We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer First Class Sylvio “Bert” Berthelette, CD, MiD (Ret’d), peacefully on 21 April 2024 in the Pine Falls MB Hospital at the age of 94 years. Bert was a naval veteran of the Second World War and a Sapper with the Reserve Force.
Bert was born and raised on the family farm in the small Manitoba communities of Aubigny and Broadlands. During the Second World War, starting at age 17, Bert served eight months in the Cameron Highlanders of Canada before enlisting in the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve. He served in the newly commissioned HMCS Meon from 1944 until 1945. Meon was a River Class frigate primarily assigned to convoy escort duty. She also took part Operation NEPTUNE, the sea component of the invasion of Normandy and was present on D-day. The ship was decommissioned and returned to the Royal Navy at the end of the war Bert was demobilized in 1946 with a Mentioned in Dispatches award on his War Medal.
After the war, Bert worked in the mines in British Columbia until he entered a trade school for his welding certificate. He then worked on the hydro dam project in Powerview MB, but he was scooped up by the Abitibi Paper Company in Pine Falls, where he worked for 36 years.
Bert joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1951. He served in 46th Field Squadron in Pine Falls and held the appointment of Squadron Sergeant Major. In 1961 he was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer Class I and appointed Regimental Sergent Major of the 6th Field Engineer Regiment based in Winnipeg.
Bert was very active in his communities. He served as President of his Union for several years and worked his way onto Abitibi’s management team. He and his wife operated B n I Grocery Store. Bert served on the local school board, the Chamber of Commerce and as a volunteer firefighter. He was instrumental in developing Pineview Lodge, the town's seniors residence. He was an active member of the Pine Falls Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. Some of Bert’s proudest achievements were as a member of the Knights of Columbus. He served three 4-year terms as Grand Knight in Pine Falls and was District Deputy in Manitoba. His appointment to State Deputy followed which took him traveling throughout North America.
Bert and his wife enjoyed their retirement years as snowbirds in Arizona and living at their summer home at Albert Beach. After his wife’s passing in 2007, Bert returned to Pine Falls to be among friends and family.
Cremation has taken place, and a private celebration and interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
