Sergeant Hilbert Lif – August 27, 1969-May 28, 2009

Sergeant Hilbert (Bert) Lif, loving father of Jade and Autumn, son of Sharon (O’Brien) and Sten Lif, brother of Jennifer Haukeness, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 28, 2009.
Hilbert was born on August 27, 1969 in Cochenour, Ontario where he attended elementary and high school (Red Lake). He completed high school in Dryden, Ontario and later graduated from Lakehead University. While attending university he met his future wife, Debbrah Murray and they later married and had two daughters, both of whom he adored.
Hilbert joined the Thunder Bay Police Service in the mid 1990s and it was there that he found his “niche” in life when he became one of the members of the Emergency Task Unit (ETU). It was also there that Hilbert became known as “Bert” which stuck with him for his career. He eventually became a Sergeant and ETU Supervisor. During his career he attended numerous training opportunities throughout North America and he eventually assisted with training others. Bert was highly regarded in the tactical community as an instructor and published expert in tactical work. He was recently appointed to the board of directors for the Ontario Tactical Advisory Board and was a member and certified instructor for the National Tactical Officers Association. Bert was in his glory when he was involved in the tactical world of policing. His expertise and knowledge was held in high regard and was recognized and respected by his peers. Bert also held his ETU team in high regard and tried to ensure they were involved in the latest training programs and techniques.
The real joy in his life were his two daughters and he spent many quality hours assisting in their raising, attending as many of their functions and events as possible and taking them to their favourite restaurant.
Hilbert is survived by his children, Jade and Autumn; their mother Debbrah; his parents Sharon and Sten; his sister Jennifer and her family and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Funeral services for the late Sergeant Hilbert Lif  were held on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. in the Valhalla Inn – Ballroom, Thunder Bay, Ontario with Rev. Michael Dunnill officiating. A private family interment followed in Mountainview Cemetery.
Visitation for family and friends were held on Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Wednesday morning from 11:00 a.m. until noon in the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore Street at James.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com