| Date of Birth | November 5, 1980 |
| Passed Away | August 29, 2010 |
| Place of Residence | Hornell |
| Home State | NY |
| Service Date | September 3, 2010 |
| Service Time | 11:00 AM |
| Service Location | United Prebyterian Church |
| Interment Location | Rural Cemetery |
KURT MICHAEL BERTRAM
HORNELL-Kurt Michael Bertram, beloved son of Terry and Janet Bertram and brother to Mark, went home to the Lord on Sunday (Aug. 29, 2010). Born on Nov. 5, 1980 in North Hornell, Kurt fought a long and courageous battle with mental illness.
Kurt was a 1999 honor graduate of Hornell High School, a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Northeastern University in 2004 where he was the recipient of the William Jefferson Alcott, Jr. award from Northeastern recognizing him as the senior who demonstrated exceptional achievement in cooperative education and accomplished goals beyond the requirements of the University curriculum. Kurt and his family were very proud of his published work relating to eye retinal detachment in 2007. While at Northeastern he was an AmeriCorps volunteer. From 2004 to 2006 Kurt worked as a research assistant at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston on Macular Degeneration.
In 2010 he earned his Master’s degree in Toxicology from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, where he was pursuing his Doctorate in Toxicology.
Kurt loved to travel and visited China in 2008 and recently returned from Korea where he visited a colleague and friend, William.
In addition to his parents, Janet and Terry and his brother, Mark, his sister-in-law, Tracy; nephews, Jack, Alex and Luke, Kurt is survived by his Uncle Mike and Aunt Carol Rogers; cousins, Michelle, Melissa, Megan, Michael and Maureen “Mo”; his Uncle Jerry and Aunt Bev Bertram; cousins, Cathy, Christopher and their families.
He was predeceased by his grandparents, Ann and Carl Jones, Charles and Dena Bertram and his dog, Lauren.
Calling hours are from 5-8 p.m. Thursday at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell. Friends are invited to meet his family at the United Presbyterian Church, 150 Main St., Hornell where a funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, with the Rev. David Kilgore officiating. Private interment will be at Rural Cemetery, Hornell.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the Genesee Area Campus Ministries, University of Rochester Interfaith Chapel, where Kurt attended worship, 320 Wilson Blvd., Rochester, NY 14627 or to the Hornell YMCA Building Fund, 12 Center St., Hornell, NY 14843 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Dear Terry & Jan,
We are so very sorry to hear about Kurt. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Take comfort in knowing that others are sharing your sorrow.
We love you guys and are sorry we are unable to attend the services.
Cousins, Dottie & John
Dear Kurt,
It is my loss that I never got to know you but I can testify that your parents did a wonderful job in raining you and encouraging you to attend school, college etc.
May you have eternal rest in God’s House.
Love cousin,
Patty
Jan, Bert and family. I am so very sorry about Kurt. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Terry, Jan, Mark, Tracy and boys: My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this diffucult time. May Kurt rest in peace.
I was so sorry to hear the sad news. Please know you are in my prayers and thoughts during this sad time. May God comfort you during this sad time. My son, Rich who went to school with Kurt also sends his sympathy and love.
Our two boys treasure the childhood memories they have of time spent with Kurt and Mark. Kurt’s eyes lit up every time he smiled!
I remember Kurt interviewing me for a school project when he was 8 or 9 years old. He used a tape recorder, he had prepared questions, he was so well-prepared and eager…and so smart.
We will always miss you Kurt.
May you and your family find peace in God’s love.
Dear Bertram Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you can find some comfort in knowing that Kurt will be greatly missed in the University community. I always enjoyed running into him in the halls and talking about science with him. Sincerely, Jennifer Gewnadter (URMC grad student)
Bertram Family, I am deaply sorry for your loss. May god be with you and you family during this very difficult time. I understand the the questions going through your hearts and minds at this moment. Although I did not know him personaly I am sure he was a wonderful young man, he did after all have wonderful parents. If there is anything I can do, Please let me know.
TERRY,JAN,I AM SO SORRY ABOUT KURT, I HAVE ONLY GOOD MEMORIES OF KURT. YOU GUYS HAVE ALL MY SYMPATHY,AS I KNOW YOUR PAIN. HE IS IN HEAVEN NOW. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED ANYTHING,OR JUST NEED TO TALK.
To Kurt’s family and friends, I am so sorry for your loss. I met Kurt through the graduate program at the University of Rochester. Whenever, I attended a Phipps research group lab meeting, of which he was a member, Kurt always made a point to greet me and to hold the door open for me on our walks back to our respective labs when the meeting was over. He was a bright, gentle and courteous young man whose potential was only beginning to shine. He will be missed and remembered for his kind smile, his courteous demeanor and his enthusiasm for his science.
