Our champion, Bert, passed away Dec. 21, 2009 with his family by his side after nearly a two year fight against brain cancer.

A memorial service was held 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009 at the Roswell Presbyterian Church in Roswell. A reception followed in the narthex.

Bert was born Oct. 28, 1965 in Millen where he grew up. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1987 with a degree in journalism, and worked for the Coca Cola Company and Coca Cola Enterprises for a total of 21 years.

The passions that made Bert so priceless included his daughters, music, the Georgia Bulldogs, Redskins football, his close-knit family, his strong loyalty to and love of his many friends, playing guitar, his creatively crafted sense of humor and his trip to Ocean City, MD.

Bert’s departure from us will leave a vast hole in the lives of everyone who knew him, but he leaves endless memories for all of us to savor.

Bert was preceded in death by his grandparents, Herbert William Reichelt, Catherine Reichelt, Veto Robinson and Gladys Robinson.

He is survived by his wife, Liz; daughters Annie, 7, and Grace, 5; father, Herbert William Reichelt Jr. (Sue Ann); mother, Bonnie Harris (Joe); sister, Catherine Tieman (Keith); mother-and-father in-law, Joanne and Chuck Carr; sister-in-law, Jenn Carr; and numerous other relatives.

Memorial donations may be made to the following: Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center (http://cancer,duke,edu/btc/) or The Angelman Syndrome Foundation Inc. (www.angelman.org).

Roswell Funeral Home of Roswell was in charge of arrangements.