Bertie Glasford Bacchus
elevated VQU1t November 4, 1935 ~ November 25, 2021
elevated VQU1t
elevated VQU1t Visitation
Friday, December 3, 2021 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm
elevated VQU1t Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated VQU1t Due to Covid-19 capacity restrictions, we are inviting family and friends to pay their respects, offer condolences and then kindly exit the building to allow for others to enter. A maximum of 50 people will be permitted into the visitation room at a time.
elevated VQU1t
elevated VQU1t Funeral Mass – Private
Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.
elevated VQU1t To view the service, please click on the link below.
elevated VQU1t View Service
elevated VQU1t
elevated VQU1t Obituary
elevated VQU1t It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bertie (Bert) Bacchus. Bert passed away peacefully on November 25, 2021, at the age of 86, with his beloved wife of 59 years, Rita, by his side. Cherished father to Sandra (Geoff), Colin, Wendy and Alyssa (Brad). Proud grandpa to Elijah, Naomi, Logan, Rachael, Sydney and Aidan. He is survived by his sister, Myrthleen Lee Bing.
elevated VQU1t Bert was born November 4, 1935, at Number 4 Village, West Coast Berbice, British Guiana, South America and came to Canada in 1964. With more than 40 years as a civil servant, teacher, accountant, business owner, and community leader, he worked to improve the lives of others through education, healthcare and community service. He was a dedicated member with the Guyana Berbice Association (Toronto) and supported several Guyanese organizations. Bert will be remembered for his love of learning and devotion to serving the community locally and globally so that all could achieve their highest potential. Bert was respected and loved by all those who were privileged to know him. His kind heart, bright smile and generous spirit will be greatly missed by all his extended family and friends.
elevated VQU1t Special thanks to Dr. Steven Grossman, Dr. Rizwana Lilani, the nurses and staff at Mackenzie Health Long-Term Care, Memory & Company, and CHATS (Community & Home Assistance to Seniors).
elevated VQU1t In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bertie G. Bacchus can be made to the Herbert H. Carnegie Future Aces Foundation or the Alzheimer Society of York Region.
Dear Rita and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time. Please accept our deepest condolences. Bert will always be remembered for his soft voice and sweet smile.
In sympathy
The Katchays
Thank you so kindly Terry. I know our grandparents knew each other quite well. My mom is reading your message with me now and said she spoke with you too. Best Wendy
On behalf of the Wilson’s family I would like to express my Deepest Sympathy to cousin Rita and the entire Bacchus family. May his Soul Rest in Eternal Peace and may he Rise in Glory.
My sincere condolences to relatives and friends of cousin Bertie on his passing. In this time of grief may all find comfort in the Lord. Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and save those who are cushed in spirit. May the spirit of the Almighty envelopes his wife, children nephews, nieces, and other love ones.
Our deepest condolences to your family. We have fond memories of Mr. Bacchus. We are praying for you during this difficult time.
I’m
So very very sorry huge condolences to the entire family.
Thanks Caroline.
May God bless the family. Mr. Bacchus will be missed. We would like to give our condolences to Rita, Sandra. Colin, Wendy and Alyssa and all the grandchildren. To my brother Geoff, praying strength for you as we lost our dad only 6 months ago so I know losing your father-in-law will be difficult. We are here for you.
Thank you so much Michelle. Never easy no matter what age. Hugs to you and yours.
Thinking of you all at this sad time! I’ll fondly remember spending time with Uncle Bert whilst in Canada, showcasing all the sights! Such a lovely man!
All my love xxxx
We had such a lovely time and so many great memories from that visit. He was so delighted to have you all with us. I know he and Aunt Alice are together at peace. Big hugs and my love xx
Dear Mrs. Bacchus, Sandra, Colin, Wendy & Alyssa,
Sending our deepest condolences for the loss of Mr. Bacchus. I feel so blessed to have known him and to have seen all of you and him at all the various functions over the years, not to mention just hanging out in the basement at Ovendon Square.
May you find comfort in all your memories.
