David Bertrand

David was born in Dallas, Texas on Nov 13, 1948. Preceding him in death were his parents, Robert and Sarah Bertrand, his sister, Martha Ann Bertrand, and brother-in-law David Stanulonis. He leaves behind Joyce, his wife of 47 years, his children, Robert Bertrand (Adrian), Rebecca Robinson (Aidan), and Sarah Olmstead (Corey), grandchildren Nolan, Molly and Claire Robinson and Holden and Arthur Olmstead. Also, sister-in-law, Jane Bailey (Richard), as well as nieces and nephews.

David grew up in Augusta, Georgia, where he had the opportunity attend the Masters Golf Tournaments every year. As a boy he scored many autographs that nurtured his love of golf which he enjoyed so much. He was also an active part of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Augusta. He and his family were among its charter members and helped to establish the roots that led to it becoming the thriving congregation it is today. Augusta National and Covenant artwork were notable in David's surroundings throughout his life as constant reminders of his roots.

He graduated from Richmond Academy HS in Augusta, GA in 1966 and from Southern Methodist University in 1970 following in the footsteps of his father and his Aunt Mary, who was in the first graduating class. He remained an active SMU Mustang throughout his life and followed the football team, in particular, with great excitement.

David served in the Navy during the Vietnam War, stationed near Manila in the Philippines. He came home from the war and spent his career with the Veterans Administration, working his way up through the ranks until he was ultimately Chief of Supply for the Medical Center at East Orange, New Jersey where he retired in 2004. He and his wife, Joyce, met at the VA Medical Center in Bedford, Massachusetts and eventually relocated to Kansas City, MO and on to Pleasanton, CA for the VA . When their son, Robert, was born they relocated to the VA in Lebanon, PA to be between their Georgia and Massachusetts-based families. A few years after Rebecca arrived, they relocated to West Orange, New Jersey and raised their children there until he retired. They moved with Sarah to Hazelton, PA as he embarked on a new entrepreneurial adventure and Sarah attended high school. David and Joyce moved to Philadelphia in 2019 to be closer to their growing population of grandchildren. They were fortunate to live nearby both Rebecca and Sarah during these years and enjoyed spending lots of time with the grandkids.

He served as a Deacon and on the Board of Trustees at Pleasantdale Presbyterian Church in West Orange, NJ and First Presbyterian Church of Hazleton, PA. He was an active member of the Architectural Control Committee at Eagle Rock Resort in Hazleton. He volunteered as a van driver for veterans in Wilkes Barre, PA and he volunteered in many ways throughout his life.

His family was most important to him. His devotion to them is evident in the strength of who they are today and in the lives and careers that his children have built, as well as the contributions that his entire family continues to make to the world in general. He was deeply loved and he will be sorely missed.

The celebration of David's life will begin with a visitation this Saturday, May 17th, from 1-2pm followed by a funeral service from 2-3pm at Murray Funeral Home, 1220 Bethlehem Pike, Flourtown PA 19031.

There will be a reception nearby following the service. The interment will occur later this summer with immediate family.

In Lieu of Flowers:

The Bertrands of Augusta had a long history of service to the local community. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the small nonprofit community outreach organization that his family and church helped to grow over the years, GAP Ministries (www.gapministriesaugusta.org). They are primarily staffed by volunteers, which means that every donation counts and it goes entirely to support folks in Augusta who are most in need.

Cards may be sent to the family in care of Murray Funeral Home, 1220 Bethlehem Pike, Flourtown, PA 19031