Deyell – Albert "Bert" Stuart

March 22, 1952 – March 2, 2020

Bert Deyell, loving husband of Johanna Kwakernaak for 37 years, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2020, nearing his 68th birthday. Born in Calgary, Alberta, to Roy Victor (deceased) and Barbara Deyell, Bert grew up, developed lasting friendships, and spent the majority of his life in Calgary. Since 2010, he has enjoyed his summers in Berwick, Nova Scotia, and winters in Mexico.

Following completion of a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Bert worked in advertising and public relations in Calgary, and on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, including a role as special assistant to the Leader of the Opposition, Joe Clark. He later received his Masters of Communication Studies, and the professional role he was most passionate about was as professor in the Faculty of Communications and Culture at the University of Calgary. His main focus was rhetoric, Canadian culture, and media.

Those close to Bert enjoyed his lectures on the topics he was most passionate about: weather, gardening, wine making, greyhounds, politics, and media. He had a brilliant mind and razor-sharp wit, it was difficult to win a debate with Bert. Throughout his life, he enjoyed art and music, both performing and listening. He was a talented singer and piano player, and his home was always filled with music. Carrying on the tradition of family travel from his childhood, his family has wonderful memories of travel; family road trips were some of the greatest adventures. Bert collected art from his travels and had a special love of indigenous art and supported independent artists and artisans wherever he went.

Above all, Bert was a loving, caring and supporting husband to Johanna; son to Barbara and Roy; father to Amy and Kate; brother to Colleen and Brian; grandfather to Rigby and Sebastian; and father-in-law to Chris and Andrew. At Bert's request, a private family gathering was held.

Bert valued learning and shared many interests with his father. If friends so desire, instead of flowers, Bert's family is asking you to consider donating to the Roy V. Deyell Memorial Scholarship that will go to support a Mount Royal University student studying Policy Studies. Gifts are being accepted at www.mru.ca/helpstudents or you can mail your donation to the Mount Royal University Foundation, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary AB T3E 6K6. Please forward condolences through http://www.middletonfuneralhome.com/ .