Angy Loftus & Stephen Moss
Memories are everything! Thanks Angy and Stephen for your comforting message. Love Wendy
Sending you love at this difficult time.
Thanks Pacquiao family.
Love Wendy
Condolences to Rita and children on this sad occasion of the passing of Bertie. From Merzie, Kayume, and family.
Thank you so much. Love Wendy
Our deepest condolences to you all. Sending you much love.
Thanks Nadine and Ritch.
Dear Rita, Wendy & family,
May the loving spirit of god be with you all during this time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
The Mills family
Thanks so much Starr.
So very sad to hear this news. i worked with Bert for many years at the Ministry of Health. He was a great colleague and mentor. Sending condolences to Bert’s family. He will continue to live on in our memories.
Dear Sandra,
My thoughts are with you and your husband, Rachel and Naomi and all of your family. Your father sounds like a wonderful man. And from the photo it seems that you inherited his warm smile. My heartfelt condolences for your loss. Sending you much love and sympathy.
Sorry to hear of your loss,Bert was always there to give me a helping hand
Sandra, I am very sorry for your loss. May the warm memories of your dad sustain you in this difficult time.
So very sorry to hear about your loss. I used to call him Mr. Bacchus in the Ministry of Health when the rest called him with his first name. He asked why and I told him that his lastname sounds better to pronounce:). I will miss him so dearly. Rest in peace my friend and Boss for years!
Not that many people knew Burt was my mentor when it came to my company getting contracts in the hospital industry. He would take me to his office on Younge street and give me ideas on how to approach the hospitals and I learned a valuable lesson from him “ The president walk’s you in the door the janitor walk’s you out” So Burt taught me to respect the janitor and you never get walked God Bless You Bertie and I will always love and respect your mentoring!
Dear Rita and family
We, (the members of the Guyanese Cultural Organisation of Winnipeg, Canada) are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your husband.
On behalf of the Executive and members, I offer our deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family.
May God comfort and strengthen you all with Faith and Fortitude to accept his calling of Bertie to his celestial home at this moment in time.
May his soul rest in Eternal Peace and Perpetual Light shine upon him.
Sandra, Geoff and family
Heartfelt condolences
Lucia
Dear Mrs. Bacchus, Sandra, Geoff and the family – my condolences to each of you at this difficult time. Sandra I know you and your wonderful siblings will miss your gracious, loving father – but you each have him in your hearts and your wonderfully warm family showed such deep love… he is certainly at peace.
Sending you all our love and keeping you in our prayers.
Sandra and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Please let me know if there is anything we can do.
the Stiff Family
Our Deepest condolences to Rita and family on the passing of Bertie. The Herbert H. Carnegie Future Aces Foundation appreciates your thoughtful expression of support and is sending much love to you all during this difficult time.
Bert will be greatly missed. Bert and I shared many interest: Guyanese organizations, working out at the gym, travel and discussing accounting issues. It was so great spending time with him when he visited Bermuda. He was kind and very giving of himself to the various causes.
My deepest sympathy.
I have fond memories of times with Bert while working at the Ministry of Health and our lunches since retiring.
He was a fine man and a good friend.
Dear Rita and family.
Please accept my deepest condolence on the passing of Bert.
My thoughts are with you at this time as you try to cope with your loss while focusing on the great times you had together as a family.
Very sorry for your loss. Bert certainly lived a full life. He’ll be missed. Condolences to the family.
To Rita and family: My heartfelt condolence on the passing of your husband and father. He was a very pleasant person, very easy to converse with and always greeted you with a smile. He is gone to a better place and may his soul rest in peace.
God Bless
Dear Wendy, My deepest condolences to you, Aunty Rita, Sandra, Alyssa and your beautiful families. Your dad’s big smile and warm spirit brought joy to many gatherings of our Caribbean diaspora clan! He will be fondly remembered. Sending love & light to you all.
Our condolences to Rita and the entire Bacchus family in the passing of Bert.
Bert was full of humour, kindness and always willing to assist when needed. He will be missed immensely.
You all will be in our thoughts and prayers at this time especially with the holidays upon us.
Love from the Steaman family.
