It has been a number of years since Mr Bert has passed,... sadly, I lost track of him, other than knowing he had moved to AB to be near family after his sweet Thelma’s passing. It is never too late to pay tribute to an amazing guy. Want any descendants of Bert to know what an honourable and caring man he was to my grandfather, who lived across the street from Bert on Rouge Rd. When my Grandpa was widowed in the 1980’s, always busy Bert, took it upon himself to check in on his 20+ yrs older neighbour to visit/check on him almost everyday, when he could, - to share a coffee or Postum and discuss politics, sports, health, the world in general, The War, etc. Bert, you were such a bright and often helpful friend, neighbour and class act to someone from a completely different beginning and life than my Grandpa, but didn’t matter to you (or him)... you’d just knock on the door, call ‘bonjour! , Mon Ami !’ and you’d spark such joy in Grandpa’s day. When I had to move Grandpa from his house, he was so lonely for Bert. For a man who must have witnessed many terrible things from war, Bert was just a true ray of light, with great smile and bright eyes to all that he encountered in his day. Be very aware that you, who enjoy his DNA, should be profoundly proud of the man he was. He mattered to so so many that you may never know of. Be extremely proud of his memory and legacy.

I worked with your Father, as his administrative support in the Area Manager’s office of Manpower and Immigration in Winnipeg. His trust in “all of us” who reported to him, determined in no small way our success, and who we became. I share your loss and also your wonderful remembrances. With my condolences to family and the unending admiration of your Father’s amazing life.

I first met Bert when I commanded 1 Canadian Air Division in Winnipeg (1998-2000). He and Thelma welcomed my wife and me to the city and played a significant role in almost every military ceremony that occurred during my time in command. As an Honorary Colonel, his friendship and support continued throughout my time as Chief of the Air Staff. Bert always wore a smile and had the great ability to transfer his own positive attitude to everyone around him, me included. In doing so, he served as a great inspiration to those who were fortunate enough to know him — a wonderful representative of an amazing generation of Canadians. Bert’s family can be justifiably proud of his accomplishments and the many contributions he made to our nation over his long and productive life. Per Ardua Ad Astra!

It was with profound sadness that I learned of Bert’s passing. It was my honour to know Bert in his position as the Honouary Colonel of the (then) Canadian Forces Air Navigation School. Bert’s contagious enthusiasm and enviable drive put many of us to shame. His efforts were essential to the introduction of Sensor Operator (AESOP) training to the school, for it was he that continually ensured they were fully integrated. Bert’s efforts will be remembered fondly by all who had the pleasure and indeed the honour, to have been associated with him.

Per Ardua Ad Astra

LCol CG “Sam” Ness

Commanding Officer

Canadian Forces Electronic Warfare Centre

Commandant CFANS (2005-2007)

My sincerest condolences to Bert’s family and friends. I had the pleasure and honour of working with Bert on the Manitoba Commemorative Names Project and have always remembered Bert’s professionalism, pride, enthusiasm, and humour while we worked towards completing the naming of a geographical feature in honour of every Manitoban who lost their lives during WWII. My life is better having met and worked with Bert.

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Thank you for publishing his obituary in the Brockville Recorder and Times. We were neighbours as chidren in the New Wexford area. Please accept our most sincere condolences.

Frank, Gayle and Anna

I WOULD LIKE TO OFFER MY CONDOLANCES TO THE FAMILY OF THE LATE BERT CHEFFINS ON BEHALF OF MYSELF AND MY LATE WIFE HUGUETTE MCCANN WHO WORKED FOR MR CHEFFINS WHEN HE WAS DIRECTOR GENERAL(I THINK IT WAS CALLED EMPLOYMENT AND IMMIGRATION AT THAT TIME ) FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN THE EARILY 70″s AT THE FEDERAL BUILDING ON QUEEN ST FREDERICTON . I REMEMBER HE WAS HIGHLY RESPECTED AND FAIR .

Our hearts and prayers are with you! “Bert” seems to have lived an incredible life and we are sure he will be missed by everone that got to meet him.

So sad to see he has passed on. I was very glad to have met him in Winnipeg when I was posted to Air Command as his father was married to my Gramma, Pauline Cheffins. My grampa Cheffins never talked about his time in the military and I never knew Bert’s history with the military. RIP Bert and condolences to his family.

It is with great sadness that we have learned the news. Please accept our most sincere condolences.

René and Rose, Ottawa.

Bert was a great friend and will be missed by his many friends in Winnipeg.

To the Cheffins Family,

On behalf of 1 Canadian Forces Flying training School, the old Canadian Forces Air Navigation School (CFANS), I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences on your loss. Honorary Colonel Cheffins was the school’s first Honorary Colonel and his enthusiasm and drive were contageous. His emphasis on teamwork and rooting for the underdog also had a lasting effect on many students and staff. He will be missed but not forgotten.

LCol Doug Grimshaw

Commandant

1 CFFTS

17 Wing Winnipeg

My condolences to the family. Thank you for publishing his obituary in Fredericton, NB. I was his secretary when he first came to Fredericton back in 1967 with “Manpower”. My husband and I had just moved here for him to go to UNB and your father took both of us under his wing. Whenever he bought a “Coles Notes” for one of his sons, he bought my husband one. A wonderful man – you were so lucky to have him for a father for so long. I did not know your Mum had passed away a few years ago – they were a wonderful couple.

On behalf of all members of the Over 55 and Retired Club of ANAVETS Unit 283 we send our condolences to the family of Bert Cheffins. Bert was a great friend and exemplary individual.

Gord Ayotte

President

Over 55 & Retired Club

Unit 283

Bert was a loyal Canadian and a proud airman who contributed hugely to the ongoing airforce and to the history of the RCAF. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on his passing and my assurance that he will be missed by all of us that knew him.