John Douglas Bertram

BERTRAM, John Douglas “Doug”, age 64, passed away peacefully at home in Gilberts Cove, Nova Scotia on February 7th, 2022 surrounded by love. He was born on September 1st, 1957 in Salem, Massachusetts. He spent his younger years growing up in Beverly, Massachusetts while spending his summers with his extended family in Nova Scotia. After attending high school he went on to attend Essex Agriculture College studying large animal science. It wasn’t long before he set off to live in Nova Scotia full time. Although beginning his career in agriculture, his heart belonged to aquaculture. He spent over 30 years heavily involved in the seafood and marine industries there.

Doug worked with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) for over 25 years, participated in numerous R&D initiatives with the department and was a representative on many advisory boards. During this time he was a pivotal partner and driving force behind Innovative Fishery Products Inc. which is now one of the largest shellfish aquaculture operations on the east coast of Canada. His tenure in the industry helped him hone his skills in keeping with its fast paced and diverse nature. His presence in this community was amplified by the number of industry boards he was a member of, which included, the Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia, Fisheries Safety Association, Nova Scotia Fisheries Sector Council, and Full Bay Scallop Association. He also founded Zinc Sacrificial Anode Inc., and was very proud to share that his product is on the Bluenose. His most recent business accomplishment was Shore Cold Storage & Logistics. During the summer months he took great pride in his blueberry u-pick, where he would spend countless evenings. He was also a founding member of Gilberts Cove Historical Society, who lovingly cared for the Gilberts Cove Lighthouse. He had a sheer love for life, music, football and travelling. Doug was known for many things, but his ability to find enjoyment in life is something to strive for.

He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife, Heidi Bertram; son, Adrian Bertram; brother, John Scott Bertram of Gilberts Cove; nephews, John Benjamin Bertram (Alexis), John Ethan Bertram; niece, Andrea Bertram along with several cousins throughout Nova Scotia and Massachusetts. Doug had many special friends in his life but his (other family) cannot go without mention Tina, Charlie, Lionel, Donna, Felicia and Alex. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert Edmund Bertram and Patricia Ann Bertram (nee Gillis) and sister, Lawrie Bertram of Beverly Massachusetts.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date in hopes that all who loved him may attend. Donations may be made to the ALS Society of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, 1-1000 Windmill Road, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, B3B 1L7

In the meantime, we ask that you reflect on your favorite memories of Doug and find some laughs amongst them.

“Be positive and have fun”.

Goodnight Ralph!