Berton Howard Giffels

GIFFELS, BERTON - It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Berton Howard Giffels, age 87 of Sarnia on Monday, July 13, 2020, peacefully surrounded by his family at St. Joseph’s Hospice. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Agnes ‘Honey’, his two daughters Carol Ann Dillon (Tim Dillon) and Darlene Giffels (Perry Jeffery), his four grandchildren Mariah Dillon (Ross), Alex Serratore (Petra), Cortney Dillon (Alex) and Brock Serratore and three great-grandchildren Everett, Nina and Maiya. He also enjoyed a special relationship with the Jeffery children – Haley, Mel (Evan and Callum), Em (Jake), Ty and Jesse. He was the son of the late Olive and Orval, dear brother to the late Clifford, late Junie, Jeanie Prudom (late Stu), Patricia Cook (late Don) and Gail McKay (late Doug). Dear son-in-law to the late Stanley and Mary Hubbard and brother-in-law to the late Eleanor and husband Hank, late Stanley, late Donald and wife Joanne, late Kathleen and husband Randy, late Margaret and husband Joseph, late Betty and husband Lee, Annie (late Richard), Jeanie, late Mary (Darcy), Patricia (Alfred), Francis (Pierrette), late John (Yvonne-Marie), late James, Bernadette ‘Bunny’ (Bob), Gerarda (Bob). He was the treasured Uncle to many nieces and nephews. Bert was born on December 18, 1932 in Sarnia. Growing up on Michigan Avenue with his family and surrounded by many animals, he developed a compassionate spirit for all. He started working at a young age and was a dedicated and trusted employee at CN Rail for 40 years. Bert was a lifelong learner and in his later years he embraced technology, researching and sharing information on his many and varied interests. Bert and Agnes were best friends, sweethearts and true partners who were happy together hosting family and friends at their home on Devon. In addition to being a great husband, father, and grandfather, Bert took the time to get to know people. He invested in relationships and was genuinely interested in what people were working on and doing in their lives. His incredible curiosity and pure delight in the details will continue to inspire. With progressive views and values, he was an amazing man who appreciated everyone and advocated for many in his community. His character, wisdom and kindness were admirable, and we could all use a bit more Bert in the world today. We want to send a special thank you to the Palliative Care team at Bluewater Health and everyone at St. Joseph’s Hospice. We are so fortunate to have St. Joseph’s Hospice in our community and we value and honour the respect, care and compassion they provide. A public visitation for Bert will be held at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. The funeral service will be for invited guests only and will be held at the D. J. Robb Funeral Home & Cremation Centre (102 N. Victoria St, Sarnia, ON, N7T 5W9) on Friday, July 17, 2020 at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS - charitable donations made in memory of Bert to St. Joseph’s Hospice would be appreciated by the family. Due to the current Covid-19 crisis and the current restrictions placed on the funeral home, all guests are required to wear masks. Memories and messages of condolence may be sent through www.djrobb.on.ca