The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Mr. Bert - Bertal Hjerpe, "The Birdman", was well-known in Bridge City, before Hurricane Rita destroyed his home. Mr. Bert walked everywhere he went, carrying birdseed with him to feed the birds along the way. His joy in life was buying bags full of groceries and giving them to the elderly, the poor, and the widowed of the community every week.

He was an Army Veteran who served in Korea. Mr. Bert was a philanthropist in his own right. He made many financial contributions to local and state charities. He also contributed to institutes of higher learning, such as colleges and universities.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 7, at Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor, with burial to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Port Arthur. Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 6, at Memorial Funeral Home.

The world is a brighter place because Mr. Bertal Hjerpe graced this earth with his presence. 10-22-1932 to 02-02-2013.