Robert Bertrand

DRASCO — Robert Vernon Bertrand of Drasco, formerly Marked Tree, and Menominee, Mich., passed away surrounded by his beloved children Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, at the age of 76. Bob was born Jan. 28, 1947, in Menominee and was raised by his parents Wilfred Charles and Helen Joyce Bertrand.

After high school, Bob attended Northern Michigan University on a football scholarship. He was very passionate about football and this scholarship gave him the opportunity to be the first to attend college in his family. He majored in biology and chemistry, played football, and worked as a janitor at the university.

Bob met Dana during a college summer break in New York City. They married on June 11, 1972, and were "soul mates" for 49 years. Their first home was in Beloit, Wis.; they later moved to Arkansas, first to Joiner, then Marked Tree, where they raised a very tight and loving family.

In the mid-'90s, they chose to move to Drasco/Greers Ferry Lake permanently. He designed and physically built their dream home just like they had always planned. He wanted to make his "mark" and create a place for current and future generations to enjoy. When the family came home, man did they have fun. He would pull out all the stops and say he felt like it was Christmas, and it would just be a fun weekend filled with family and love.

He loved to cook out. He smoked meats over an open fire pit before others even knew how special that really was. He worked his entire life. He taught school, was a high school principal in Marked Tree, and completed a master's degree in special education.

In the late '80s, he decided he was ready to try something different. He became a life insurance salesman and quickly started his own independent insurance agency, Bertrand's Financial Services. Bob and Dana worked side by side for 30-plus years in the life and health insurance industry. Brock joined them in the '90s. He was taught by the best and continues to successfully grow their thriving agency.

Bob managed to balance his hard work and his family seamlessly. Family was everything to him. He always included his children and he was their hero. He cherished deer, turkey and duck hunting with his family. These special times allowed them to bond and compared to no other. If you were in the woods, you were removed from all exterior distractions and that was quality time.

Bob loved to fly airplanes. He had a Cessna 182 in the early '90s that he used to travel to and from the lake. He sparked an interest in Brandi and encouraged her to pursue aviation. He told her "The Sky is the Limit." You can do anything you set your mind to, and she did.

The influences, memories, and experiences he created will always be cherished. His drive and love will continue through Brandi, Brock, their spouses and his grandchildren. Over the past few years, Bob often expressed his gratitude for being allowed to live long enough to see his grandchildren develop their personalities and character, both of which he was extremely proud. The first words he most often spoke to anyone he met were of Olivia, Ridge, Emory and Amelia.

He believed that he no longer thought of what he might miss out on – just that he would have a different view – a perfect view from above, with his eternal wife Dana and family members who had gone before him to be with God.

He fought Parkinson's disease for over 12 years. There were many struggles he faced and never gave up. Many who knew him knew he was the strongest and most determined person they had ever met.

Bob leaves his two children, Brandi Harvey (Dale) of Collierville, Tenn., and Brock Bertrand (Courtney) of Fayetteville; four grandchildren, Olivia and Ridge Harvey and Amelia and Emory Bertrand; his sister, Yvonne Bradley (Robert) of Jacksonville, Ill., and nephew, Jeff Bradley of Jacksonville.

He would always say and make others repeat … "If it is to be, It is up to me." He will be deeply missed forever. A memorial service will be set at a later date to honor him.

Family Funeral Service is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements.