His Journey
A chronological narrative of Bert's life, from a farming village in the Azores to a lifetime of achievement, learning, and quiet kindness in America.
What ties these nine chapters together is a single thread: the relentless pursuit of learning, the willingness to sacrifice for others, and a belief that no obstacle was insurmountable.
Terceira: The Beginning
1956–1966A farming village in the Azores. An aunt's sacrifice. A boat to another island.
The Seminary Years
1966–1976Eight years of rigorous classical education. Philosophy, epistemology, Latin, Greek.
Revolution and Departure
1974–1978The Carnation Revolution on his 18th birthday. A decision to leave.
Starting Over
1978–1981America. A janitor's job. Harvard Extension at night.
The Gift
circa 1981A brother's life saved. A kidney given without hesitation.
Building a Life
1981–1990Marriage. Children. Night school. Nearly all A's.
The Midnight MBA
1991–1994Three kids, a full-time job, and four years of evening classes. He earned his MBA.
The Professional
1993–2004Director of Human Resources. The Three Amigos. Walks along the Charles.
The Final Days
March 2004A surgery, a complication, a family dinner. Forty-seven years old.