Bert was the oldest son of Aalt and Johanna Verkerk.   He was four years old when the family left Holland.  Bert was the gentle giant who always wanted to work for his Dad.  He became a hard working butcher after leaving school and eventually became the manager of the Armagh St shop. 
He went to be with the Lord at the age of 27, after a tragic explosion and fire in the shop.  To this day, the presence of the gentle giant is still felt.  There is a plaque in the shop inscribed with "In loving memory of Bert".