To Friends of Special Olympics Montana April 3, 2009 To read the obituary from the Montana State University at Bozeman web site - click here Dahl Funeral Services announcement - click here Celebration Honoring the Life of Al Bertelsen Saturday, April 4 2:00 pm at Hope Lutheran Church 2152 West Graf, just west of S 19th Bozeman, MT		Al Bertelsen 1939-2009

Al Bertelsen Memorial Service
Hope Lutheran Church – April 4, 2009
Bob Norbie & Julie Bertelsen Remarks

April 4, 2009, a memorial service was held for Al Bertelsen in Bozeman.  SOMT President/CEO Bob Norbie, and Al’s daughter and SOMT athlete/Global Messenger Julie Bertelsen, decided to share the lectern at the memorial service and bring voice to Al’s life in Special Olympics.  Below are excerpts from those remarks. 

Bob: Good afternoon.

Julie: Hello everyone.  Thank you for being here.

Bob: As most of you know, Special Olympics has been part of the Bertelsen family for more than 30 years.  While Special Olympics has helped shape the quality of their lives, the entire Bertelsen family led by the quality of Al’s person and his influences, has shaped the quality of Special Olympics and many other organizations like Reach, the ARC, Eagle Mount, the Montana Law Enforcement Torch Run, the Office of Public Instruction and the Montana Advocacy Program that care for those individuals with special needs.   

Today, interestingly enough, Al reminds all of us that we have "special needs" as we grieve the loss of a dear friend, neighbor, colleague, coach, mentor, volunteer and family man.  But we’re also here to celebrate Al’s life and the difference he made which becomes his legacy as lived forward by Julie and Special Olympics Montana athletes like those from the Bozeman Outreach Bobcats Team, who Al loved, accepted and respected.

I first came to know the quality of Al’s person – his passion and compassion – when I heard him speak at a Special Olympics fundraiser about the birth of his daughter Julie.  In Al’s own words, he said that Julie was not much larger than a pound of butter when born.  Julie was so small, he said, that he could hold her in one hand with toes barely reaching his wrist watch.   As Al explained, Julie was enormously frail and vulnerable the first three years of her life.  But to hear Al tell it, in spite of the challenges, they were prepared to make the best of life…and they did! 

Over the years, Julie was blessed to have such a father and Al was blessed to have such a daughter.  They made beautiful music together that has resonated in the hearts and minds of all of us.  By their example, they inspired all of us to live more courageous and meaningful lives.

Al was an amazing steward of the Special Olympics movement.  He brought voice to the voiceless, cheering on countless athletes so their voices could be louder and their confidence stronger.   He brought dignity to those who have often been marginalized.  And by his own example, he inspired volunteers and coaches to give their personal best.  

While you might not see it this way, I found Al to be a powerful and effective civil rights leader for people with special needs.  Albeit low-key, patient and humble, it was these very qualities that disarmed stereotypes and stigmas, giving opportunity to plant seeds that he attended as a patient gardener.  Al gave others perspective, he helped change attitudes and ultimately improved the human condition one athlete, one citizen and one community at a time. 

During the 30 plus years that Al was involved with Special Olympics he accomplished much and acquired many accolades.  According to my information, Al attended every State Summer Games since 1978.  He served on the 1989 and 1990 State Summer Games Management Team.  Under the circumstances, you can just imagine how much he will be missed at the 2009 State Summer Games in Bozeman this May 12-15. 

He was the 1988 and 1989 Games Director for the State Winter Games and he served on the Big Sky Area Management Team for numerous years.  He was selected as one of our highly regarded team coaches to the 1995 World Summer Games in New Haven, Connecticut where he also had a father’s delight to see Julie compete in Equestrian events and return with a gold medal.  

In 1989 Al started the Bozeman Outreach Bobcats Team with 3 athletes.  Today, because of his efforts, there are about 30 athletes and scores more that have come and gone over the years.

For these obvious reasons and so many more, the Bertelsen family was recognized as the 1993 Outstanding Family of the Year.  And then in 1999, Al was inducted into our coveted Hall of Fame for his exemplary long term volunteer service and his commitment to creating a world of dignity, acceptance and inclusion.  Indeed, Al believed everyone, regardless of their abilities or station in life, deserved every opportunity to explore, discover, learn, grow, be loved and celebrate life.

Those of us in Special Olympics largely new Al…and I’ll let Julie fill in the blank…as…

Julie: Julie’s Dad!

Bob: He was Father Bear to Julie.  Father Bear took pride in being introduced constantly as "Julie’s Dad".   He often gave a resigned smile and chuckle as Julie would grab his hand and move about the floor of a social gathering making prideful introductions of Father Bear.  They couldn’t have been more opposite…or more the same.

Do you think we should share some of those contrasts with everyone Julie?

Julie: Yes, Bob.  It’s time to lighten things up!

Bob: Okay, Julie.   So if I said that Al was easy-going and laid back, how would you define yourself?

Julie: That’s easy.  I’m more outgoing and a gal on the go!

Bob: I wouldn’t disagree with that, Julie.  If I said that Al was the type of person who liked to lead from behind the scenes, how would you describe yourself?

Julie: Another easy question Bob.  When dad needed to lead from the front I was there to help him…ready, willing and able. 

Bob: If I said that Al was the type of person who set things in motion and enjoyed watching them blossom, how would you define yourself?

Julie: Well, I guess you might say that I’m a bit more assertive than dad and more of a "now" girl.  When we make plans I’m not as patient as my dad.  I like to get things done right away. 

Bob: Thank you, Julie.  While I’ve seen some differences between you and your dad, what you do have in common is the joy you have brought to so many people over the years.

As you were growing up Julie, I know you were expected to do everything that everybody else did.   Your dad always encouraged you to "go for it" and then would help you achieve your dreams and goals.  With Al’s love, support and encouragement I know you discovered some things about yourself.  You’ve shared them many times in your speeches.  Would you share them again? 

Julie: I’d love to Bob.  I discovered that I am important and that I can do exciting things.

Bob:  I also know, according to your dad, that those exciting things don’t always come easy.  Even though you have won many gold medals in your competitions, you have also learned how to lose.

Julie: Yes, losing is very difficult but life is like that.  Losing my dad is not easy, but I am strong because I am my dad’s daughter.  With your help and my Outreach Bobcat teammates, I will make it through this difficult time too.

Bob: Well, Julie, I know you will and I know your dad is very proud of you and so am I. 

Al had a big heart filled with an abundance of love.  I suspect he would tell each of us that the greatest joy on earth for him was to love and be loved.  He might also suggest that we live simply…love generously…care deeply…speak kindly…and leave the rest to God. 

Thank you Jan, Julie, Mark and Beth for sharing Al with me and all of Special Olympics Montana.  You have been very generous.  God bless you Al and God bless the Bertelsen family.

Contact: Bob Norbie
CEO and President
bnorbie@somt.org

Special Olympics Montana
PO Box 3507
Great Falls, MT  59403
800-242-6876
406-216-5327