Kurt, may you be forever at peace in the hands of the Lord.
I had the pleasure of meeting Kurt on his first day at Northeastern. He was assigned to live on my floor in Speare Hall, where I was the Resident Assistant. I got to know and love Kurt over the next few years. I was happy to hear that Kurt was again assigned to my floor in the Burstein-Rubenstein buildings, later in our college years.
My memories of Kurt are ones where we would talk, make jokes or tell each other funny stories. No matter what the topic, in the end, we’d end up laughing.
I’m sure I speak on behalf of everyone from Northeastern, especially 4th Floor Speare Hall, when I say Kurt…you will truly be missed.
My thoughts go out to his family and friends.
Terry, So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Mark and family – Tracy and the boys, and Terry and Janet. I join with friends at Homer Congregational Church in expressing our deepst sympathy for your loss of beloved son and brother Kurt. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad time. Words fall short, but be gentle with one another, and trust in God’s love and grace for Kurt and for yourselves.
I am very sorry for this tragedy.
Terry and Jan…Hans and I are so saddened to hear of Kurt’s passing. You know we are with you even though we cannot be in Hornell. I know God’s hand is over you to help with your grief. Please take comfort in knowing your son was loved by so many. We love you both and our prayers are with you.
Love Cousin Bev & Hans
Terry, Jan and family, Shirley and I would like to send our deepest sympathy in the loss of Kurt. We have you in our prayers.
Love Cousin Gary and Shirley
Don and I were so saddend to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kurt, you will be missed and I know that you are at peace in heaven now. As you know, we met your freshman year at Northeastern and although I was the ‘NU Life Mentor’ for the whole building, I really got to know throughout the school year from hanging out on your floor. I am so glad we kept in touch even after your freshman year. Kurt, you were so intelligent and driven that I hope you know you inspired me to push myself professionally and academically. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family; may you be at peace always.
I am so sorry for your loss. You all are in my prayers.
Terry,Jan,Mark and families,
We were all saddened to hear of Kurt’s passing. During this difficult time, please be assured, that our hearts,thoughts,and prayers are with you all.
Kurt was always a super nice guy in school and from the comments I’ve seen on here it looks like he continued to be a great guy that a lot of people will miss. My thoughts are with your family.
Kurt’s family
Caesar and I will always remember Kurt in our prayers and hope that he rest in peace. He will be with us when we think of good times when we traveled to Orion, when we met you at that great restaurant and those decorated squirrel statues. We will miss him
and his jovial personality, thinking of his stay at our house and his laughter.
Although I have not seen Kurt in probably 12 years, i remember him as a very sweet and funny person in high school. Reading about his scientific research and published works is not only impressive, but puts a smile on my face to have known that he succeeded in what he loved.
My sincere sympathy goes out to your family, Kurt will be missed.
Remember all those days in history class with Tracy and Andy calling us K&K auto.
You’re a great friend and will be greatly missed : (
Terry, Jan & Mark, we are both saddened by Kurt’s death. May he be at peace now. Our most sincere sympathies to your whole family.
Judy Osborne Clifford, Hornell, NY
Jennifer Osborne Stewart, Ocala, FL
(former employees, MCS&L 1980’s)
We read of your son’s passing and wanted you to know we’re so sorry for your great loss.
May God draw you all close to Himself and to one another and pour out His love, peace and comfort in the days ahead.
In His Love,
Carl and Jan Leathersich
Jan & Terry – My sincere sympathy goes to you both in the passing of Kurt. I didn’t know him but I know you both and pray that God sends his comfort and peace to you. There is no greater trial in this life than losing a child…hold close to your faith. God will comfort you in His awesome love.
Thank you all for your support. This community and everyone has been most gracious.
R.I.P. Bud
Love Dad, Mom, Mark, Tracy, Jack, Luke, Alex and the entire family. You always know that we love you.
Dad and Mom
I will always remember Kurt eating the worm from the tequila bottle last Christmas. He was the kindest and most gentle person who never said a bad thing about anyone. Aunt Janet and Uncle Bert, I’m so sorry I couldn’t make it to the services, but know that I think about you everyday. I love you and I know Kurtie is always watching over us.
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Bertram:
I am at a loss for words and was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Kurt’s passing. Kurt was very dear and special to me; he had a unique way of making me laugh no matter what the situation. I have a lot of fun memories of Kurt. He was a joy to work with here in the Division of Ophthalmology at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center-Boston. He will be lovingly missed by all. Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in my every thought and prayer.
