ALBERT C. (BERT) KROEKER

Condolences & Memories (25 entries)

• Mr. Kroeker was my school principal and a wonderful man. He was so enthusiastic and always saw the best in each of his students. In 1979 our school rehearsed and performed "The Red Mill" with Gord Ferguson in the lead role (see his tribute above), and in 1980 we rehearsed and performed "Fiddler on the Roof" with John Krawchenko (see his tribute above) in the lead as "Tevye"; I was in the chorus in both productions. To this day I remember our rehearsals and Mr. Kroeker's dedication and enthusiasm as we rehearsed - it was a wonderful time. I've thought of him often over the years, and the zest for life that he always projected. Even though I haven't seen him since graduation, I will miss him. - Posted by: Alison Anderson (Class of 81 FRC) on: Jul 28, 2017

• He was my mentor and friend. I will never for get you Sir as you gave me courage and belief in who I might be. You gave me a chance when no others would believe. You gave me hope.......thank you sir. and thank you Anita because you taught me so much. - Posted by: Gordon Ferguson (Student and Musical actor) on: May 04, 2016

• What fun we had rehearsing and presenting "The Mikado" it is one of the highlights of my High School years. To You Anita and your family I offer my deepest condolences. I know how you feel as I lost my husband of 56 years just 6 mos. ago. God keep you in His arms. - Posted by: Irma (Loeppky) MacDonald (former student Altona Collegiate (Kadisha)) on: Oct 19, 2014

• Dear Anita and family, I wanted so badly to attend Bert's special day of celebration but had to attend a wedding for a dear friend. I knew the church would be packed and I would not be missed. But we all know Bert will be. He was a pillar for so many of us, a mentor to follow, someone who you hated to say "no" to because he rarely used that word himself. I will always remember him with his arms up, ready to conduct, bringing music out of the many souls in front of him in the choir loft. Willing us to sing loud, quiet, gaily, sadly, whatever the piece of music required... and then some. Always.... and then some! He has left quite a legacy and so many memories for so many of us. My deepest sympathy goes out to you dear Anita and all your family. God Bless. - Posted by: Julie Danner (choir member at SCUC for many years) on: Sep 27, 2014

• Bert gave me my start in teaching and it was a joy to serve together with him and under his leadership in my early years as a teacher. He always made time for others and sought ways to inspire people to be all that God wanted for them. Anita and family, I am praying for you as you adjust to a new normal, and grateful that Bert knew the Lord and that we can look forward to great reunions (and much music!). - Posted by: Garth Klassen (former colleague at FRC) on: Sep 25, 2014

• Mr. Kroeker was a wonderful principal (Fort Richmond Collegiate). He was always enthusiastic and encouraging. I remember him with a genuine smile on his face. 30+ years later, every one in a while, as I'm driving down the freeway, I'll break out into a rendition of, "Here come the Centurions!" may you rest in peace, Mr. Kroeker! With love and appreciation from a former student. - Posted by: Trish Newbold (née Loeppky) (Former student) on: Sep 21, 2014

• Mr. Kroeber was a wonderful person. He was my Principal at Golden Gate Jr. High over 50 years ago. My deepest condolences to his family - Posted by: Carole Grant (Former student) on: Sep 20, 2014

• My condolences to the family. I remember Mr. Kroeker very well, and have fond memories, when I attended FRC for 3 years. He also attended our 25th year reunion, and I was very happy to see him. Mr. Muir: If you read this message, it would be great to talk to you. Please feel free to connect on LinkedIn, or Facebook. Regards. - Posted by: Naiyer Usmani (FRC Graduate 1979) on: Sep 20, 2014

• What a shock it was to hear of Mr Kroekers passing. It was just this past May we saw each other at the Faculty of Medicine graduation and it was another trip down memory lane. He remembered all of my siblings and which musical we all performed in while attending FRC. Of course we also sang a few bars from each one of the shows as well. Thank you for being such a caring principal and role model! - Posted by: Elaine Krawchenko ((Former student at Fort Richmond Collegiate)) on: Sep 19, 2014

• I will deeply miss Bert Kroeker, he was a great mentor, friend, and a wonderful and generous human being. He always had tremendous energy, enthusiasm and creativity, which continually brightened the building and congregation of Sturgeon Creek United Church. Bert always made a point to greet me and speak to me on a Sunday morning before or after church. I will miss our intriguing conservations about everything from politics to Roman History, that we had on a regular basis. Bert always had time for the youth of the church. He made us feel valued and treated us with kindness, respect and enduring enthusiasm. I will always remember the amazing memories that Bert brought us, as he directed us in Teen Troupe, in the Cantata, or on a Palm Sunday, when we would dress up as Roman Centurions. My deepest sympathy to Anita and the Kroeker family. I will miss Bert and remember him forever. Thomas Ormonde - Posted by: Thomas Ormonde (Friend) on: Sep 19, 2014

