This is sad news indeed, thank you for the post. Bert has not been well for a long time and last report (last week) he was waiting for this day to come in the hospital. He was completely blind, would not wear his hearing aid (so effectively deaf), would not accept treatment and would only eat if Pat fed him...it was time and he knew it. Bert will be missed by many, including me and my wife, Diane.
He and his wife, Pat, practically adopted me when I first moved to San Fernando Valley in late 1976. They were both a big part of my life while living in Southern Cal after moving there alone from Detroit, and it stayed that way as I married and moved away. We always stayed in touch; even if it was months between emails, phone calls or visits. They were very generous with not only me, but many people they came in touch with. I witnessed this many times first hand.
I had the honor of working w/Bert in his shop doing inlay work on the panagraph for about 6 months. It was because of my respect for Bert that I went back to school so as not to disappoint him with other choices I may have made. He touched many lives, I am just one. He will be missed dearly.
I love you Bert!
Dave
