Bert Kingsley was a proud Dutch-Canadian and family man. He left his mark on everyone he met as a gifted conversationalist who could speak thoughtfully about any topic. He walked everywhere he went and during his career at the City of Toronto he walked from his home in Riverdale to City Hall every day. While Amsterdam was his original home, Toronto was his heart.
Bert spent his childhood in Amsterdam, where he was born in 1944. In 1953 he and his parents emigrated to Canada, initially living with his aunt in Cornwall, and then settling in Ottawa, where Bert’s father became ground’s manager for the Papal Nunciature (Representative of the Pope). Bert attended Rockcliffe Park Elementary School, Lisgar Collegiate, and Carleton University, where he received a B.A., majoring in Political Science, followed by a Diploma in Public Administration. He taught sailing at Christie Lake Boys Camp, joined the Young Conservatives Club and became Vice-President of the Booster Club. He still has a personalized photograph of John Diefenbaker. His political leanings shifted in later years.
In 1969 Bert moved to Toronto for a short stint with the Ontario government and then a career of 39 years with the City of Toronto in Management Services and IT. He cherished the friendships he had with his colleagues, including City Councillors and Mayors.
Bert met his wife, Elaine, in 1969. He often spoke of how thankful he was to have such a caring, intelligent, supportive woman by his side. They were a real team. While in hospital Bert said, “God, how’d I get so lucky?” Loyal husband, father, and friend, he encouraged his kids to work hard, and put family first, because we are stronger together – in Dutch “Eendracht Maakt Macht.”
After courageously battling Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis, Bert passed peacefully with his family by his side on April 10, 2021. His family is proud of Bert's fighting spirit throughout his life and illness. Predeceased by his parents Jan and Maaike, brother Lambertus and son Robert Seth, Bert leaves behind his wife of 48 years Elaine (nee Van Sickle), son Anthony John (Krista Colangelo), daughter Rachel Ann (Shane Baker) and granddaughters Ruth Maaike and Caroline Robbie.
Bert was determined and thorough, exemplified by overcoming a stutter; had a gravestone for his brother placed in a cemetery in Amsterdam; and relentlessly fought for the rights of his parents, wife and kids. Bert enjoyed outings with his hiking group and “walks and talks” with George. He canoed across Lake Ontario from Niagara-on-the-lake to Toronto in the “Great Lake Race for Charity.” He loved traditions with family, including summer holidays in Southampton, ON - playing tennis and canoeing the Saugeen. Of many trips to Europe his favourite was Amsterdam.
Researching his Dutch heritage since he was a teenager, Bert was writing his family history, his family will cherish this book, which will keep the Lambertus Strankinga name and legacy alive forever.
The family is grateful to family, friends and neighbours for their support, as well as the staff at TGH. Those who wish to honour Bert may donate to The Robert Seth Kingsley Graduate Student Fellowship at UofT. Bert will be buried at Mount Pleasant Cemetery beside Robert. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. We welcome your photos, thoughts, and stories at www.mountpleasantgroup.com