Born in Castelfranco Veneto, Treviso, Berto immigrated to Canada, settling in Montreal in 1957. Having no immediate family in Montreal, he quickly made some life-long friends. In the late spring of 1961 he travelled back to Italy unsure of his future. Here he met, Cecilia Gazzola, and within 3 months they were married and heading back to Montreal. After doctors had told them that they would not be able to have children, they were blessed with their first child in 1965. Within the next 6 years they were blessed with 3 more children.
Having grown tired of the harsh winters of Montreal, Berto moved his family to Vancouver in 1969 where he could enjoy gardening all year long. Having been introduced to the world of ceramic tile while working in Montreal, he soon started his own business, Venice Ceramic Tile. “Bert, the Tile Man” was known throughout the Lower Mainland for his amazing workmanship.
Retirement came in 1995 and it never slowed him down; now he could his spend his days expanding his garden. He grew an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, cared dearly for his two towering fig trees which would produce succulent fruit every season, and tended to his awarding wining fuchsias, begonias, and exotic plants, to name a few. As a member of several flower clubs, and a life-long member of the BC Fuchsia and Begonia Club, he hosted annual garden tours at his home. He always welcomed passersby to enjoy the view and to stop and ‘smell the roses’, with our mom stepping in to offer treats with a smile. Since the mid-1990s he had organized annual tours to Seattle for his friends to enjoy the Northwest Flower & Garden Show. This past February he organized his final trip to Seattle for over 40 friends.
A life-long member of the Italian Canadian Wine Club (a founding member), he became a wine judge at the age of 80. He would travel throughout the Lower Mainland, the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island to participate in competitions throughout British Columbia. He was always on the go. He strived to make the best wine he could and was proud of his accomplishments. He even learned to make wine with his figs which he loved sharing with his friends .
We often hear nowadays “I’m too busy”, “I can’t possibly find the time to help”… these words were never spoken by our father. Always one to volunteer to prune a neighbours’ trees, to help out his church by handing out lasagna flyers around the neighbourhood or transporting care packages destined for Central America, our dad always stepped up and asked “how can I help”. In recent years he enjoyed coming to the rink to watch his grandson play hockey. He may not have understand the game in its entirety, but he loved spending time with his family.
Along with countless family and friends throughout Canada and Italy, Berto is lovingly remembered by his children Sonia (Doug), Vania (Jerry), Ronny and Denny, and his grandchildren Alyssa, Sophia and Matthew. Predeceased by his loving wife, Cecilia in 2017, and his brothers Angelo, Luigi, Giuseppe, and sisters Erminia and Clara.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, a small private family service will be held. When we are able to gather again, a celebration of Berto’s life will take place with all his wonderful family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated.
And when the gentle fragrance of a flower catches our attention, we will know it is you papa reminding us to appreciate the simple things in life.
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