to Makapuu as Bert was exiting the water and drying off. We did the  Māori greeting, the hongi, touching our foreheads together. We talked about what was new in our lives. He then parted to walk back up to the showers as I got ready to go in the ocean.  He walked up with his fins cradled in his arms greeting everyone whom he passed by. 

Bert's wisdom and kindness we always be in my thoughts. And I will strive to be more like him.

Tyler Marx
P.S. I dont have a picture of Bert or myself with him, but I do have this one of a typical day at Makapu'u.  

OBITUARY

Bertie Earl Bento

24 July, 1945 – 1 March, 2020

Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery & Funeral Services

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