After a brief illness, Bert’s family is saddened to announce his passing at Huron Hospice, Clinton, on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, of Bayfield, at the age of 89. Bert is predeceased by his devoted wife of 62 years, Doris Schilbe (Cole) and his beloved son Doug. Lovingly remembered by his children Eric, Cathy, Dianne (Brian), and Tamika, his 9 grandchildren Cindy, Jennifer, Samantha, David, Shannon, Conrad, Chris, Jim, and Cathy Jo, his 17 great grandchildren, and his cherished sweetheart Helen.
As Huron County foster parents for over 25 years, Bert and Doris provided temporary shelter and support to over 75 children and youth in their time of greatest need. This was a role Bert took seriously and did selflessly. A meticulous maple syrup producer since the early 1960’s, Bert took pride in creating a quality product everyone loved. Gardening was second nature to him. He grew an abundance of fruit and vegetables every year and was known for generously sharing watermelon, garlic, squash, and tomatoes with friends and strangers alike. Bert was a hard-working man who also loved to laugh, socialize, and let his playful side out. He loved connecting with his morning coffee group at Renegades Diner in Bayfield. He had a musical side, playing guitar for many years. He was an avid swimmer for much of his life, taking his kids and grandkids to the Bayfield Pier for evening swims, and even saving a man from drowning on one occasion. Bert loved dancing and travel, and was able to do both regularly well into his 80’s. A family man of conviction, strength, loyalty and charity, his kindness to strangers and those in need will live on in the lives and hearts of everyone he knew and loved.
A private family funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 24th at 11 AM. Interment Bayfield Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Haskett Funeral Home, Zurich (519-236-4365).
Donations to the Alzheimer Society of Huron County, or Huron Hospice would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Chrissy Dignan
I am so sorry for the family’s loss… I remember when Bert and Doris had me come stay with them (foster care) and they took us to the forest where they had maple syrup running. Bert was always game for a good snow ball fight. Some great memories. Thanks Bert and Doris for taking me in and caring for me. I’ll be forever grateful.
My deepest sympathies and deepest condolences for the family.
I’m so sorry.
Fred & Janet Vanderhaar
Our condolences to the Schilbe family.
Wendy Brown
Condolences to the whole family.
Sending love and prayers xo
Brian King
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family on this sad occasion. RIP Bert
Jeff & Erin Klomps
We are so sorry to hear of Bert’s passing. He was a wonderful person and he will be missed by everyone who knew him and his generous spirit. We were lucky enough to have the pleasure of farming with him for many years and will forever be grateful for the opportunity he gave us. We enjoyed hearing the stories of his travels and his dancing. We also had so much admiration for his phenomenal garden. He has left behind a wonderful family to help carry on his memory. We would like to extend our deepest sympathies and although words are never adequate in moments like this please know that our thoughts are with your whole family at this time.
So sorry for your loss.
Penny & Dave Overboe
Our sincere condolences to the Schilbe Family. Your sorrow is shared by many. Penny & Dave
Colette et Michel Tatta
Our deepest condolences to all the Schilbe family
Janet Buuck
My Deepest Sympathy to Helen and to all the Schilbe Family. Bert was a wonderful good natured friend…..Bert & Helen picked me up and took me to Brussels Legion several Sunday nights and Bert was an excellent dancer. I will miss him!!! It was a shock that he passed away. My Thoughts & Prayers are with all of you!!!!
Walter and Sandra McKenzie
Our sincere sympathy to Helen and Bert’s family. Bert really loved music and dancing and the two of you had many great times together. Our condolences.
Diane Klopp
Bert always donated his delicious maple syrup for the St. Peter’s Lutheran Churchs Annual Shrove Tuesday pancake supper. Always generous. Hugs to all.
Bill and Nancy Klomps
We send our sincere sympathy to the Schilbe family. After many years of business dealings with Bert, we will truly miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Judy Wood Hugill
Our sincere sympathy to Helen and Bert’s family. Bert really loved music and dancing and the two of you had many great times together. Bert will really be missed. Take care of yourself.
