Obituary: Bert Arthur Mead

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. He 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 in the Spring of 2024 at Shawn Mead’s bar in Winslow, Arizona.