BERT LUIT

Condolences & Memories (29 entries)

• Bert was doing work that was very similar to mine at the University of Manitoba, since we both did Electron Microscopy. We were also both interested in Photography, and talked enthusiastically about it a lot. Bert was generous with his time, and we talked about everything in life in general. He was warmhearted and fun to be around and always willing to help me if I had questions about work related matters. And Bert's father Dick Luit also worked where I worked, and he had a lot of the same character. It was an honour to know both of them. - Posted by: Garry Burgess (Co-worker) on: Oct 31, 2021

• I am deeply saddened to learn of Bert's passing in the U of M alumni magazine which I have received today. Bert was in Kevin Vessey's Lab when I was a graduate student there in the late 1990s to early 2000s. He was very kind and generous to me. He introduced me to Maria, Jenneke and Kelsey (and also his parents) whose company I truly enjoyed. Bert's optimism, willingness to help, kindness and friendship left me with beautiful memories of my stay at U of M long after coming back to Kenya. Bert loved his two daughters and wife Maria immensely. He showed me many pictures that he had taken of them over time. I would like to send my deepest sympathy to Maria, Jenneke, Kelsey and their whole family. Bert was a wonderful and loving person, may his soul rest in peace. - Posted by: George Chemining'wa (U of M's Plant Science grad student (1998-2002) and friend) on: Jul 24, 2012

• I was shocked to learn of Bert's passing in the U of M alumni magazine. Bert was a wonderful person to work with- he was optimistic, kind, and funny, in addition to being a talented photographer and knowledgeable tech. While I only met one of his daughters, having worked with Jenneke one summer, he spoke of both girls with a great deal of pride and love. My deepest sympathy to all of his family and friends. - Posted by: Kristi (De Corby) Hildebrand (Plant Science grad student 2002-2004) on: Jul 05, 2012

• I only learned about Bert's passing when I received the UofM alumni newsletter and saw his name in the obituaries. I worked with Bert in the Plant Science Department at the University of Manitoba for many years and Bert was the photographer at my wedding. I currently live in Edmonton. I remember Bert as a quiet, gentle soul and am very saddened to hear of his passing and my condolences go out to his family. - Posted by: Mary De Pauw (Colleague and friend) on: Jun 10, 2012

• Jenneke, Kelsey, Maria and Family, you are in our thoughts at this time. We have fond memories of your family's years with us. We also greatly appreciated Bert's beautiful dance photographs, some of which we are fortunate to still have and display. We would like to send our deepest sympathies. Odette, Faye, Stephanie, Gaile, Charlene, Dwight and all of us here at The School of Contemporary Dancers. - Posted by: Charlene Kulbaba () on: Jan 26, 2012

• Jenneke, Kelsey, Maria and Family, you are in our thoughts at this time. We have fond memories of your family's years with us. We also greatly appreciated Bert's beautiful dance photographs, some of which we are fortunate to still have and display. We would like to send our deepest sympathies. - Posted by: Faye, Charlene, Dwight, Stephanie and all of us here at The School of Contemporary Dancers () on: Jan 25, 2012

• I have known Bert since the 1970s, when I was a graduate student and later employed in the Plant Science department. We spent many bus rides together, talking about everything. He was such a modest person, whose quiet manner sometimes prevented people from realizing how very intelligent and thoughtful he was. His knowledge of music, literature, and art was truly remarkable, but he always used that knowledge to understand and sympathize with the human condition, never to impress others. Only Bert could have dealt with his illness with such grace and fortitude. He loved nature as well as art; and I will always cherish the photographs that he sent me over the years. - Posted by: Isobel Waters (friend and former colleague) on: Jan 24, 2012

• For years Bert and I played squash once a week, until my knees cried uncle. It has been many a year since Bert and I played a game. I remember him for his love of the game and teaching me the finer points of squash. My condolences to Bert's family. - Posted by: Paul Fields (Squash Partner) on: Jan 23, 2012

• I am so sorry of Bert's passing. Please accept my sincere condolences to you, Maria and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Chris Milloy (Friend) on: Jan 23, 2012

• I have known Bert for many years. Always kind, always sweet and down to earth. I ran into him at Ballet At The Park 2 years ago. We could have talked forever. I'm also a friend of Maria's. Our conversations encompassed everything. Bert remains to be one of the most wonderful men I know. A pure heart, a heart of gold and a diamond mind. You will forever be in my prayers. You and Maria are amazing people. Your love for each other is incredible. You have so much respect for her and love her eternally. Thank you for being my friend. Respectfully, we will keep in touch through prayer. Margaret - Posted by: Margaret Camara (Friend) on: Jan 21, 2012

• Bert was a very special kind person. I first met him when I worked in the Faculty of Agriculture. The pace was fast, busy and intense in our office, but every time Bert walked in, he brought a smile to us all. He had a great sense of humor and clearly an intuitive understanding of people and human nature. I remember him often speak of with the deepest pride of his children and partner. A wonderful, sensitive, artistic soul. I'm so sorry for your suffering, dear buddy. I pray your soul can rest in peace now and I offer my deepest condolences to his dear wife and children. - Maria - Posted by: Maria De Stefano (past collegue) on: Jan 20, 2012

• I am so sad to hear of Bert's passing. He was such a beautiful, gentle soul with huge love and admiration for his two girls, wife, and grandchildren. Bert gifted me a very special hour of his time to photograph my work "Bronte" at a time when he was in a weakened state physically but was so vibrant in his outlook on life. He poured his heart and soul into that photo shoot and the results are breathtaking. His passion and artistry in his photography certainly was evident in the final results. Thank you Bert, I really love and treasure what you captured in that hour. Dance Current was thrilled to publish your gorgeous photos of the dance in their magazine. My deepest sympathies to Jenneke, Kelsey, and Maria and family. Bert always talked about the family with such pride and love. He mentioned how wonderful it was to be a Grandparent. I won't forget the magic in his eyes when he spoke of you all. I remember how excited and enthusiastic he was at all of the girl's dance performnces. You were loved very much. Bert's beautiful picture of Jenneke in the grass, still hangs in Dwight's office at the School of Contemporary Dancers. It is a lovely reminder of a very special man. I am so sorry for your great loss..love to you all..Gaile - Posted by: gaile petursson-hiley () on: Jan 20, 2012

• It was a real pleasure to know Bert. We had many good squash games. I enjoyed Bert's interest and knowledge in a wide range of subjects. He had a scientific curiousity for many areas and a wealth of facts. He was also a very honest and warm person. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Brent McCallum (friend at U of M) on: Jan 20, 2012

• Our sincere condolences to the Luit family ... - Posted by: Denis Petrowski (Chan), wife Barbara, daughter Nicole ... () on: Jan 19, 2012

• Bert was a serene presence at my bus stop for years. We met when he deposited his photographs in the University Archives. He was a fine man. My heartfelt condolences to his family & friends. - Posted by: Lewis St. George Stubbs (fellow bus rider) on: Jan 19, 2012

• I met Bert several years ago when a friend had recommended him as a photographer for my daughter's first CD. I will always remember his kindness and consideration, and the great care that he put into his work to capture the very essence of her music through his beautiful photography. Bert was a very talented, very kind-spirited man. - Posted by: Myrna Podolsky (friend) on: Jan 19, 2012

• Bert has been a cherished colleague for many years. We shared interests in creative microscopy and art. Years ago we did much scanning EM work together. Recent conversations with him at ReFit and craft and art events this past year showed his spirit and valiant willpower to give all he could to battle his disease. I will cherish having known him and miss him. He was a creative, kind person with a zest for life and trying new things - a true artist! He fought a hard battle so it is very sad to see him taken way too soon. He had so much still to offer. My thoughts are with the family, wishing you all strength in this tragedy. Erwin Huebner - Posted by: Erwin Huebner (U of M colleague and friend) on: Jan 18, 2012

• I was blessed to have been in touch again with Bert months prior to his father's death last Spring. He was a generous and gracious man. He didn't tell me his own health was in such a poor state but was a very faithful son to both his parents. Nelly K. Petrock, Ann Arbor, Michigan - Posted by: Nelly Keizer Petrock (I knew Bert, his brother and parents since they immigrated from the Netherlands. Our families had a) on: Jan 18, 2012

• I am deeply saddened about Bert's passing. Bert and I worked closely together on developing a CD ROM on Prairie woody plants when I was in the Plant Science Department at the University of Manitoba. I appreciated his creativity and his friendship. He will be missed. My heartfelt condolences to Maria, Jenneke, Kelsey and their families. - Posted by: Bill Remphrey (former colleague and friend) on: Jan 18, 2012

• I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Bert's passing. I had the pleasure of working with him in Plant Science for a number of years. He was an interesting man to talk to and was obviously a devoted family man. Just a lovely, lovely man who will be missed. - Posted by: Diana Amey (Former Co-worker, U of M) on: Jan 18, 2012

• I was saddened to hear of Bert's passing. My condolences to his family. He was a gentle soul. - Posted by: Andrew Koster (friend) on: Jan 18, 2012

• Bert was in Kevin Vessey's lab when I was a graduate student there in the 90's. What I remember about Bert was the good conversations on a wide range of topics. We had a really good group in the lab in those days and there was alot of good times. Bert was always there to help out and to provide some diversions as well! He often talked of his daughters and it was obvious how much he loved them. Being a father of three daughters myself I look upon Dads such as Bert as examples of Dads who got it right. I count myself lucky having known Bert and been his co-worker and Friend for several formative years. - Posted by: Steve Shirtliffe (former coworker) on: Jan 18, 2012

• Bert I will miss running into you and catching up. You were a very good person and friend. I wish we had the chance to play one more game of squash. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Bruce Murray (Friend at U of M) on: Jan 18, 2012

• I was very saddened to hear of Bert's passing. My deepest condolences to Maria, Jenneke, Kelsey and the rest of the family. - Posted by: Kevin Vessey of Halifax (former colleague at the University of Manitoba) on: Jan 18, 2012

• I'm so sorry to hear of Bert's passing today. I have many fond memories of him driving me to dance class with his daughters. My deepest sympathies to Jenneke, Kelsey, Maria, and his entire family and circle of friends. Laura - Posted by: Laura Pethrick Elliott () on: Jan 17, 2012

• I was lucky enough to have been touched by Bert's soft spoken and kind presence. We enjoyed working together on social events at Plant Science, and when I look at my family portrait from the Agriculture Building, I will smile with memories of Bert patiently taking our photos. Rest peacefully Bert. - Posted by: Chris Cowan (former coworker, U of MB) on: Jan 17, 2012

• A visit with Bert always made a great day (at the Folk Fest) better! Thank you Bert, I will miss you. - Posted by: Dave McKnight (Fellow Folk Fest Photographer) on: Jan 17, 2012

• It was always a joy to see Bert at the Folk Festival, whether he was at "work" crafting his images, or just kicking back enjoying the Folk Fest vibe... enough said... I will miss you Bert. - Posted by: Tim Beaudry (Fellow Folk Fest Photographer) on: Jan 17, 2012

• While I had only a passing acquaintance with Bert (from the desk in WCD/SCD days), he always remembered me and greeted me warmly. I was saddened to read of his passing this morning. He was a lovely man. My condolences to you all, De Tomkins - Posted by: De Tomkins () on: Jan 17, 2012