Judy and Wayne
Dianne Josling
Helen, I am saddened to hear of your loss.
Wil Telford
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing Dianne, he will be fondly remembered by all those who knew him so well. Such a kind heart. Thoughts and prayers to you all during this difficult time. Take care…
Paatti Taylor
so sorry, Helen, to hear of Bert’s passing. Please extend Gerald and my sympathy to his family. I know you and Bert had a good time no matter where you went. Take care and God bless you.
,Marge Schilbe
My deepest sympathy to you Helen and Schilbe family.
Julia Fountain (Trick)
To the Schilbe Family
Sincere condolences, he was a wonderful man and left the world a better place.
louise haggitt
to the Schilbe Family
sorry to hear of the passing of Bert . He will be missed . thought of him and Doris often of the days they would come in to the Captains Cove for 1 cold draft. He will be looking down on you all now but he will be holding Doris’s hand and smiling on you all … may you rest in peace Bert
Mary Ann Smith
Tamika. I’m very sorry to hear you have lost your dear father. He was an amazing man and father. My condolences. Take care. 💕
Julia Horton
I have fond memories of riding my bike down to play with Tamika when we were little. I remember your dad being there quite often, such a wonderful man. Sorry for your loss 🙏
MABEL CLARK
To the schilbe family :
Sorry to hear about your dad .Bert was always friendly and a good dancer.
From Mabel and Jim clark
Nancy Thompson
Our Very Deepest Sympathies Diane. Brian and Family
Diane you deffinately take after your parents and have
All their greatest qualities!
All our Love Di 💕
Dave ,Nancy Thompson
(Woodstock girls)
Paul Spittal
Hugs to Dianne and family
Orval & Mildred (Micki) Beam
Our condolences to all the family
We have many fond memories of Family Gatherings
Watermellon & maple syrup..
Dorothy Gaiser
My deepest sympathy to the Shilbe family and Helen. I will miss him and I being first on the floor at Tuesday Tunes. He would say “Well we got them started”. He also was a cousin of my Aunt Olive and often asking of her. He and Helen were seen at many dances, a very nice couple. I got to know his daughter Cathy also at dances. He will be greatly missed but great memories. Rest in peace Bert.
Randy and Carol Satchell
To Helen and Bert’s family-So sorry to hear about your loss .Will miss seeing him at our dances.I could tell he loved his music.
Teena
Cathy and Family
My dear friend Cathy sending you an abundance of Love as you say farewell to your father. He was in such great care, bless your heart.
Sorry for your loss to all the schilbe family, friends and loved ones.
May Berts legacy of living life to the fullest live on. Sending condolences to all. It was a pleasure to meet you ❤️
Corrine and Wayne Brownridge
So sorry to hear about Uncle Bert’s passing. Hugs to all and we will all miss his smile and gentle ways. I hope it’s alright to share a story about him. Not ever remembering my Grandfather Henry I once asked my Mother Beatrice who in her family was most like her Father Henry. She immediately said Bert both in looks and mannerism and that is how I will always remember him.
Bob Fisher
Sorry to hear of Berts passing,sympathies to the Schilbe family
Jeff Meathrel
Very Saddened to hear of Bert’s Passing. I remember many interactions with Bert from years of camping just down the road at Pine Lake. My Sincerest Condolences to My Friend Tamika and All of his Family and Abundant Friends. ❤
Alfred and Mona
So sorry to hear Bert’s passing. All warm thoughts from Norway. We will always remember him.
Lynn (Carson) Halonen
May good memories of better times sustain you all as time moves on.
My sympathies and (((((HUGS))))) to all.
Deborah DeWolfe
So sorry to hear of Berts passing. Such a wonderful man.
Brad, Lori & Marley Baker
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing Dianne! Our sympathies to you and your entire family!
