Bert Owen Shirley
Bert Owen Shirley, age 67, died on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 after losing a short but courageous battle with ALS. Bert was surrounded by his loving family, Gini, Casey, Matt, Amanda, Michaelyn, and Owen in his home in Susanville, California. Bert was loved by many. He was one of the kindest souls on earth, as well as a jokester. He could always make his family and friends laugh.
Bert was born in Alhambra, California on April 14, 1952 to Bob and Sally (Beaston) Shirley. He joined two older siblings, sister, Aileen (Shirley) Sanchez, and brother, Mike Shirley. Bert attended school in the El Monte, California area. He graduated from Rosemead High School in 1970. While there he played football, wrestled, and was editor of the yearbook his senior year. He then attended Rio Hondo Junior College where he continued wrestling. Bert transferred to Sonoma State College in Rohnert Park, California and it was there he met his wife Gini (Cowens) Shirley: They were married August 4, 1973.
Bert and Gini moved to Modoc County in 1975 and lived there for 12 years. While there Bert and Gini had their two sons, Casey and Matt Shirley. Bert was an avid outdoorsman and Modoc was an ideal location for him to indulge in his passion. While living in Modoc, Bert and Gini were baptized and became members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Bert served in many capacities within his Church. Perhaps the one that gave him the most spiritual growth was that of Bishop. He truly loved those he was given stewardship over.
Bert moved his family to Susanville in 1987 to work for the Department of Corrections, first at CCC, and later transferring to High Desert. He retired from Corrections in 2007.
Bert’s greatest joy in life was his family. Family first was his motto. He loved his time spent hunting with his best hunting buddy, Matt, and reading and discussing books with his son Casey. His daughter-in-law, Amanda, was like a daughter to him. His two grandchildren, Michaetyn (KK) and Owen gave him such happiness. He cherished the moments he was able to watch as they played soccer, softball, baseball, basketball, and volleyball. He was their biggest cheerleader. Bert and Gini spent the last five years of their marriage traveling together in their RV. They had many wonderful adventures. Bert’s favorite trips were those he and Gini made visiting National Parks.
Bert is survived by his wife, Gini (Cowens) Shirley, son, Casey Shirley and his wife Nicole Hutchinson, son, Matt Shirley, and his wife Amanda (Walker) Shirley, granddaughter, Michaelyn (KK), grandson, Owen, brother, Mike Shirley and wife Betty, sister, Aileen Shirley Sanchez, niece, Shirley (Sanchez) Stephens and husband Donnie Stephens, and their two children, niece, Amanda (Shirley) Abrahamsen and her husband and their three children, nephew Bobby Sanchez and wife Lindsey (Webb) Sanchez, and their three children.
Bert’s family mourns his death. Each has lost an important part of their heart. Although they are heartbroken, they look forward with joy and hope to the eternities where they will be reunited.
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