With great sadness on Friday, October 16th Wilbert Hartwig, loving husband and father of three children passed away at the age of 86.
Born in Morden, Mb in 1933, Wilbert is predeceased by his parents, Gustov and Hilda Hartwig; sisters, Frieda and Louise; and brother, Paul.
Lovingly remembered by his wife, Betty; daughters, Corinne and Karen (David); and son, Kurt; grandchildren, Alisha, Dustin, Derek and Paige; great grandchild, Tessa; brother, George; sister, Irene; step-grandson, Rick; nieces, nephews, brother and sister-in-laws; and his pride and joy, Simba
Wilbert married Betty on September 22, 1960 and had a wonderful 60 years together. They moved from Winnipeg to Victoria in 1965 and raised their children. Wilbert promised Betty’s father, Morris he would travel back to Manitoba every year so Betty could see her family and he kept his promise as that was the family vacation most years.
Wilbert worked as a mechanic welder and plate fitter who was a hard worker and never out of a job. He taught the younger generation how to work with metal and steel the “old way” without the fancy tools. He retired from Dockyard in 1994 then worked at Empire Welding with the boys. He also helped Karen and Dave build their houses. Dad and Dave classified themselves as the “A Team” as they could build and fix anything.
Dad and Mom enjoyed cruising around in their motor-home and going to Kurt’s ballgames. Dad enjoyed taking his great granddaughter, Tessa to Timmies; working in the kitchen at the Legion, and of course tipping a few (smile Kevin, Dad is with Gerald and Richard having a Wiser).
Wilbert was always caring, compassionate and a cheeky jokester who had a great sense of humour with a smile on his face. His beliefs were telling it how it is with no BS; your word is your honour, always help your neighbour and someone down and out. Everyone like Dad with his crazy ass ways; his crazy snoring and pepper sneezes.
Wilbert will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Rest easy Willie and sail away. We love you!
Special thanks to Dr Simcoff, Dr Johnson and the nurses at the hospitals where Dad tried to find his grandsons a girlfriend.
No service by request. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favourite charity.
The Ship of Life
Along the shore I spy a ship
As she sets out to sea;
She spreads her sails and sniffs the breeze
And slips away from me.
I watch her fading image shrink,
As she moves on and on,
Until at last she’s but a speck,
Then someone says, “She’s gone.”
Gone where? Gone only from our sight
And from our farewell cries;
That ship will somewhere reappear
To other eager eyes.
Beyond the dim horizon’s rim
Resound the welcome drums,
And while we’re crying, “There she goes!”
They’re shouting, “Here she comes!”
We’re built to cruise for but a while
Upon this trackless sea
Until one day we sail away
Into infinity.
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Awww so sweet, how lucky you were to have him in your life. I wish I could have met the man who raised such a beautiful daughter. Karen’s sense of humor, her kindness and her caring ways are what I have been privileged to know and so through her I have also been privileged to know of the man who was so grately loved. My condolences to the Hartwig family and who knew Wilbert.
Thinking of you at this time. We are sorry for Wilbert passing. Our hearts go out to Karen,David,Betty and all of the family. Wilbert was great guy smart and caring and raised a wonderful family. He has passed on his kind and loving ways to his children. I know he will be greatly missed. My brother David was close to him lots of days working side by side fixing bob cats and making things. Hold the memories close and keep him with you. 💕❤️💕
Sincerest Condolences, to Betty; daughters, Corinne and Karen (David); and son, Kurt, and the rest of Family. Wilbert will sorely be missed, his forever cheekiness, quick wit, and the love of his family, will live on through you all.
Hugs to all.
So sorry to read of Wilfred’s passing. My thoughts are with you Betty and family. He sure was a nice man and quite the character. He’ll be missed at the Legion, he had so many friends there.
So sorry to hear of Wilberts passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you Betty and family. Keep your memories close to your heart. Take care.
Loyis’s daughter Lori Tom’s.
Worked with Wilbur in the Dockyard. He was a real down to earth guy with a great sense of humour. We had a lot of laughs during those years. I remember how close Wilbur was with his family, he will sadly be missed. Truly sorry for your loss,
Walt (Bub) and Val Seginowich
Dear Betty, Corinne, Karen and Kurt:
We were sorry to read about Wilbert ‘s passing. Sending our deepest sympathies to you all at this difficult time.
My sincere condolences to you Aunty Betty ,Corrine ,Karen and Kurt ;and their families.
I always loved seeing Uncle Wilbert&Aunty Betty when they came out to Manitoba.
I could always joke around with Uncle Wilbert.
After reading the obituary I think in some ways Uncle Wilbert and I were very similar. I often say “Why walk around the farm when you can go straight to the barn “, in other words I am not one for putting up with BS ;and now i know neither was Uncle Wilbert.
Rest in peace my dear Uncle. !
Love ,your neice Susan
Thank you Susan for your great story of Dad. We are getting lots of memories and stories from people who knew Dad . It is all very comforting at this time for our family . We will miss him everyday.
Your cousin Karen
To Betty and family…Our deepest and sincere condolences for the loss of Wilbert. One of the kindest and honest men i ever meet and always with a smile on his face…If there’s crown royal up there i’m sure you, Gerry and George are having one…rip old friend galen and leola
What a guy! He will be well missed by everyone that knew him.
He always made me laugh, we never new what off the wall comment he was going to come up with to make us all smile. I still remember him standing over that soup pot for so many years on Remembrance Day.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
RIP. Wilbert
Hugs from Cathy A.
Wilbert was a dear friend to me. He made me laugh at so many of his jokes and some of his outrageous expressions. He will be missed by me and so many others. God Bless
Sorry to hear of Wilbert passing. Sending love to all the family at this time. We had lots of memories from the Firehall days and our kids going to school together and the “little boys” playing hockey on the same “Gulls” team. Stay strong Betty and all of you keep the memories close…..The Morrison Family
I am very sorry to hear of Wilbert passing.
It was always a pleasure and fun to be in Wilbert’s company.
Never knowing what might be said or done.
He could keep a person on the edge of their seat.
Not many people have as many friends as Wilbert.
What a guy. Betty and family be strong.
So sorry to hear about your loss Karen and Dave. My condolences to all of your family. Your family was blessed to have such an amazing husband and father.