Skip to content

BERT KENNETH JOSEPHSON

January 1, 2010

Bert Kenneth Josephson,1925 - 2010

We are saddened to announce the passing of Bert at age 84. He is survived by Jan, his wife and best friend of 60 years, daughter Vicky, sons Trevor (Larisa) and Roy (Sheila). At age 14 Dad took “early retirement” from school and went to work on a ranch near Merritt, where he was born. On the ranch he developed his life-long love of horses. Though Dad did not continue on in the classroom he had an inquiring mind and read widely. For example, he was solving problems in a mathematics text shortly before his death. Dad served in the Royal Canadian Navy in World War II, and was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for 57 years. He began railroading with CP Rail at age 17. Except for a break in 1944-45, Dad continued on the railroad until he retired after nearly 44 years. Dad loved the life of a locomotive engineer. He appreciated the friendships he made in places like Kamloops, Revelstoke, Brookmere, Penticton, Cranbrook and Tsawwassen. He always said his best steak and eggs were cooked on the end of a shovel in the firebox of a steam locomotive. In 1953 Dad and Mom were one of the first families on the West Bench in Penticton. In their extensive volunteer work they followed the principle: “For of those to whom much is given, much is required” (St. Luke 12:48). Dad assisted with setting up the first Cub and Scout groups there and volunteered with the Penticton Little League Association. Dad was always ready to go “over and above” what was required on any project. He was President of the Curling and Scandinavian clubs in Cranbrook and Summerland. Dad and Mom masterminded the annual Summerland Curling Club’s pie-making fund-raiser and this event continues; notably, they were awarded Honorary Lifetime Memberships in 1997. Together they devoted thousands of hours as captains and canvassers for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Arthritis and Cancer Societies. In Summerland and Cranbrook, for over 25 years they delivered for Meals on Wheels. Dad was also a volunteer at the Summerland Rodeo and the Kettle Valley Railway. After he retired Dad became a part-time DJ for local events, and loved playing his accordion. He also enjoyed the 3 Arabian horses he kept on his small acreage; they reminded him of his early years on a ranch. Dad’s life can best be summed up by a quote from St. Matthew (7:16): “By their fruits ye shall know them.” His first priority was to be a good husband and father: and that he was. He cherished his family and was always there to support them. Dad never let friends or those who depended on him down. He never took for granted the privileges life had bestowed on him and was always willing to share his strength and zest for life. He had a creative mind and a gift for inspiring others with humor and a boundless optimism. Dad saw the best in everyone. The family would like to thank Dad’s many friends for their kind wishes. He felt fortunate to have lived a full life and even in his final days calmly advised: “what will be, will be.” Dad, we were blessed and grateful to have you as our father. Just as your love for us never wavered, we hope to live up to the example you showed in living your life with integrity. Always. Flowers gratefully declined and no service by request. If you wish, a donation can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be directed to the family at providencefuneralhomes.com. Providence Funeral Homes “Summerland’s Rosedale Chapel” 250-494-7752



Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.