Robert Leon Bertrand was welcomed into the arms of the Divine on Dec. 9, 2020. Born July 13, 1942, the fourth child of eight, to Leon and Ruth (McMaster) Bertrand of Syracuse, New York. Bob graduated from Onondaga Central High School, salutatorian of the class of ‘60. Instead of college, he took the job offered by A.T.&T. a day before turning 18. It was perfect; Bob stayed for the next 30 years. As a 23 year old, he was given the assignment of driving all over NY State introducing a new computerized ordering system. Later, he was chosen as part of the divestiture team with A.T.&T. During the summer of 1961, Bob met Wilna Elaine Miller, as she spent the summer with her aunt. Story, with a happy ending. She stayed. They married. Three sons, Robert, Andrew, and Randall were born to make sure Mom and Dad never were bored. And they never were. Bob was an amazing role model. He coached Midget League Basketball throughout elementary school and beyond. To this day he is remembered for playing everyone on the team. Natural talent, or not. No favorites. He played for a community basketball league. He never bragged; his sons did that for him as Bob’s team won the championship their first year. The family attended Kirkville Wesleyan Church for many years. Bob taught the College and Careers Sunday School Class. He and his wife were Youth Leaders during that time. Every four years they took a van load of kids to various nationwide Christian Youth Conventions across the country, knowing it was important for them to realize thousands of others shared their faith. Mountain climbing in the Adirondacks was another fun experience. The views are spectacular and worth the work. Bob had a million interests and was passionate about each one. He, with the help of family, held a neighborhood Bible School each summer in the basement of their home in Chittenango, NY. He himself wasn’t particularly musical, but after hearing a bell choir, he energetically promoted the desire for a bell choir at church and helped raise the funds to make the dream come true. Bob was a born mechanic and helped the boys keep their old shaky cars running during their college years. He and Rob (mechanic extraordinar) had cars and motorcycles in common. Bob’s second car was a BMW motorcycle. He rode it to work nearly every day of the year and some when he shouldn’t have. Think about it: Bikes and Snow – in Syracuse! The man took up weight lifting when Andrew did. Or maybe Andrew learned it from him? Either way, it was more than a sport. It became a way of life for both. Bob became an ultra distance cyclist as did his son, Randall; another very enduring, strong son-bond. Volunteer work was very important to Bob. He was the Tuesday Classroom Guy at N. Chittenango Elementary School for many years. He faithfully helped with the swim program and the horseback riding program, beneficial to special children. He built classroom tee-pees for first graders and was the go to person when the new math was introduced. In 1990, at age 48, Bob hung up the phone in the Syracuse Office for the last time. His sons had all left home. He decided retirement was a chance for Wilna to spend time with her people. Things fell into place perfectly. House sold; House bought. Relocated in Hastings, Bob was ready for new hobbies, friends and adventures. Life doesn’t always play out to Hallmark perfection. It can be a downright challenge. Seven months later, the results of a car/bicycle accident became the biggest challenge of Bob’s lifetime. Throughout the next 29 years, Bob exampled grace, courage, determination (call it and an even stronger faith. He spent time every morning, hovered over a devotional book authored by one of the heavy hitters of our time. A.W. Tozer, C.S.Lewis, or Oswald Chambers. In 2002, Bob was nominated to carry the torch during the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics...and was selected! He walked his assigned portion of the route unassisted while a proud group of relatives and friends lined the street and cheered. A day no one will ever forget. Bob did everything he could for as long as he could, to the very best of his ability...the way he always did things. He never gave up, even when encouraged (begged) to “just take a break!” Bob is finally taking a break. Life won’t be the same for his wife, Wilna; his sons, Rob (wife Suzanne) of Hastings; Atty. Andrew (wife Kristi) of Ft. Collins Co; and Pastor Randall (wife Agathe) of Hastings. Bob’s well being depended on these people and it was their honor. Also surviving are Bob’s little sister, Pamela (husband Ray Clement); Admired Brothers CWO4 USN (Ret) Richard (wife Linda) FL; William of AR; Malcolm (wife Cindi) AZ; and John (wife Debbie) NY. Brother-in-law, Paul McGraw, TX. Dearly loved, also were the Miller Clan; Jean Shoemaker, Marilynn Wright, Vern Miller, Arlene Maloney, Elaine Eckman, Alton Miller and June Miles. If you were a Grandchild, Great-grandchild, Cousin, Niece, Nephew, or Friend of Bob’s, add YOUR name. Among Heaven’s greeters were parents; Leon and Ruth, sister Mary Bertrand and beloved sister Peggy McGraw. Also sister-in-law, Beverly Bertrand, parental in-laws, Forest and Betty Miller; Brother-in-law and “best friend” Lyle Miller, Alvin Miller, and Loren Miller. Cremation, as per Bob’s wishes, has taken place. In time, his sons will release his ashes high on “a mountain top I never got to climb.” A celebration of Bob’s life is tentatively planned for July 2021. We are indebted to the people of Woodgrove Parish for their outpouring of love for our family at this time and always. You were a special beacon of light and joy to Bob, Sunday after Sunday, year after year.