October 13, 1935 – August 21, 2025
Bertram “Kim” Sacht, a man marked by fearless curiosity and confidence, passed away on August 21, 2025, at the age of 89. Born in Rock Bay Hospital on October 13, 1935, to Louis Frederick Sacht and Anna Ethel Kelsey, Kim was the brother of Frances, Dorothy, and Lawrence, all of whom predeceased him.
Growing up in the Sayward Valley as part of a pioneer logging family, Kim left school after Grade 11 to follow in his father’s footsteps. He devoted over fifty years to the logging industry, participating in numerous successful operations across Vancouver Island, the mid-B.C. Coast, and the Interior.
From his youth, Kim loved the outdoors—he fished, hunted, gardened, sailed, and explored. Over his lifetime he journeyed widely, travelling through Mexico, Cuba, New Zealand, Africa, and throughout British Columbia in search of new adventures and excellent fishing.
In 1956 he met Judith Kathleen Richardson of Comox, who had come to Sayward to teach. They married on July 6, 1957, and over the next eight years they had five children: Kathleen Dorothy (married Steve Logan), Jane Leslie (married Morey Walker), Roger Louis (married Sheila Martin), Timothy Kelsey (married Susan Vegh, then Rita Barchard), and Arnold Benjamin. After Judy’s death in 1983, Kim married Bonnie Denis in 1984, and later Anne Halliday in 2010.
Kim is survived by his grandchildren—Ky, Ben, Amiel, Lyahna, Kelsey, Ian, Adam, and Claire—and his great-grandchildren Lexus, Keon, Tajai, Oliver, Juliette, and Ellyrah.
A lifelong learner, Kim was an avid reader with books always stacked by his favourite chair. He subscribed to numerous magazines, loved hosting dinner parties, appreciated a cold beer or a glass of red Chilean wine, and enjoyed dancing—jive, square, round, waltz, fox-trot—all with grace. Theatre, live music, and movie nights out were among his pleasures. His work ethic and determination to see things through inspired all who knew him. Once asked what, if anything, he would do differently in his life, he replied, “Nothing—just make different mistakes.”
Kim’s family extend deep gratitude to the caregivers at Nicola Ward, Third Floor, The Hamlets—truly extraordinary people.
A celebration of Kim’s life will be held at the Vernon Golf and Country Club on September 27, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Kathleen at 250-307-5409
