Obituary of Bert Gruendel

Beloved husband, father, and friend Bert Gruendel, passed away peacefully with family by his side at the age of 65 years after a courageous battle with cancer. 

 

Bert grew up in Calgary and graduated from St. Francis high school. He received his diploma in Computer Science from SAIT. Bert met his wife Leslie at Pacific Petroleum’s and they were together for 40 years. Bert’s career in IT, spanned across oil and gas, telecom, and healthcare industries in Calgary, Edmonton, Madison Wisconsin, and Kelowna BC. 

 

Bert had a wealth of knowledge in all areas, from history to politics to science to economics and more. He was the family’s dictionary and encyclopedia. Bert was an avid reader and enjoyed challenging his mind with crosswords and sudoku.

 

Bert enjoyed spending time on the golf course with his friends and family, and especially enjoyed the annual golf trip with friends. He could beat anyone in pool, chess, or Trivial Pursuit, and he appreciated a fine cognac. Bert will be most remembered for his generous hospitality and his sarcastic wit. 

 

He enjoyed his trips to Las Vegas, Mexico, and Hawaii, the latter where he purchased the family’s beloved conch shell, which he used to summon his children to dinner.

 

Bert is survived by his wife Leslie, his daughters Leanna (Ryan) and Kathryn (Spencer), his son Michael, his brothers Ralph and Peter, nephews Karl, James and John, and his sister-in-law Sandy (Dave).

 

Bert is predeceased by his parents Mary and Harry Gruendel.

 

Bert will be dearly missed by family and friends.

 

We look forward to a celebration of his life when we can safely gather together. Until then, Bert would want you to toast his life with a cognac and cheer for the Green Bay Packers.