Leonard Bernhard Bertram

Leonard Bernhard Bertram of Calgary, Alberta passed away suddenly at the Tom Baker Cancer Center on Thursday, May 7, 2020 at the age of 85.

Leonard was born in Eston, Saskatchewan to Frank and Gloria (Campbell) Bertram on September 12, 1934. He was the first son of what would become a family of five sons and nine daughters.  Leonard spent may years working alongside his father on the family farm. He graduated from Eston High School, a lifelong learner he enjoyed all pursuit of education. He apprenticed as an automotive mechanic and continued to work the family farm. In the winters, Leonard would often work in the petroleum industry on the seismic crews where he made many interesting friends. On October 25, 1958 Leonard married Virginia Zutter.  In the early 60’s they moved from the farm to Calgary where he obtained his Journeyman Electrician’s Certificate in 1964.  He went on to complete his Master Electrician’s Certificate in 1973 and started his own company, Bertram Electric, in 1978. He continued to run Bertram Electric until his semi-retirement in 1998 when his son Kurt took the reins of the business, carrying on the family legacy.

Growing up Len enjoyed going to dances and parties in nearby towns with his friends and family.  They had many fun times singing and dancing that made for great stories. As a child, he was thrilled to have gone to a boy’s camp one summer. Throughout his life, he shared his love of the outdoors with his family and friends through camping, fishing, hiking, canoeing and boating. He volunteered as a Boy Scout leader for many years finding much enjoyment sharing his knowledge and passion. He treasured walks with his friends, his wife, his family, and especially his dogs.  On his walks he had countless adventures and made many lasting friendships. 

Len was a vibrant member of his community; with Virginia he enjoyed many years bowling with friends. They were long time members of the Hi-land Swingers Square Dancing club and both active members of their church. He enjoyed reading, playing games and every kind of puzzle. Len and Virginia had many great adventures together both around the globe and across the continent in their fifth wheel.

There was nothing Len loved more than being with family. He was immensely proud of his children: daughter Wendy, husband Peter Wieninger and son Kurt, wife Katrina Young. Len spent countless hours with his grandchildren: Kathrine, Rebeka & Viktoria Bertram and Emma & Ryan Wieninger: building them furniture and swing sets, solving puzzles, expertly accompanying campfire songs with his harmonica and attending their many sporting and theatrical events. Annually, he orchestrated elaborate Easter egg hunts and presided over the prestigious Easter Egg Rally.  A highlight of the year was always the Bertram Boxing Day Curling Bonspiel which he finally won in 2010. Being a consummate family man, he always put the family first in any way he could including bringing many of his nephews, great nephews and grandchildren into his business.  He often wished he could do more. 

Leonard is survived by his wife Virginia, daughter Wendy (Peter) Wieninger (Calgary, AB.), son Kurt (Katrina) Bertram (Calgary, AB.), grandchildren: Kathrine, Emma, Ryan, Rebeka, Viktoria and  his 4 brothers and 8 sisters: Audrey (Kauno) Kattelus (Creston,B.C.), Margaret Pedersen (Madison, Sask.), Esther (John) Moss (Penticton, B.C.), Helen Corcoran (Calgary, AB.), Patricia Steinberg (Edmonton, AB.), Mary Fraser (Edmonton, AB.), Edward (Sheila) Bertram (Edmonton, AB.), Shirley (Harold) Knopke (Spruce Grove, AB.), Henry Bertram (Vegreville, AB.), Robert (Jackie) Bertram (Aurora, ON.), Barbara Fry (St. Catharines, ON.), Joseph Bertram (Eston, Sask.) and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Gloria Bertram, his sister Frances Gustafson, brothers-in-law: Darrell Petersen, Francis Corcoran, Bob Fry, sister-in-law: Marelle Bertram.

Leonard was kind, intelligent and generous, he was truly a man who could make friends anywhere. He will be profoundly missed. Condolences, memories and photos may be left on the Tribute Wall.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Alberta Cancer Society.

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