Bert (Bertie) Eicher died Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015 after a short, but valiant battle with cancer.
He leaves behind his devastated wife, Sylvia and faithful dog Franzie.
In Switzerland, left to mourn are his surviving siblings, Waedi, Marta and Marlies, his brother-in-law Hansi and wife, Lilo, along with many nieces and nephews.
In the Cariboo, B.C., across Canada, the U.S. and Europe, are countless friends also reeling from the loss, all of whom feel blessed and privileged to have known him, a true, loyal and jovial friend.
To mention his name brought a smile to all our faces, his “joie de vie” and his laughter, almost “ticklish,” as you just had to laugh with him.
It would be impossible to list his very special friends and buddies of more than 50 years, along with all the friends he has made in his life’s journey.
Bert was born in Rueti (Zurich), on June 1, 1940, one of nine children.
After his schooling he apprenticed as a tile setter and became a master of his trade. In the late fall of 1967, he and six friends emigrated by ship to Montreal, with all their worldly belongings and two Volkswagens.
After some travelling in the U.S. and Canada, they all settled in Vancouver, giving those two VW’s a rest!
Bert became an active member of the Canadian-Swiss club and joined in many activities.
He sang with the choir, played the Alphorn, and became a champion in cross bow, all of which resulted in many gigs and competitions throughout the U.S. and Canada.
In 1988 Bert and his wife moved to the Cariboo and found land just outside Williams Lake and over the years have created their unique piece of paradise.
Although they didn’t have children of their own, Bert became an adopted dad, a substitute dad to many, and a beloved godparent and opa to many children, the smile and twinkle in his eye captivating them at first sight.
He was such a loving, caring and kind man.
Bert was never without feline friends or a faithful dog, all who lived longer than most household pets. We are sure this was his magic he bestowed on them.
He was happiest sitting at the head of the table inside or, out on the balcony, surrounded by these adoring purring cats, his dog nudging him for a pat on the head, the daily newspaper, a glass of wine and his “Schatze” beside him.
He enjoyed, and was a connoisseur of wines and schnapps.
His own wine was of high international standards. He made some wonderful remedies for “bauchweh” (stomach ache) and it seemed a bit strange that, if you were lucky to be invited to “supper,” which would always be a culinary delight, it would be common place to complain of “bauchweh” just to be offered a little remedy! Luckily, the great team of Sylvia and Bert were never offended by this and were always exemplary hosts.
He loved hunting, and again, anyone who had the privilege of being invited along with his hunting partners, were in for a gastronomical experience as well.
Many who went hunting after that shopped for rack of lamb, pork medallions and a good wine in place of hot dogs, chips and a six pack! Wine was enjoyed in a wine glass and never in a plastic cup.
His hearty laugh, his way of making everything okay and to carry on regardless was enviable.
There are so many stories to tell, but he enjoyed life as best he could and to its fullest.
If everyone told one story, the resulting book would be a best-seller with many sequels.
Having had such a great friend will be treasured forever by all of them.
In hospital, the wonderful staff remarked on the copious amount of visitors, and how he must have such a big family.
When they were told, all his family were in Switzerland except his wife, and the people were just his friends, they were astonished.
I think that, in itself, gives the measure of him and just how much he will be truly missed and never forgotten.