Obituary

Bert Arthur Mead passed away peacefully at home on October 14, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 5, 1965 to Bill and Coraleen Mead. Bert enjoyed a wonderful childhood and life in Winslow, Arizona, where he had countless friends. In 2009 he moved to Williams, Arizona, another place close to his heart, where he spent the last 14 years of his life. He loved playing sports and was a particularly gifted baseball player. He also loved anything outdoors—camping, hunting, fishing, boating, golfing and cutting wood. He could make or build anything and was constantly busy with projects, whether it was making his home more beautiful or helping a friend with a project.

Professionally, Bert was a conductor/engineer for the BNSF Railway for nearly 30 years. He was a hard worker and enjoyed running his trains with the utmost skill and care. He had so many friends/co-workers who he enjoyed working with.

Bert was an amazing son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Bert was predeceased by his dad, Bert William “Bill” Mead. He is survived by his sweet mom, Coraleen Mead and by the love of his life and wife of 11 years, Angele. His three loving children: Cayter (Dustin) Ontko, Shawn Mead, and Natalie Kukurba. His four adorable grandchildren: Ava Ontko, Harper Ontko, Wayde Ontko and Blake Mead. His four siblings: Mike (Kris) Mead, Debby (Mark) Zeiger, Donna (Mark) Keller, Vicky (Ken) Pizzagoni, and countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He loved his family more than anything and cherished his time with them.

Bert was a special and amazing human with a beautiful soul. He was always there for his friends and family no matter what. He LOVED life and was good at it!! It is difficult to put into words how much he will be missed by everyone whose life he touched. He was loved by so many people—a very bright shining star who burned out way too early.

A good friend of Bert’s, Dewey McLean, shared this beautiful passage with the family from Shakespeare …. “…..When he shall die, take him and cut him out into little stars, and he will make the face of heaven so fine that all the world will be in love with night, and pay no worship to the garish sun!”

Be free my love. We love you always and forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 11AM at Tom’s Tavern, 1500 E. 3rd Street, Winslow, AZ 86047.

Celebration of Life

Date & Time: May 11, 2024 (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Venue: Tom's Tavern
Location: 1500 E. 3rd Street Winslow , AZ 86047 - (Get Directions)

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6 responses to Bert Arthur Mead

Dan Meritt says:

October 20, 2023

Condolences to all who knew and loved Bert. He was always, and still remains, one of my favorite people. Rest in peace, my friend.

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Albert Romero says:

October 20, 2023

Condolences to His family, Bert rest in Peace, it was a pleasure playing softball and working with you!

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Ben Marquez says:

October 21, 2023

Prayers to the Mead family R.I.P Bert Mead!!!

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Carolyn Bagley Mahanes says:

October 21, 2023

Condolences to all the family. Coraleen, especially to you, losing a child…I can’t imagine. RIP, Bert, no longer in pain and with peace at last.

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Victor Contreras says:

October 21, 2023

I am saddened to hear about the passing of a dear friend and coworker.
Burt was such a great guy. The kind of person that you enjoy being around. He made the world a better place.
You will be missed, until we meet again.

Reply
1. Greg Higdon 575-218-9302 says:
  
  September 20, 2024
  
  I met Bert in 1998 in Kansas City at Locomotive Engineer training school. He and Rowdy Allen were both there from Winslow Az. There were trainees from many locations. I am in Clovis NM. Bert, Rowdy and I became friends almost immediately upon meeting. Everything written in the obituary is spot on! Bert was a special friend of mine, and a very special person. It saddens me to find out the terrible News of his passing. He was so much fun to be with!!! Any and all off time we had,, you can bet your bottom last dollar Bert. Rowdy and I were together, God knows we had fun!!!! Crazy fun that is!!!! I sometimes wonder how the hell we made it through that stressful training?? But we did, and Bert Mead was a outstanding Engineer. Bert you will always have a special place in my heart. Love ya brother, Greg Higdon aka Hack.