Bertram E. Ketchen, 90, died Saturday morning at Springside Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center in Pittsfield.

The son of Andrew G. and Elenor (Gay) Ketchen, Bert was born in Belchertown on February 12, 1931. He graduated from Wayland High School in 1950 and served in the Navy from 1951 to 1954 aboard the USS Coral Sea Aircraft Carrier as a photographer.

On January 16, 1954, Bert married the former Nancy E. Smith. Bert and Nancy owned and operated Circle Gulf in Natick for 27 years before relocating to Tyringham in 1984. Bert, along with his son Bill, began Ketchen Excavating and, even after retiring years ago, Bert always enjoyed helping Bill out in the shop or on any projects he was working on. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling and spending time with family.

Bert is survived by his children: Bertram Jr., Bill and his wife Heather, and Linda and her husband Frank Jannotta. Grandsons: William Ketchen, Dakota Ketchen and Anthony Jannotta. And Siblings: Thelma Burt and David Ketchen.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a donation in Bert's memory to the Berkshire Humane Society In care of the Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee, MA 01238.

Berkshire Humane Society
C/O Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee MA 01238