Obituary of Nelson Pert

Life Legacy The peaceful passing of Nelson Blythe Pert, beloved father, grand father, great grand-father, neighbour and friend occurred on Monday, September 18th, 2017 in the Palliative Care Unit of the Saint John Regional Hospital at the age of 88. Nelson was welcomed into our world on September 25, 1928 with his identical twin brother Norman, in Jacksonville, Carleton County, New Brunswick. Nelson and Norman were the youngest of 10 children born to William and Margaret Pert, Scottish immigrants escaping poverty in their homeland during the depression. His Dad fought in WW1 for Scotland and WW2 for Canada. Nelson grew up in Saint John, NB and after graduating from Saint John High School and attending Vocational School, his long career started as a Morse Code wireless operator (Sparky) on ships that travelled the world where he was introduced to an ongoing love for languages including Greek and Spanish. He spent time in the Canadian north where he learned the local language there and the art of how to build an igloo, which he eagerly demonstrated in later years to students at Park Street School in Fredericton, NB. In the early 50’s, from a suggestion of a friend, he took a chance and applied for an interview for Air Traffic Controller training. He was accepted to class when the instructor asked “What makes you think you’re smart enough to be an Air Traffic Controller? To which he answered, “I don’t Sir, but I expect to be trained.” His career led to towers in Gander, Newfoundland, Moncton and finally Fredericton where he became a trainer himself until his retirement. Nelson was predeceased by his beloved wife, Margrate Lillian (Downey) in 2008. They were married in Saint John, NB in 1953 and eventually settled in Fredericton, NB to raise their 6 children together. Other children in the neighbourhood would knock on the door and ask “Can Mr. Pert come out to play?” The family enjoyed sailing, iceboating, skiing, skating, camping and long drives to Florida down I-95. Together, Nelson and Margrate spent several years assisting immigrant families to Canada and young foreign students at UNB. To them, Nelson is their Canadian Father. The house was full of the music with Nelson’s guitar, fiddle and mouth-organ and Margrate’s accordion. As an avid hunter, he enjoyed getting away in the fall with his many great hunting buddies where he took on the esteemed roles of chief cook and entertainer. As witnessed by the wonderful staff of the Surgical Ward and Palliative Care Unit at the Saint John Regional, Nelson will be remembered by everyone he touched for his undying sense of humor and appreciation for life and everything around him. Nelson is survived by his sister, Jessie Pert Comben (Calgary, AB); six children, Robert (Judy) Pert, Elizabeth (Dave) MacDonald, Jeannie Pert, Calvin (Tricia) Pert, Evelyn (Randy) Savage, Alistair Pert; ten grandchildren; five great-grandchildren (plus 2 more on the way). A gathering of friends and family will take place on Saturday, September 23, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton, NB. Interment will take place at a later date in the fall at McKenzie Corner near Woodstock, New Brunswick. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association, Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice at www.yorkfh.com