Bertram Stanley Wreford

Beloved husband of Helen Kirkman-Wreford, dearest father of Martha and Andrew (Elisa) and much-loved grandfather of Lara and Nicholas. Sadly missed by his family and friends in England, around the world, and by his “Partner in crime” sidekick Stephanie.

Some might call Bert a ‘romantic’, a dreamer or a philosopher. He was all those and more…He was a gentle soul who saw the most beautiful in everything.

He supported many peace organizations over the years, perhaps as the result of seeing his hometown of Bristol fire-bombed in WW II as a teenager, and volunteering as a Firewatcher.

He excelled at sports, becoming a champion boxer at the age of ten, developing a passion for fitness and strength, excelling as well at weightlifting, wrestling and gymnastics, winning many bouts and competitions, and participating in acrobatics shows as a young man.

He was drafted into the British Army in 1944, becoming a tank driver/mechanic and deployed to India. Just before he was to be sent to Japan, The Bomb was dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and he never saw active combat but remained in the army overseas for several years.

He immigrated to Canada in 1954, working at CN Rail and became serious about his art. He graduated from Ontario College of Art and found camaraderie, instruction and support in those communities throughout his life. He worked on the restoration project at the Fortress of Louisbourg, building models and carving woodcuts of battle scenes.

He loved venturing out into a field or down to a river sketching trees and animals, then finishing their likeness’ in watercolours, acrylics, ceramics or a large wood carving. He retired from his final career as an art teacher at White Oaks S.S. in Oakville, ON after 24 years in 1991.

In retirement he had many solo and group art shows in Toronto, Oakville, Hamilton, and Dundas.

He will be missed at St. Elizabeth Retirement Village where he was known for his sly wit, his dedication to Helen and always making funny faces.

Rest peacefully Dad….