Brenda Dowell
So sorry for your loss. Sending love & healing to all
Joan Cleave
Helen, and the Schilbe Family: So very saddened to learn of Berts passing…..got to know him from dances, and he was such an accomplished dancer, he would make you feel like you were floating on air if partnered with him….and he shared much of his produce that turned into pickled beets..he sure could grow them big ….an all round perfect Gentleman …..Bert will be missed by many….myself included….Rest in Peace my Friend…till we meet again…
Mary Ellen Andeson
So sorry to hear of cousin Bert’s passing. My husband was the one he saved from drowning. Dean is gone now as well but I will always be thankful for what my cousin Bert did. My condolences to all his family and his friend Helen.
Mary Ellen Anderson.
Shannon Boughen
Bert was such a wonderful man. He will be greatly missed. ❤️
Shannon, Jared and Sadie Boughen
Steve and Marina Pinder
Our condolences to the entire Schilbe family. Bert went out of his way to include us in his family and we will miss joining you at the annual family picnic this year. Steve, Marina, Cameron and Natalie Pinder
Peggy Barrette
A man who was so full of life and wanted others to enjoy it as much as he did. Rest In Peace Bert. You will be missed but remembered lovingly.
Sandy Telford Fields
Deepest Condolences to the Schilbe Family treasure the memories he left behind because he lives on in you. He touched many hearts and we enjoyed the pictures of all working so hard to make that famous Schilbe syrup. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Debbie Currie
My deepest condolences to the Schilbe family.
I have the best memories of your parents coming through the trees from the sugar shack, to visit Mom and George.. also many Friday’ nights dancing at Harry’s.
He will be very missed.
Debbie Currie
Steve Mitchell
Sorry to hear about Bert’s passing. Our parents spent a lot of time having fun together visiting each other over the years. My older brothers Jim, Joe, and I also have a lot of memories of spending time on your parents farm whenever we would drive over for a visit. You’re all in our thoughts…..
Norah Purser
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Hold all of those dear to you even closer…
RIP sir.. 🌹
Tui and family
My thoughts and prayers to the Schilbe family.
Bruce and Dianne Miller
We are so sorry to hear of your dads passing. Our thoughts are with you.
Joan Cocks
Want to extend my sympathies to the Schiller family . Please know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Love Art and Joan Cocks.
Sharon Sinnamon and Family
My thoughts and prayers are with the Schilbe Family in the loss of their dear loved one, Bert! 🙏
Bonnie Sitter
Condolences from Bonnie (Hogarth) Sitter and family. Bert was so kind and so generous. He will be remembered with fondness.
Mary Ann Boyle
Eric, Cathy, Diane & Tammy.
So sorry to hear of Uncle Berts passing. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Take care of yourselves.
Your cousin, Mary Ann.
Darlene Sloat
My condolences to all of Albert’s family. I know that his passing is a huge loss.
All my love especially to my longtime friend Helen who will miss him terribly.
Darlene Sloat
Doris Wragg
I was so sorry to hear of Bert’s passing. He will be missed by many far and wide. He seemed to be involved in so many things and thankfully was fairly active until this illness , which is a blessing for him and for you Eric and Cathy and Dianne and Tamika and families.. Cherish the memories. Hopefully he will be dancing with Doris in heaven.. Thinking of you Doris Wragg
Donna & Peter Lovell
So sorry hearing of Uncle Bert’s passing. He will always remembered for his bare feet, feeding us watermelon and his always wanting to share his wisdom.
Leona Nigh
I am so sorry to hear of Berts passing , another cousin gone to his reward, I spent a lot of time at Uncle Henry & Aunt Emmas when I was a child, & also a lot of good times were had with Bert & Doris . Enjoy your memories ! Leona Nigh
Carolyn McCabe( Simpson)
So sorry for your loss.Bert was always fun loving .just an all around super 2nd cousin ,.
My thoughts and prayers to the Schilbe family.