Bert came to Kerry Blue terriers in 1942 with a strictly “pet quality” Kerry, yet that Kerry’s personality inspired he and wife Peg to stay in the breed. Their love of the breed grew, and they registered the Marberlane kennel prefix in 1947. Bert and Peg’s first litter came from purchasing a bitch-in-whelp from a prominent Kerry kennel, with bloodlines going back to Ch. Michael of Somerset, Ch. Lisnalea Eager, Ch. Deed’s Showoff and Bluecote lines. Bert finished Marberlane’s Masquerader, his first as a breeder/owner/handler, in 1950 – the first of over 60 Marberlane champion greats.

Bert obtained his handler certification in 1951, then went on to become a Terrier and BIS judge in the late 1960’s. He was an active charter member of two all-breed clubs in addition to belonging to the Greater Pittsburgh Kerry Blue Terrier Club and the Empire Kerry Blue Terrier Club. He served in a variety of leadership positions, including board member and show chairman, providing numerous educational programs and classes, often for no fee. He was a Lifetime Member of the USKBTC, and was featured on the cover of Terrier Type as “The Terrier Man”.

Condensed from the memorial tribute which appeared in the USKBTC National Specialty Show section of the 2015 Montgomery County Kennel Club catalog.