Bert: Life Well Lived

As we say our goodbyes, we remember Hubert (Bert) Banks born February 6, 1930, and passed quietly on December 8, 2022.

Bert was a community leader, an advocate for change, and a constant promoter of his small town.

He leaves behind a loving wife Beverly, his four children Lori Pasiechnyk (Barry), Judy Renauld (Larry), Douglas Banks (Ann), and the baby Lynne Banks (Dave). The next generation includes Chris Sawicki (Erin), Grady Pasiechnyk (Corissa), Elli Bamsey (John), Alex Banks, Mara Cox (Oliver) Eilish Cox (Mitch), Zoe and Hillary Hlady, and the future with his great grandchildren, Leni, Mabel, Liv, Rory, Banks, and Remi. Yes Banks – cool name.

Bert lived most of his life in the village of Chapman Camp. His childhood was spent in Lower Camp and he raised his family in Upper Camp. Working for the Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company (Cominco), he perfected his trade as a lefthanded machinist.

Beyond dedication to his trade, Bert had a passion for politics. Whether handed down from his father or self-inflicted, his commitment to community was relentless. Starting with Chapman Camp’s amalgamation with the city of Kimberley, he pursued his visions of seeing his hometown become more than mining camp, with a future well beyond the Sullivan Mine. Congratulations Bert, you accomplished your objective.

Some say, behind every great man, there is a great woman. Our Mom was never behind this great man, she was always beside him. They were best friends, life partners and soul mates. Mustering the courage to ask her to “go steady” in high school, these two were rarely apart. As Beverly recalls, she was swept off her feet (plus he had a car, and it was the fifties). Married for over 67 years, she taught him the difference between offside and icing, why it’s called a wine patch, and the meaning of family.

While his family knew they came first, the unwritten rule was to never challenge the natural hierarchy. Bert’s affiliation with sports had both highs and low, from drinking from the Allen Cup in 1978, to a 10-minute major for un-sportsmanlike conduct (somewhat of an accomplishment given he was only a fan in the bleachers). Hockey, curling, and skiing filled the winter months, and Bert always found a way to blend his passion for politics and public service with his love of sports.

As the President of the Kimberley Dynamiters and a Director of the Kimberley Ski Resort, he secured free hockey tickets and ski passes. The summers meant golfing, fishing, camping, and of course swimming. What’s a town without at least two pools, and of course the ultimate goal: a pool where you can swim all year round. Yup, nailed that one too.

No matter what the task, Bert always rose to the occasion and was willing to give it his all. He never met a stranger he too busy to help, and always lived life with a purpose. He passed with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye knowing he was well accomplished, and most importantly, well loved.

As we turn this page, we do so with the knowledge that we shared the privilege to know and to love this incredible man. His memory lives on through his family, grandkids, great grandkids, and through all those lives he touched.

Our Dad’s kindness seemed to bring out the kindness in others. We would like to thank the staff of Garden View, Dr. Haiduk and Dr. Buddo, the Kimberley Ambulance Society, and the magnificent and caring staff at the Regional Hospital. In lieu of flower’s Bert’s wishes would be to support the Kimberley Dynamiters. Go to a game and cheer loud!

A Celebration of Life will be held for Bert at the Kimberley Conference Centre at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 14.

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