Joseph (Bert) Pelletier

Bert was born on September 23, 1947 in Flin Flon, Manitoba to Bert and Anna Pelletier and passed away in Calgary on April 12, 2025 with family at his side.

Bert’s early childhood was spent in the middle of the Churchill River at Island Falls, Manitoba. Here the family lived for 10 years before moving back to Flin Flon. Bert spoke fondly of Island Falls and returned there as an adult to work for HBM&S as a supply clerk.

Bert was an active and adventurous child and prompted many outbursts from his mother. He especially loved exploring the Ross Lake area right behind the family home and building go carts and racing in the Soap Box Derby down 3rd Avenue Hill. He started his working career at Central Meat and Grocery as a young child. He stocked shelves and filled the potato bins.

Bert married Ginger Andreychuk in 1966. They welcomed adopted siblings Stefanie and Bianca and later came BJ (Bert Jr. Joseph Albert Pelletier the 3rd). Bert and Ginger lived in many places in Manitoba: Flin Flon, Powell, Bowsman, Eden and Neepawa. Bert always gave credit to Ginger’s father Stan for teaching him mechanics.

When their marriage ended in 1985, Bert returned to Flin Flon and started a construction company. In July 1989, Bert married Vicki Dojcak. He adopted her daughter Chalsea and they had 2 sons, Quentin and Tyrone. During this time in Flin Flon, Bert owned and managed many businesses: Lakeland Design, Lakeshore Glass, Norco Metals, and Four Seasons. His construction company had some lucrative contracts and all the businesses kept him extremely busy.

When their marriage ended in 1991, Bert closed his businesses and moved to Calgary to start a new adventure. Shelley followed him to Calgary in 1992 and they were married on July 29, 1995 and Bert helped raise Shelley’s daughter Jamie as his own. Bert worked at Aikenhead's Hardware, Home Depot, Rona, Heartland Homes, and Baywest Homes and had several close colleagues and friends over the years. Bert always found a way to keep the family busy, whether they were building a deck, garage, developing a basement, or just building a whole house together. In their free time, they camped together or spent time with friends.

Bert wore many hats throughout his life. He was a son, father, husband, farmer, hunter, carpenter, renovator, entrepreneur, construction manager, curler, egg grader, truck driver, Tetris master, Emu caretaker, retail employee, mechanic, architect, fisherman, volunteer, negotiator, designer, camper, mentor, storyteller and friend.

He was a character; hardworking, helpful, full of life, honest, sincere, kind, brilliant, respectful, knowledgeable, a storyteller and he loved to chat.

Bert said he lived his life with no regrets. He did what he wanted and enjoyed every minute. Bert loved people and left a lasting impression with all who met him. He also never forgot anyone he met. He made lifelong friends and his business card collection was second to none.

Bert was predeceased by his parents Bert and Anna and his sister Lorraine.

Left to remember Bert and carry on his stories are his loving wife Shelley and children: Stephanie, Bianca, BJ, Chalsea (Jessie and Phoenix, Zoe and Remi), Quentin (Lindsy and Joseph and Poppy), Tyrone and Jamie (Dieter). Also, lifelong friend and brother Robbin Levandosky (Bernadette), mother-in-law Nellie, brother-in-law Jerry (Helen) and nieces Morgen (Alex) and Sasha (Bryton and Amilia), nephew Jared, sister Janice (Doug) and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

A Celebration of Bert’s Life will be held in Calgary at McKenzie Towne Hall (40 McKenzie Towne Blvd SE in the Inverness Room on Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. All are welcome.

A Celebration of Bert’s Life will be held in Flin Flon, Manitoba at a later date (to be determined).

The family would like to thank the care staff at CareWest Colonel Belcher Tecumseh for their compassionate care of Bert.

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