Dear Mrs. Bacchus, Sandra, Colin, Wendy and Alyssa,
I was very saddened to hear of the passing of
Mr. Bacchus. It was always lovely to see him over the years. He always took the time to chat with me when I visited, and I will remember his warm smile and welcoming manner. Sending you and your families my condolences. You are all in my thoughts.
Even though Bert is gone
His sunny smile
Soft spoken voice
Kind and gentle heart
Will always be remembered.
Thinking of you all with much love, dear Rita, Sandra, Colin, Wendy, Alyssa and grands.
To his wife, children and grandchildren sorry for your loss. Bert has been an outstanding advocate for the Guyanese community sincere condolences to his many friends. RIP
My deepest condolences to Rita, Bertie’s children and grandchildren and the extended circle of family and friends. May he rise in power.
Dear Mrs. Bacchus, Sandra, Colin, Wendy & Alyssa and all those beautiful Grandchildren,
You have so many wonderful memories to treasure of brighter days and we hope these bring you comfort, warm your heart and help you face tomorrow.
With our deepest condolences,
Jackie and David Counsell
My deepest sympathy to Rita, Sandra, Colin, Wendy & Alyssa at this time of your loss and grief. Remembering the long acquaintance and friendship between our families over many decades, I hope you are comforted, nurtured and sustained by the wonderful memories of Bert with which you have been blessed.
Dear Rita and family,
I’m so very sorry to hear of the passing of Bert. My deepest condolences. May he Rest In Peace.
I met Bert when I joined the Ministry of Heath some 40 years ago. Bert took me along for my first field visit to a hospital. Over the years we had many, many exchanges. He never changed as was always pleasant. He later joined our retirees lunch group. I will remember you Bert!!!
Sandra,
We are very sorry for you loss. Your father sounds like an inspiring (and obviously effective) role model. And the warmth of that smile…
Thinking of you at this difficult time.
My deepest condolences to the wife and children of the late Mr Bertie Bacchus, I’ve know uncle Bertie as we called him when he first visited the #5 Primary school where I was a student, there he had made donations to the school and also to the top performers of the Common entrance examinations at that time back in 1989-1990, I remember his warm greetings and smile as he greeted us as pupils back then, he continued his contributions but he did through the late Jean Fullerton, uncle Bertie will be missed by all he had made an impact on, I can also remember telling some of the younger children about him…….MAY HIS GENTLE SOUL REST IN PEACE
Dear Rita and Family:
Please accept my sincere condolence on Bert’s passing.
May God give you the strength to carry on as you remember the great times you had together.
To Rita and family our condolence in the loss of Bertie, may the memories you shared bring you comfort in the days ahead. Our loved ones leaves the world, but not our heart. Bertie was the same quite person I knew in school when we met in Winnipeg.
Thanks Alyssa for the mail
Dear Rita & Family,
Please accept our sympathy as you grieve the loss of your patriarch, Bert. He was a very good man who elevated our status in the larger community. Big brain, big smile, big heart. His family was his life.
Bert was a principled man. He burned the candle at both ends, honouring duty to our diaspora and to his adoptive country. We all loved and respected hm. In friendship, Ovid & Verona Jackson.
Dear Rita,
So sorry to hear of Bertie’s death which came as a slight shock to me as I was not aware that he was not well. I even sent him a birthday greeting this year on Messenger and now I know why I did not get any response from him. Please accept my sincere condolences to you and the family on his passing. This has been a tough year all round. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. May Bertie Rest In Peace.
Sandra and Family,
I did not know Bert but he sounds like he was a wonderful man. I am sure you are all proud of his many accomplishments. I hope your fond memories of him will get you through these next few weeks. I know that time will eventually allow you to smile and laugh when you think of him instead of crying.
Dear Rita and family; my deepest sympathy. Bert will be sadly missed. May all of you find comfort in, and cherish the memories you have, and with time the pain you have will subside. May God bless the family.