• We would like to pass on our deepest condolences to Anita and the family on the loss of such a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. We always enjoyed your visits to Kingston and have fond memories of our times together - he was full of life and always interested in what was happening in our lives. He was so very much loved by his sister Luella - and it was apparent every time she spoke of her brother how much she loved him. He will be missed dearly by all, hugs and prayers to each one of you. Love Mark, Trudy, Christopher and Ryan - Posted by: Mark, Trudy, Christopher and Ryan Loney (Bert was Uncle Bert to Mark) on: Sep 19, 2014

• I am deeply saddened after hearing of Mr. Kroeker's passing. I called on him at some point in the winter of 1985 to let him know that a group of former students (including myself) where planning a 25th. Altona Collegiate reunion to take place August 9, 10, 11 of that year and if he were to partake and possibly say a few words. To say the least he was as excited as a child on Christmas morn. I cannot recall the words he spoke except to say how proud he was of everyone. I also remember that he suggested choir practice in the auditorium (I'm sure he wanted to find out if all his hard work paid off.) He was presented with a school bell as a token of appreciation which I have a picture of. My condolences to Mrs. Kroeker and the family. May God be with you at this difficult time. - Posted by: Lawrence Toews (former student ( 1961) of altona collegiate) on: Sep 19, 2014

• Anita and family, our thoughts and prayers are extended to you all. It was a shock to hear of Bert's passing. We've been watching Time to Sing and have enjoyed singing with you two and the group from a distance. But it appeared like you both would carry on forever :-) That experience brought sincere joy. On some websites we're asked to provide key identification. One of these is "Your favourite teacher." When I (Ron) choose that one, the key is always Bert Kroeker. To me he was an exceptional teacher and friend. He conveyed sincere interest in his students' activities. He commented on the safety feature of entering a turn slower and accelerating on finishing the turn on my motorcycle. Teaching was his passion, and it showed in everything he did. I will never forget his passion and tears one Remembrance Day when he recited Wilfred Owen's Dulce et Decorum est ("Gas! Quick boys!") He brought the same passion to being our administrator. When our graduating class skipped out for a day at the sand slides and watermelon in Cavalier, ND, Bert gently but firmly engaged the entire class to take ownership of the prank, and participate in finding the best way to make up for time lost. Bert was a mentor, second to none! Blessings to you all. - Posted by: Ron and Norma Hoeppner (Ron - former student; Norma - former colleague) on: Sep 18, 2014

• As a member of the congregation at Sturgeon Creek I was often moved or in awe of the music from the choir. There were several times I quietly sat in a pew on a Thursday evening during the choir practice until a psalm or anthem ended and I could give Bert and the choir that which was so well deserved -- some applause and thanks. To Chuck and all the family I offer my deep sympathies. - Posted by: Marshall Kern (Listener) on: Sep 18, 2014

• I will deeply miss Bert who was my friend and colleague for more than forty-five years. He created an educational environment which encouraged students and staff to strive to fulfill their potential. People were inspired by his energy, enthusiasm, intellectual curiosity and genuine concern. My condolences to his soul mate Anita and family. Doug Muir FRC counsellor 1968-1989 - Posted by: Doug Muir (Friend and colleague) on: Sep 18, 2014

• I had the pleasure of meeting Bert through his involvement with the German Choir of Winnipeg as conductor, which was the last choir he directed in 2013, 2014. He was always animated and enthusiastic and I asked him on more than one occasion if he was really over 80. We would chat in German and Low German because we share a Mennonite Brethren background. He will be missed and remembered with lots of smiles and laughs and also a few tears. Soli Deo Gloria (to God be the Glory). I am sure that Bert is already organizing a musical or theatrical production with the heavenly choir. - Posted by: Reinhold Pauls (friend and accompanist for the German Choir of WInnipeg) on: Sep 18, 2014

