Son of Patricia Ainsley (Bogue) and late Bertram W. Ainsley. Unexpectedly, Bertram Lawrence Ainsley, on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, passed away in his 58th year. Brother of Lee-Ann O’Leary (late Nick Kotsos), Theresa Ainsley (Bill Kersey), Diane Edgar (Bill Badalato), and late Robert Ainsley (Dianne). Uncle of Meagan, Erin, Wade, Katie, Kelli, Cooper, Rachel, Kyle, Colin, and Ryan and great uncle of James, Dawson, Jack, Regan and Kellen. Bert was a guy with a larger than life personality and an even bigger heart. His great sense of humour allowed him to perform as a comedian and to be the life of any party. Very often he would be accompanied by his ukulele and passionately shared his gift of music. He was a stage actor and storyteller who loved to laugh and to laugh loudly. It brought joy to Bert to use his natural skills to renovate the homes of family and friends. He worked in the hospitality industry for a number of decades and volunteered in his local community. Bert believed in the value and dignity of all people and will be dearly missed by his family, his community and his many, many friends.
Private family service will be held at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy. 50), Bolton (905-857-2213).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to PARKDALE FOOD CENTRE, (www.parkdalefoodcentre.ca)
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Norm & Susan Koffman
Our deepest condolences to Bert’s family and friends.
Kathryn Kuzyk
I met Bertram in 1990 and fell madly in love. Instantly.
We laughed (a lot), cried ( too often) and loved each other intensely.
In and out of each others lives for decades, he taught me compassion, how to see joy in the minutiae and find humour in the darkest of hours. He was my guardian angel and I consider myself blessed that the universe gave me the gift of knowing this man’s spirit.
He marched to the beat of his own drum and I will cherish that forever.
My heart breaks for his family as I understand and feel that pain.
God bless and know he is making the angels laugh.
My condolences,
Kathryn
Rossana Rebeccani
My sincerest condolences to Bert’s family. Bert was a lovely compassionate person, with a laugh and kind word for everyone. I saw him just before the lockdown. I am grateful to have spent time with him.
Jeff and Karen Kerker
We have such fond memories of Bert. Thoughtful, caring, mischievous and so funny. He was one of a kind. Our condolences to your family – such a sad time. Our hearts are with you.
Greg Smith
My condolences the family, your loss of a fantastic member is echoed through the loss of a great friend. I will always love and laugh the time I spent with Bert and his love of everything. My thoughts are with you all.
Sandy Bogue Kolpakow
I have so many memories of my cousin Bertie and the times the Bogue and Ainsley families celebrated with laughter and good times. Like his uncle Phil, my dad, he was blessed with the gift of the Bogue gab and and the most pleasant, fun loving disposition. My deepest condolences to my aunt Patsy and his beautiful sisters. Sad, sad news.
Pam walker
Dear Pat, Diane, Terry and Lee –
As you mourn the sudden death of your beloved son/ brother, you are in our thoughts and prayers. We had the privilege of meeting Bert many times over the years and in all of my memories, wherever Bert was, there was always laughter.
May your memories bring you comfort and may the support of your loving families sustain you. With much love Pam and Don
Niky Robinson
Bert was so much more than just a neighbor and friend. He was the heart of our community on Dunn Ave. and he will be forever missed.
Some of my fondest memories of Bert are when he’d see my son & me sitting on our lawn. He’d pull out his ukelele and put on a little concert.
My condolences to everyone who knew and cared for Bert. Although it’s incredibly sad, I know that we’re all better people for knowing him.
John Mccague
My condolences to Bert’s family. I had the great pleasure to know Bert in High School. I was good friends with Rob. Bert was such a great guy…..always fun….and taught us to enjoy life and think outside the box. I’d often reminisce with my sister Tracey about Bert. This news hurts badly. He will be missed greatly.
Graham Robinson
I admired Bert in so many ways. As a nextdoor neighbour he was the friendly, caring heart of our street. He carried himself with such a relaxed, sincere style. I looked forward to stepping out my door to see him taking care of his lawn or shoveling snow with him and if I was lucky, playing a song on his ukulele. His fastidious nature was infectious. Bert seemed to take genuine fulfillment from doing any task, big or small, with care and attention to detail.
Bert struck me as a man who wanted for absolutely nothing. He enjoyed his work, he had so many interests and was blessed with an incredible curiosity, and most importantly he had so many friends. To meet Bert even once was to be his friend. Bert was a man rich with all things that matter the most.
I and my wife and all who knew Bert are richer for having known him. I will carry so much of his spirit with me through my life.
His humour, his generosity, his boldness and courage to be his genuine self and accept others as they are. These are enormous gifts Bert gave us all.
Thank you Bert.
In memory of the future.
Nicki Newhouse
Dear Pat, LeeAnn, Diane, Terry – so hard to say good bye to someone so young and full of life. I’m so sorry for your loss and am sending strength to you all. May you have many memories to remember his laugh and energy. He sounds like he was a terrific guy.
Sincerely, Nicki
Paul Major
I’m very sorry to hear about Bert. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family. Call me anytime. Paul Major
705 717 2888
Betty Vaughan and the Bergin family
I’m so sorry to hear about Bert. Our condolences to the Ainsley family.
Sherri Young
To Bert’s family. So very sad to hear of Bert’s passing. We were high school sweethearts and friends. So many deep memories of our time together. He was an amazing person and so very much loved his sisters and brother. May he Rest In Peace My love.
Chris and Janet Bergin
Sad to hear of the loss of Bert. Bert had a great soul and love for life. Many great memories of the Ainsleys growing up. Think of the Ainsley women especially at this time.
Kerry Quinlan
I knew Bert in high school and have such fond memories of him. He was so kind and very funny. One of the wonderful things about Bert was you could talk to him about anything and he would hold it in confidence. I am so sorry for his family and friends. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and love go out to you.
Faith Moosang
A whole lot of people loved Bert. Count me as one of them. Heartbroken by this terrible news. All my thoughts towards the many people who are bereft because of his passing.
Silvia Fath (formerly Ferreira)
Hello Pat,
I want to extend my condolences to you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and love and light.
Maureen
Bert was first a tenant and then later a trusted and well-loved superintendent at our building on Dunn Ave. But, he was also so much more than that to me, my brothers and all who knew him in the neighborhood.
I spent countless times enjoying a glass of wine with Bert, discussing life, having a laugh and being serenaded by him playing the ukelele.
He was a comforting presence to so many of the residents in the building – someone who you could trust and count on. A friend. Always there to lend a hand, say a kind word or to lift your spirits with a funny story. A man of many talents who took great pride in his work, no matter how large or small the job. We are all richer for having know you Bert. You will be sorely missed.