SPERLING, Engelbert (Bert) Harold Passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Kelowna on the morning of December 26, 2012 at the age of 84. Bert was predeceased by two sisters and three brothers and he is survived by his loving wife, Velma of 64 years. Bert is lovingly remembered by his six children: Douglas (Bev), Susan (Paul), Karen (Alvin), Marie (Dave), Ann (Peter), and Joan (Paul); 18 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Many others were lovingly included into Bert and Velma's home who will dearly miss Bert. Bert was born in Saskatchewan in 1928 on the coldest day that winter. He graduated from Kelowna Secondary and moved to Vancouver Island to pursue logging for a few years but soon returned to Kelowna. Having an innovative flare, he became a prominent grape grower of both "coronation" table grapes and vinifera wine grapes. He was an industry leader with 18 years as president of the BC Grape Growers Association. He served for many years as Chairman of the Catholic School
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