Of Oshawa, Ontario, passed away on January 10, 2024 at 09:57:09 p.m. EST at Taunton Mills Long Term Care Home.

Bert was born on September 11, 1927 to Hermanus and Aaltje Michel in Vriesenveen, Netherlands, one of 9 children.

He was 12 years old when the Netherlands was occupied by Germany and along with his entire family was active in the Resistance.

April 1947 he was drafted into the Dutch army and sailed in August 1947 to serve in the Dutch Indonesian war as a truck driver.

It was on that sailing that he made a personal commitment to his Lord Jesus Christ. After the war ended, he immigrated in 1950 to Canada, following his girlfriend, Corry Kiezebrink who he married on September 9, 1951.

He founded Raglan Industries in 1959.

He is survived by his sister Hermanna Laarman, his wife of 72 years, Corry, and his children Catharine (Ron), Harry (Peggy), Bert ((Mary deceased), Margrid), John (Gail), Ed (Wilma), Robert (Lynn), David (Kathy), Judy (Andy deceased), Paul (Sandy), 36 grand children and almost 100 great grandchildren.

Predeceased by grandsons Mark and Joel and great granddaughters Chloe and Rebecca. Missions was of great importance to Bert.

He went on mission trips to Columbia, Zambia, Asia, Indonesia and all over Canada with the Baptist Quick Build church builders.

He faithfully supported the work of many missionaries. Funeral service will be held at Faithway Baptist Church, 1964 Salem Road, Ajax on Saturday January 13, 2024 at 12:00 pm. Family viewing 10:00 am - 11:00 am, General Viewing 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. 1:00 fellowship. 2:00 internment.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Missions account at Faithway Baptist Church.