To Bert’s Family – I am saddened to hear of Bert’s passing. Hope you can find comfort and strength in the memories you shared. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Dear Cousin Rita and family, I am very sadden to hear about the passing on Cousin Bertie. He was like a brother to my late father, Anthony Johnson. We always talk about him with fond memories. I remember the time we visited your home in Richmond Hill when we first came to Canada. My kids still talk about that visit. May God strengthen you at this time. May his soul rest in peace.
Dear Mrs Bacchus,Sandra Colin, Wendy and Allyssa Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Mr Bacchus was so kind and caring and helped so many. I will always remember how he juggled doing so much and still had time to enjoy a good party! Mr and Mrs Bacchus always on the move. A wonderful life with an amazing wife and beautiful children. He was the best!
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sharon, Chris and the Kukemueller family
My Deepest Condolences go out to the Bacchus Bacchus Extended Family at this time of loss due to Bert’s passing.
I will miss his expansive smile and cool demeanor, every time we met at functions he would always hail me up, come over or acknowledge with a nod of his head that he had seen me. A very well respected and unassuming man, of great character, dedicated to giving back to his community and the world at large.
RIEP Bert, it’s a privilege to gave known you and call you friend 🙏🏽✌🏾👋🏽👋🏽😪
*the Bacchus family
*have known and called you friend
Dear Rita,
May you and your family find strength in our Dear Lord in that He will give you comfort and courage during this difficult time.
I remember the first time I met your husband, he was with you at the Poinsettia Tea at St. Mary Immaculate Church and it was a pleasure talking to him. My prayers are with you.
Sincere Condolences,
Dear Mrs. Bacchus, Sandra, Colin, Wendy, Allyssa & extended family, our deepest sympathy on the heart-breaking loss of such a bright light, partner, and father. Reading these comments, it’s clear that Bert touched and impacted many lives in many ways; always with his ‘Big brain, big smile, big heart’. I’m proud (and lucky) to be part of that group. Thinking of you, and wishing you comfort and strength.
Dwight and Lisa
Dearest Wendy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. We know that the beautiful memories your dad created with each of you will be in your hearts forever. He was a lucky man to have lived such a rich life, and even luckier to have been part of such a loving family. Hold one another tight and long.
Much Love,
Mary & Robbie
Dear Rita and family, so sorry to hear about Bert’s death. May our great God comfort all of you and strengthen you during this time.
Asepha
I am so sorry to learn that Bert has left this world. I met Bert about 30 years ago at the Ontario Ministry of Health. We were also neighbours ( I used to live on Willett Crescent). Bert was always generous with his time, knowledge and wonderful smile. I will miss him.
My best to your family and deepest condolences on your loss,
Laura
Dear Rita,
My condolences to you and your family. It was a shock to read of Bert’s death in the newspapers. I remember him with fondness and his lovely smile when ever he greeted you.
Eternal rest grant until him and let perpetual light shine on him.
God bless
Waveney
Rita, Sandra, Colin, Wendy and Alyssa
Carl and I, June, are deeply saddened at the passing of our dear friend Bert.
Bert was one of a kind. A cultured well learned gentleman, courteous, and respectful to all.
Loving, caring and industrious to his wife and family.
We are both grateful for the many happy memories made by visiting each other’s homes, celebrating our children’s marriages and attending the numerous GBA
parties over many many years.
Rita… we know you will be comforted by the love and attention of your children and closely knit family.
Call on us any time whenever you need help.
Bert is gone ….. an outstanding person.
Now Rest in Peace Bert.
Dear Mrs. Bacchus, Sandra, Colin, Wendy, Alyssa, all of your partners and children, my heart is with you at this time. Mr. Bacchus was such a lovely man whose kindness and many talents are an inspiration. I hope that you all may find some comfort surrounded in the love of your family and friends.
I am so sorry to hear about Bert’s passing. I met Bert at the Ministry of Health. I remember his warm smile and his kindness in sharing his time and knowledge. My sincere condolences to his family.
Our deepest to you and the family,Rita.
May the wonderful memories of Bert and your strong faith help you through this very challenging period.