Sincerely,
The Whole Ophthalmology department was shocked and deeply affected by the tragic loss of Kurt who was such a special person. I still think of him as the King of Sudoko, grabbing the paper to do the puzzle every lunchtime, making jokes all the while. He would get mad if he had to guess at an answer,thinking the puzzle was not written correctly. That always made me laugh. Such a good sport, such a good guy, always fun to be around.We were so excited when he got accepted into grad school, thinking we had somehow contributed to his potential success. His passing is a terrible loss and in this time of great sorrow, please know that Kurt had a lot of people who loved and admired him.
Dear Mr and Mrs Bertram,
I work at the University of Rochester, and had the oppurtunity to talk with Kurt often. In fact…Kurt was such a very special person to me…he was my favorite student that I have ever come in contact with during my entire employment at the University. We would always joke around, and he had that endearing “twinkle ” in his eye that just made him a joy to be in the same room with him.
Seeing the beautiful memorial video of Kurt on this website made me realize what a well-traveled person that Kurt was. However….when we had one of our many conversations regarding any of our vacations, Kurt didn’t mention the China trip. Instead…he was so excited when he spoke of his trip with you to Cleveland a few years ago, and then more recently…his trip with you to a baseball game in New York City. Those were the things that made him happy, and animated when he spoke of his vacations….his family. It was clear that he was very close to his parents, and I could always tell that because he was such a wonderful young man….he must have had exceptional parents, who cared deeply for their son.You can be proud of Kurt…he was one of those rare, kind people who are so humble, and truly care about others. He was a gift to us who knew him at the university, and I will never forget him. Thank you for sharing Kurt with us. I know that Kurt will always be in our thoughts and hearts. You were great parents, and Kurt loved you…he always spoke highly of you. That’s what was important to Kurt. I learned a lot from your son. God is embracing Kurt, and he is happy again now with that same ” twinkle ” in his eye. May God comfort your entire family in the coming weeks and months.
Terry & Jan I’m so sorry for your loss. Kurt was so little the last time I saw him. I wish I did’nt live so far away and I could have gotten to my New York family better. Take comfort with knowing that Kurt is watching over you and that he is now at God’s side. Love to both of you and your family
Sharon
To The Bertram Family
I’m a professor in pharmaceutical sciences at Northeastern. Kurt worked on a research project in my lab during his undergraduate years. We just heard the terrible news about Kurt’s passing and I wanted to convey my condolences and my shared grief with you. The same sentiment comes from the others here who knew him.
Kurt was universally liked by everyone he worked with and was a particularly close friend to Jorge Benzecry and Fran Power-Charnitsky. He was an open and honest young man, with exceptional abilities and sensitivities. I was really pleased to see him pursue his toxicology interest at Rochester and felt that it was a good path. It’s a tragedy to have this end.
I’m sure his loss is almost unbearable, but hopefully you will be able to focus on the good life he led and the good memories he left behind and through them find peace.
With deepest sympathy,
Richard Deth
Professor of Pharmacology
I am very sorry for your loss. I had the honor of working with Kurt in the laboratory of Dr. Deth at Northeastern. He was a hard worker and even more importantly, he was a kind and caring person. His sense of humor always made me smile. He was just wonderful. I will miss him always.
I will remember Kurt as an exceptionally bright and friendly person during the time I knew him at Northeastern. I will remember him for always having a smile on his face and looking at the positive in any situation.
Kurt was one of the best and brightest students i have ever had.
I am sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you.
I knew Kurt while he was a student at Northeastern University and served as his Academic Advisor in Toxicology. Please accept sincere condolences for the loss of such a fine, gifted and giving young man. He achieved a lot in his short life and touched the lives of many others in a good way.
I miss you Kurt. Love Mom
Dear Terry and Jan, We just learned yesterday of the loss of your son. We extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
I miss you so much! Think about you everyday. Wish we could spend another day together. RIP bud and watch over us.
Love you Marky
Hope you enjoyed your tribute at U of R on your birthday today! It was a real tribute to you as a person. We love you! Happy Birthday! Love Mom Dad Mark and Tracy and boys
Dear Mr and Mrs Bertram,I am a doctor in China.I just heard the terrible news and I am very sorry for your loss.I extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family.I knew Kurt when he first came to China in 2007.
And I still remembered all the days that Kurt had spent at Qingdao China in Jul 2010.He was a kind and caring person and I had learned lots of spoken English from him. I will take the Newsweek journals that he had send to me as a memento forever…I will miss him always.
I am shocked and saddened to learn…nearly one year later of this tragic event. I served in the US Army Reserve with Terry and knew Jan. The men in that unit were without a doubt some of the most decent and patriotic people I have met in my 60 years on this earth.
My thoughts go out to Terry and Jan..
John, Cecelia, Alex and Will Rosenberg, Burke Virginia…July 27, 2011
Happy Birthday Kurt. We will never forget and always remember you.
Dad and Mom, Mark, Tracy, Jack, Alex and Luke.