Rest in Peace Bert Collier

[Linda]

Today I sadly heard about the passing of another 101st Airborne paratrooper who I have had the honor to meet in person: Bert Collier, from the 501st PIR, Dog Company. A remarkable man is no longer with us, rest in peace now Bert, your memory will live on.

Bert Collier was at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked. Later, he nearly suffocated while parachuting into the pitch black skies over Normandy. Then he jumped into Holland from such a low altitude he could see surprised enemy soldiers sunbathing. He endured bitter cold and starvation during a siege at Bastogne, Belgium. Each time, the bloody encounters would claim most of those around him.
"I was too young to die,” he said. From http://reenactment.come2me.nl/1153036/Burton-E-Collier

Some nice memories from meeting Bert in September 2009, when he came for the last time to the Market Garden commemorations in Holland, Eerde, near the windmill where he landed and fought in September 1944.

My sincere condolences to the Collier family.

[fiwi463pfa]

Got the message thru Mrs. Betty Taylor Hill. Posted pic and text on the 463PFA facebook site. RIP Sir.

[csnow]

Rest in Peace Mr. Collier! Thank you for your service and your sacrifice! Very nice pictures you got there Linda, thanks for sharing them. His story is remarkable, just like those we honor here everyday.



Chris~

[padraigmc]

Sad news, another fine man has left us.

May he Rest in Peace.

[Gregg]

Rest in Peace , his family will be in our prayers

[Dutchman]

Rest in Peace Bert Collier and condolences to your family, friends and relatives. Linda you were just so lucky to have met him for the last time in Eerde in September 2009. The pictures you have made at that occasion will remain for you a sweet memory in your scapbook, I only saw your pictures yesterday. "Old soldiers never die, they just fade away", they will remain alive in our minds and memories. The Egyptians of pharaonic times and the Sioux indians used to say: "Any time you pronounce the name of a dead person, whe comes back alive again." Those who took a share in the liberation of Holland of the hated Nuts in 1944 will forever be remembered by the Dutch people.

[Esther Maria Verbunt]

Two days ago I had to find out that my dear friend and teacher Bert Collier past one year ago...
To his dear wife Jeanne and all family, friends and relatives ... condolences !
"May the wind always be at your back and the sun upon your face.
And may the winds of destiny carry you aloft to dance with the stars."

Bert, you where a true hero just by being YOU my friend , God bless your spirit !
They told me you past away 2007... but that was a lie.. If I'd only knew I would have kept in touch buddy..
been looking for you and Jeanne since 2006