🙏🙏
r.I.P
Dear Mrs Bacchus and family – my Dad, Mr Houston Tim of Lancashire in the UK – also of Number 5 Village West Coast Berbice sends his deepest condolences and is terribly sad at the passing of Uncle Bertie which I just learnt about last night from Gwenette Tim. My Dad is not on the computer so I will be printing this notice and picture out for him. My Godfather George Myers in Canada too – all these guys were friends back in Number 5. Uncle Bertie and my Dad caught up on the phone a long time ago my Dad says when he and the girls were going I think to a Rihanna concert. I had not met Uncle Bertie but always hear about him from my Dad. Our prayers are with your entire family at this sad sad time. Jackie Tim Woodland for Houston Tim
Dear Rita,
Jean and I extend our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to yourself and family on your loss..
May he rest in peace and may perpetual light shine on him.
We pray that God grant you and your families the comfort and strength in your time of sadness.
Dennis and Jean Choy
Condolences. May he RIP and rise to heaven.
With deepest sympathy to Rita and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give” and Bert gave so much to so many throughout his lifetime. With fond memories we remember him. May his soul rest in peace.
From: The Ministry of Education family (Guyana) 1960 – –
Claudette, Gwen, Verna, Raj, Mabel, Terry, Verona and Joan.
May
Fondest memories from the Luke Family.
Safe Journey.
Comfort and blessings to the family.
Sincerely,
Ed Luke and Family
Dear Rita and Family:
We are saddened at Bert’s passing and would like to be among all those who share your sorrow. It was a privilege to have Cousin Bert in our lives; he was a man with integrity, dignity and lots of love. His extraordinary accomplishments were definitely recognized by everyone in the communities which he so dearly and proudly served. We are confident that Bert will be missed by everyone who knew him well and supported him.
Rita, please accept our condolences to you and the entire family and may God shine His face upon you and give you His peace along with His blessings.
With Prayers
Carlos and Nazli
Linden Fund Canada, in this sorrowful time, would like to extend to you our heartfelt condolences.
May the Lord comfort you and your loved ones.
My heartfelt condolences to the family.May he rest in peace ☮️ ✝️
My sincere condolences to the Bacchus family. May cousin Bertie’s soul rest in peace.
From the Fraser and Thom family of Linden and # 5 Village.
It is with great sadness that I heard of Bert’s passing. We worked together at the Ministry of Health for many, many years. We were all blessed to experience his kind and generous spirit, as well as that brilliant smile. My thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time.
Sophie
Please accept our sincere condolences from Lucie and Allan Luckham
My deepest condolences to the family. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Our deepest condolences to Rita and family. We are honoured to had the privilege to know Bert and will cherish those memories. I know that Dia was grateful to have seen him at the Lime a few years.
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dorothy Sue-Wah-Sing and family
My dear Rita and family
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved Bert. He was a wonderful man and will be surely missed. May you find comfort in the beauty memories of your life together.
May his soul rest
Dear Rita and All your family. Alice and I were saddened to hear of your husband Bert’s passing. Please accept our Deepest condolences. We can still see him sitting and smiling in enjoyment while listening to us singing Carols at the Sing-along at Christmas. You are in our thoughts and prayers to help give you strength in this difficult time. With love, and God bless, Carol and Alice.
Our sincere condolences to the Bacchus family. We are saddened to hear of Berts passing. He was always a joy to be around and always touched us with his warm smile and sense of humour. Bert always reminded us of our own dad who we lost recently with their wealth of knowledge of the West Indies and their similar sense of humour. He will be truly missed and our prayers go out to all of you.
To Rita & Family ,Losing some as dear and beloved is always a difficult time in your life, may the good lord continue to give you all the strength and courage throughout your time in grief.May his soul R.I.P.
Dear Rita and Family
Please accept our sincerest condolences from us here in Guyana. Uncle Bertie was loved and will be mlssed . May his soul rest well. 🙏🏾
Love from Cousin Kitty’s Daughter
And Family
Our family sends our love and prayers during this difficult time. We have fond memories of Mr. Bacchus. We hope you find comfort in the love and support of all your friends and family.
