Supporting the Harrelson Family After Bert's Sudden Passing

On Wednesday, December 17th, we lost Bert Harrelson - an incredible husband, father, friend, son, and a man of unwavering spiritual faith and love for Jesus. He was only 48 years old.

Bert had been fighting what seemed like a stomach bug when he suffered a sudden cardiac event. Despite the heroic efforts of emergency responders and hospital staff, he couldn't be saved. A perfectly healthy 48-year-old man - someone who could outwork anyone, fix anything, and seemed invincible - was simply gone.

Who Bert Was

If you knew Bert, you knew someone special. He was the guy who built a fully functional grill out of dirt on a camping trip and then cooked the best jerk chicken you've ever had. He was the friend who'd show up at your house to fix something because he knew if he just explained it over the phone, it probably wasn't getting done right. He was the pilot, the builder, the craftsman who tackled projects most people would hire out - from replacing his impossibly steep roof to laying his entire driveway with limestone.

He was hilarious - sharp, quick-witted, a little irreverent, always ready with a prank. He was a grill master who could orchestrate multiple cuts of meat on different equipment and have everything come off perfectly. He was deeply spiritual with an unwavering faith that made him a rock for everyone around him.

Most of all, Bert was devoted to his family and friends. For the past 18 years, our families have raised our kids together, traveled the world together, and lived life together. He was that kind of friend.

Why We Need Your Help

Bert's wife Beth and their children - Jonah (who turns 21 on December 26th) and Anna (an 18-year-old high school senior) - are facing an unimaginable loss. Also grieving are Allison, Beth's daughter who Bert raised since she was little, her husband Will, and their two children, Bert and Beth's grandkids, Liam and Kade. Bert's mother, Virginia, has lost her son far too soon.

Because Bert was young and healthy, we don't yet know what life insurance coverage exists. While we're working to determine their long-term financial picture, the family has immediate needs: funeral expenses, household bills, and keeping things stable while Beth navigates this nightmare and figures out what comes next.

We're raising funds to provide a financial bridge - to cover immediate expenses and give Beth breathing room to grieve, to be present for her kids, and to sort through the practical matters without panic.

Every bit helps. Whether you can contribute financially or simply share this campaign with your network, you're helping ensure that Bert's family has one less thing to worry about during the hardest time of their lives.

Bert gave so generously of his time and talents his entire life. Now it's our turn to show up for the family he loved so much.