Bert is a lifelong resident of Biddeford and the son of immigrants who came here from Quebec to find work.

A star athlete in high school, he became a well known barber, a profession he practiced for 60 years, starting in 1955.  Working long hours, often starting at 5am and going into the evening, he worked 6 days a week and sometimes on Sundays.

He can name an endless list of people he knew from his work, from millworkers to the 50+ Lithuanian students who were brought to him from St. Anthony’s School in Kennebunkport.

Bert emphasizes, “That’s my whole life, working” and he enjoyed it.  He still found the time to also coach sports and was involved in starting the West Biddeford Little League.

He has one son, Russ, from marriage to his first wife of 52 years, Connie.  He feels fortunate after becoming a widower to having found Rachel, his current wife.  He now benefits from his relationship with Rachel’s children and grandchildren, in addition to his two grandsons.