Our condolences to Rita and family. Bert was a wonderful man with a great smile and wonderful sense of humour. Myself and family have lots of fond memories of him…
To : Cousin Rita and Families,
Special thoughts reflection and prayer are with you today especially , and may the Almighty Father comfort you all today and always.
May Uncle Bertie Rest In Peace.
What a beautifully arranged farewell Mass for Bertie!! Rita, although here in California, your 2 sisters, Peggy and Joan and also Steve were fortunate to have been able to join you and the rest of our family there in Canada at Bertie’s farewell Mass.
Thanks to the innovation of “live stream”
My deepest condolences to Rita and family,Losing someone as dear and beloved is always a difficult time in your life ,may the good lord continue to give all of you strength and courage throughout your time of grief ,may his soul R.I.P.
Sending my deepest condolences to you Mrs. Bacchus, Sandra, Wendy, Colin and Alyssa. May your beloved husband and dad, Mr. Bacchus (Bertie) rest in peace knowing how much he was loved, how much he will be missed. Your beautiful smile and soul will live forever in your family and communities you loved and supported over your lifetime! May God bless you and His peace during this difficult time.
My sincere condolences to Rita & your family. Bertie was such an inspiration to my Mum when he came into her life that i will always treasure his kindheartness & cheerful conversations he had w/my Mum & all of us.
There was a time before my Mum lost her thoughts due to dementia that she always looked forward to his calls as he was such an inspiration to her .
He will be sorely missed but I know if there’s a better place he will be there. I felt so lucky to have known him.
Again , my deepest sympathies to you and your family from ours.
Dear Rita and Family,
•“My thoughts are with you during this time. I am so sorry for your loss.”
Love,
Sheila
To dearest Rita and Family
I am so sorry to learn of Bert’s Passing. I have very fond memories of our long chats about Guyana and at No6 Plantation, also ( Daddy) Edwin Bacchus. It was a memorable moment when I met you both in Canada. Our prayers and thoughts with you and the family.
Ellen
Bert, RIP – you will be missed. It was such a memorable days when we worked together with Ministry Of Health.
Hello Rita and Family my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I am sure he will be missed very dearly. Stay strong.
To Rita and Family
I would like to extend my sincerest condolences on your loss.
I had the absolutely great privilege of working with Bert from 2007 to 2009 at the Ministry of Health in what was then called the Health Reform Infrastructure Team (HRIT).
I was deeply touched by is passion for his work, his focus on finding thoughtful solutions and, moreover, his incredible kindness and wisdom.
Whenever I became frustrated with my work, office politics, the ‘pressure-cooker’ environment that sometimes occurred, Bert would notice and come by in his ever-so-friendly manner and common decency and suggest to me alternative steps to take or ways of thinking.
I will never, never forget how he could place a mirror in front of me that offered an opportunity for personal growth.
After all the time that has passed since working him, I do declare and still believe the world needs more people like Bert.
It is very difficult to say anything to those who have lost a loved one. The only thing that helped me when I lost my father and, later, my mother a while back, was knowing how much they both loved me.
So I’m believing that the love Bert has for you will provide you with strength through this difficult time
Sorry for your loss. Bert was such a sweet man. I worked with him at Health Capital. He always had a beautiful smile on his face and was ready to lend a helping hand. I remember when he started using a magnifying glass to read the fine print on the architectural and finance documents. I am there now 🙂
Dear Rita,
Please accept my deepest condolences, though belated, to you
and your family at this very difficult time. Bert was such a
strong, vibrant smiling personality in all the activities in which I
knew him that news of his passing came as a total shock.
May you and your family find comfort , consolation and peace
knowing that your dear Bert is in the company of the angels
singing with celestial voices: “Well done good and faithful
Servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord. ” May Bert rest in
eternal peace. My prayers are offered for him and, united with
the Blessed Mother of the Rosary and of Consolation, for you
and your family
family.
Bert was a lovely man with whom I had the distinct pleasure to work at the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care many years ago. My condolences come much too late to offer any comfort to his family and his friends in their time of sorrow, but I do wish to celebrate the memory of a great fella who decades later still comes to mind on a regular basis. May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace.