With great sadness we announce the passing of our father, Gualberto (Bert) Librea Kalaw on Friday, 17 February 2023 at the age of 86. He died peacefully at his home in Richmond, BC with his family by his side.
Born in Lipa, Philippines to Gregorio Katigbak Kalaw and Carmen Luz Librea, Bert was the 7th of 8 children. As a young child, he and his family were temporarily displaced by the events of WW2. These events forged in Bert, a strong will of grit and resourcefulness that drove him through life.
At 24, He married the love of his life, Rosemary, with whom he would raise his loving family. Though already a successful businessman in Manila, Bert immigrated to Canada with his pregnant wife and nine children, determined to give them the opportunities provided by a life in Canada. Eventually, his family would grow from a remarkable 10 children to include 10 children-in-law and 17 grandchildren.
Bert was loved and admired by friends and family throughout the world, from Asia to North America and across Europe. Whether at home, in business, at the golf course, on a fishing boat, or at Church, Bert shone a light on everyone around him with his warmth, generosity, charm, sense of humour and devotion to the Catholic faith. He was apt to share his profound understanding of life, business acumen, and life experiences were apparent in the countless stories and lessons he shared with everyone. Bert easily attracted people to him, people who would leave a conversation with him and look forward to the next visit. He built friendships that lasted a lifetime. Bert will be remembered for his dancing abilities, mischievous grin, the sparkle in his eye and the magical touch he used to make everyone he was in contact with feel special.
If you ever went to his home, you would have felt Bert’s warm hospitality and a level of kindness that enveloped you. With music playing and constant activity mixed with the aromas of freshly made meals sprinkled with laughter and cheer, you knew that Bert’s home was a special place filled with love and a kind of generosity that welcomed everyone.
Bert will forever be missed by all whose lives he touched, and especially the family that has survived him: Rosemary, his wife of 62 years, his children: Fabiola, Katherine, Miriam, Paolo, Joanna, Stefano, Angela, Gabriele, Tracy and Aissa and grandchildren: Marcel, Noah, Adam, Andrew, Julian, Ethan, Sam, Megan, Mattias, Sophie, Matteo, Ava, Alonso, Meika, Dominic, Oliver and Rosalie. While his family mourns his passing, they know he will forever be with each of them, guiding them through life’s journey.
Prayer Services will be held on Friday, 17 March 2023 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm at St. Monica Catholic Church, 12011 Woodhead Road, Richmond BC.
Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, 18 March 2023 at 11:00am at St. Monica Catholic Church, 12011 Woodhead Road, Richmond BC.
Interment will follow at the Gardens of Gethsemani, 15694 32 Ave, Surrey BC at 1:00pm.
Bert was a man committed to his faith and his family. In lieu of flowers, we request donations be made to St. Monica Catholic Church. You may send the donations through this link: http://bit.ly/3KG9QVW and leave a message for Bert in the donation comments. Thank you.