• We are so sorry to hear of Bert's passing. I would like to share my story on how Bert changed my life in the sixties. I had Bert as my teacher in the summer school of 1962 - Grade 12 English. I had failed Grade 12 English earlier that year with a mark of 47%. That Summer School I received the same mark, 47%. Ouch! This was a real fork in the road for me although I did not know it at the time. I went back to Silver Heights, repeated grade 12 again, passed English with a remarkable mark of 53%. In 1963 I took electronics at MIT, the first year of its existence, graduating in 1965. My first job was in Montreal where I lived with Betty, my sister, and husband, Ken, met my wife to be, Judy, moved to Ottawa, raised our family and, as they say, the rest is history. So it was a good thing failing that grade 12 English course in summer school (thank you Bert) as it changed my whole life! At this time our thoughts and prayers are with you, Anita and your wonderful family. We all loved Bert and his positive outlook in life. Love, John and Judy Arnold Ottawa - Posted by: John Arnold (Family friend) on: Sep 18, 2014

• I was very sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Kroeker. He was my school principal at Fort Richmond Collegiate and had a large and positive influence on my life. I learned from him to set my sights high, to strive for excellence and to love musical theatre. To his family and close friends, I offer my sincerest condolences. I feel a tremendous sadness and loss of such a wonderful person. As I write this note, in memory of my favorite principal, I am humming "Here come the Centurions". - Posted by: John Krawchenko (Class of 80 FRC) (Former student) on: Sep 18, 2014

• I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Kroeker was a staple at Sturgeon Creek United Church and always greeted everyone with a welcoming smile. - Posted by: Susan (Whitney) Sullivan () on: Sep 17, 2014

• Uncle Bert was such a distant relation that we never spent too much time together but every moment spent in his presence was truly a gift. He was one of the friendliest and funniest people I have ever met and I will remember him very fondly for the rest of my life. - Posted by: Avery Kroeker (Great-great-nephew) on: Sep 17, 2014

• My heartfelt sympathy and condolences to all of the Kroeker family. My years as a chorister with Mr. Kroeker were the most inspiring, joyful, educational and often times quite humorous choir director of my music life. His support, comfort, encouragement and friendship is beyond words. He was most gracious in his toast to the bride at my wedding. I shall be forever grateful that our paths in life crossed. To Mrs. Kroeker, Chuck, Barb and Nancy hold on to the wonderful memories I know you have for your precious husband and father. Forever in my thoughts. May God bless you all. Jean MacDiarmid - Posted by: Jean MacDiarmid (Family Friend) on: Sep 17, 2014

• Words will not be enough to express the gratitude and admiration I have for Mr. Kroeker. In 1974, we uprooted from hometown Indianapolis to Winnipeg. Needless to say, that sparked tremendous apprehension. On the first Friday of that school year, Mr Kroeker hosted a pancake breakfast for all new students at FRC. His graciousness and warmth made me begin to feel at home, and the feeling of being an outsider was lifted. That meant so much to me then, and I shall always be grateful to this prince of a man. - Posted by: mark silbermann (student) on: Sep 17, 2014

• Bert Kroeker was the most influential teacher I ever had. He was full of "joie de vivre" and "stick-to-it-iveness", two of his pet phrases! This was obvious in English class where he made Shakespeare come to life as he acted out the various parts. He turned the entire student body of the Altona Collegiate (102 strong!) into a prize-winning choral group. The whole community looked forward to the annual Candlelight Christmas Concert. His support of the Altona Aces Basketball Teams was limitless! We were very sad when he left for Winnipeg but his enthusiasm and methods became my model when I became both an English and choral music teacher. I know that the music in heaven just became another degree better!! He will be missed and I extend my heartfelt sympathy to his wife and family. - Posted by: Darlene Siemens Dusevic (Former Student) on: Sep 17, 2014

• I fondly remember when "Mr. Kroeker" was my teacher at Altona Collegiate and, over the years, have wondered where he was. He was "the best". I extend sincere sympathy to Anita and family. - Posted by: Hilda Loeppky (Former Student) on: Sep 17, 2014

• Bert will be so greatly missed by staff and students at FRC. His inspiring speeches at Grad were always a highlight of the program for me. Many years ago, I was directing a musical at the old Pembina Crest School. Bert came to see it. He sought me out at the end and told me that he wanted me to join his team at FRC. I did eventually teach the Choral program there, although not until Bert had retired from his principal-ship. Although he was retired as a principal, Bert never retired as a friend, supporter, colleague and professional. Bert would show up at festivals and rehearsals, always with a story, always with encouragement. He inspired the kids with his strong sense of being "a Centurion" and I often taught the kids the song that he had Neil Harris compose for FRC's Centurions. Bert will be greatly missed by me and all other "Centurions". My sincerest condolences to Anita and the rest of his, oh so loved, family. - Posted by: Karen Wiebe (Colleague) on: Sep 17, 2014