Obituary of Bert Provost
We are saddened to announce the passing of Albert Herbert Provost “Bert” our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and Friend, into eternal life, surrounded by his family on Sunday, May 12th, 2024.
Bert was born July 20, 1940, in Saskatoon SK. He was the eldest of 6 children. He grew up on Pleasant Hill and was immersed in love and faith all his formative years. At age 14, he attended St. Mary’s College minor seminary in Brockville, Ontario to complete grades 9-13, always scoring at the top of his class. Bert also received 4 class scholarships while at college, won a silver medal at an international oratory competition and gave the Valedictory speech for his graduating class.
Bert continued his studies at the major seminary in Brockville and returned to Saskatoon in 1961. He entered teachers college that fall. His first teaching position was with the Catholic School District in Saskatoon at St. Mary’s School where he taught for 6 years. In 1967 he met the love of his life, Pauline (a practicing teacher in his classroom) whom he married July 4, 1969 at St. Mary’s Church in Saskatoon. They moved to Prince Albert, built a beautiful home on the farm and started their teaching careers with the Prince Albert Catholic School District (PACSD). Bert, a born teacher and leader, moved very quickly from being a teacher, which he loved, to a principal position and served in that capacity for 22 years.
Bert and Pauline had three children, Carla, Derek and Gregory. Living on the farm, Bert’s lifestyle changed from city boy to country boy, which included becoming a cattle farmer, a beekeeper, as well as keeping horses, goats, pigs and more. He was also a Cadet Services of Canada Officer for several years and was Commanding Officer of the 390 Army Cadet Corps in Prince Albert, retiring as a Captain.
In addition to Bert’s career and ‘hobby’ farm, Bert and Pauline began purchasing real estate and started another whole business “on the side” of their already “busy” life! After retiring from teaching in 1994 and not prepared to be “put out to pasture,” he won a seat with the PA Catholic School Board and served as a Trustee for 22 years. He resigned from that Board in 2022 due to health issues.
Bert was brilliant, funny, generous and committed to everything he did and accomplished in life. This was the Provost “style.” “Give it your best and give it your all!” Growing up he and the family were heavily involved with St. Mary’s Parish on 20th Street Their house was full of faith, love and laughter even though they had little material wealth. Bert became an altar boy in grade 4 and learned the Latin mass which he often attended daily.
In his undying passion for Catholic Education, Bert was always dedicated to excellence in his career. During his career he initiated softball, volleyball and boys’ flag football competitions and oratory inter-school competitions from grades 1 to 8. He started a student school choir while at Turgeon that sang at Sunday mass every second week which notably inflated the size of the congregation. Turgeon school also won the “National Hilroy Fellowship Award” for increased reading comprehension. Bert was also heavily involved in the Prince Albert Teachers Association serving in many capacities including President for 3 years and Chairman of the convention committee for 9 years. In the 90’s Bert joined with parents in forming Catholic School Divisions in 5 rural school districts surrounding Prince Albert. These 5 divisions amalgamated with the PACSD making it a larger urban-rural division. Bert and his dear friend Maurice Chalifour founded the Prince Albert Catholic Education Foundation. The Foundation continues to raise thousands of dollars every year to support the school division.
Bert was the most devoted and wonderful father. He delivered his children to hockey games, swim lessons, music lessons, dance practices, 4-H competitions and ball games. Weekends were spent hauling horses around and travelling all over the province for competitions and tournaments. He also became active in many of the groups as a coach and served on many committees.
His children were heavily committed to the Ukrainian Barveenok Dance Club. Bert was the Vice-President of the club and Chairman of the committee that founded the Barveenok Dance Festival competition which is still active today.
Bert and Pauline were also active members of the Prince Albert Canadian Club and Bert served as the President for a number of years. Bert was involved with politics for many years. He ran for public office and he was a founding member of the SASK Party. He won numerous service awards including the prestigious James D. Higgins award from the Canadian Catholic Trustees Association for his Outstanding contributions to Catholic Education in 2023. He also won the Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 2022 for his outstanding contributions to his community.
Bert’s “fun” was the Knights of Columbus and St. George’s Parish community where he has been a member for 49 years. He was a member of the Knights and was active until his health decline in 2022. He held every executive position in council and his Fourth Degree Assembly including Grand Knight for 9 years and District Deputy for 3. Bert was also a member of the parish council for 20 years of which he was President for 8, was a member of the financial committee for the Eparchy of Saskatchewan, ran Bingos, pancake breakfasts, sold tickets for fundraising events and much more. He loved his parish community.
Bert was a supportive husband. He and Pauline were a great team and had many wonderful adventures together. She would have a dream and with some encouragement, he would make it a reality. With their friends, family, faith and love they were together for 60 years. She was by his side at every event and cared for him every minute until the moment he left to join our ‘’GREAT GOD” in Heaven.
1 Peter 4:10-11 - "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord."
Bert’s life was ‘‘FULL” because he shared every gift with everyone, everyday!
You were the most amazing example of God’s love in our world “Pah” and you will be dearly missed by everyone who knew you.
Bert is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Pauline Provost; children, Carla Ambros (Ryan Walter), Derek Provost (Jodie Bahrey), and Gregory Provost; grandchildren, Darwin, Anthony, Brandon, Catie, Zavier, Sienna, Irelynd, and Wyatt; siblings, Eileen Provost Jr., Frances Riou (Robert), Bernadette Provost, and Jim (Brenda) Provost; brother-in-law, Gary Plant.
Bert was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Eileen Provost; sister, Noreen Plant; sister-in-law, Lesia (Bob) Kostiuk.
Funeral Divine Liturgy will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 1401 - 4 Avenue West, Prince Albert, SK. For those unable to attend, Bert’s service will be live streamed by following the link provided https://youtube.com/live/Q4rIBxyS4nI?feature=share . Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Marianne Turcotte, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.
