Harold Kenneth 'Hal" Bertram

“Everything’s gonna be good. When was the last time it wasn’t?” - HKB Mr. Harold Kenneth “Hal” Bertram was born on March 11, 1959 in Tyler, Texas and joined his heavenly Father on Sunday, November 23, 2025. He was in the company of a dear friend, outside, pursuing his passion of hunting. His loss leaves an anguished void in the hearts of his family, countless friends, town, and church, but what lingers is profound gratitude for the time spent walking alongside a man who led with faith, humility, and unwavering love. Hal composed a life story marked by devotion, integrity, and a rare kindness that he etched into the souls of all those fortunate enough to have crossed his path. To know Hal was to hold membership in an exclusive club. He made you feel special; he made you feel important. Whether you needed unfettered access to professional advice, life wisdom, or a sit-down with some seemingly unreachable oil company executive, Hal could make it happen with a couple of phone calls. He lit up the room with his easy-going smile and charming wit. If only they could bottle and sell his free-flowing charisma and coolness with which he approached all things. Hal was a steady leader—not by declaring himself so, but because the way he lived made others trust him instinctively. His calm, steady presence made people feel safe. His Christian faith wasn’t something he wore publicly for praise; it was the quiet engine motivating every choice he made, every kindness he offered, and every person he helped simply because it was the right thing to do. He loved his wife, Cathy, with an adoring devotion that was clear to anyone who saw them together. Their partnership was built on faith, warmth, respect, and the simple joy of doing life side by side. His daughters, Kathleen and Caroline were his pride and joy, and he poured his whole heart into loving and supporting them without compromise. He put them first in every decision, their well-being and success paramount to all else. He was equally devoted to his stepson, Trey Sloan, and daughter-in-law, Kaley, welcoming them fully into the circle of his love and always showing what it meant to not only have a stepdad, but to have a “Hal.” Hal approached the world with a hungry curiosity and a tenacity for living. He loved bird hunting—drawn to the peaceful mornings, the fellowship with friends, and the sporting challenge. A talented competitive shooter, he carried himself with the discipline and sportsmanship that defined so much of who he was. He also loved to travel, always eager for the next adventure, new landscapes, and shared experiences. Hal graduated Robert E. Lee High School in 1977. He often spoke of times playing golf and cruising town with his friends. He then attended the University of Texas at Austin and graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 1981. While in Austin, Hal was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, where he forged lifelong friendships. He also achieved a Bachelor of Science in Geosciences from the University of Texas at Dallas in 1988. Twenty years later, forever strategic and adapting to the demands of the oil and gas industry, Hal returned to school and obtained his Masters in Geology from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2011. Hanging in Hal’s home office in a simple black frame is a type-written letter dated January 5, 1982. In it, Texaco welcomes him to their organization as an Associate Land Representative, to begin the position that next February. So began an over-four decades long career in the energy business. Professionally, Hal crafted a career defined by determination, excellence, leadership, and an innate ability to see possibility where others saw obstacles. In his forty-three years in the oil, gas, and midstream sectors, he built and led organizations with a steady hand and a visionary mind. From early roles in land and gas marketing to senior leadership and executive positions across multiple companies, Hal shaped teams, drove growth, and built lasting relationships. He was described as a “master of the art of the deal.” His dynamic presence in these roles was always especially impactful, helping architect expansion and guiding companies through key milestones and ultimately successful sales. He brought that insight to his work with Enron, Barrow-Shaver Resources, Sendero Midstream Partners, Nacelle Solutions, Alto Minerals and many others. His service on boards and associations reflected his commitment to both his profession and his community. Beyond his professional accomplishments, titles, and tenure, Hal’s greatest legacy is the way he treated people. He cared for neighbors as if they were family. He showed up for friends without being asked. He helped strangers because he believed kindness mattered. His quiet generosity shaped lives in ways most people never knew about, because Hal never did anything for recognition — he simply did what was right. Hal loved his hometown. After years in Houston, Hal and Cathy seized the opportunity to move back to Tyler in 2005. Hal was a regular at his beloved Willow Brook Country Club. He served as President of the Texas Rose Festival Association in 2015. He then served as President of the Order of the Rose in 2019. He and Cathy celebrated the tight-knit community of friends in this town, treating each relationship as a blessing that Hal cultivated and nourished with his time and care. Hal was a lifelong member of Marvin Methodist Church. Most Sundays he could be found at the doors to the sanctuary, seating and chatting with guests and members while welcoming all into the place of worship for which he took so much pride. Hal was preceded in death by his mother, Katherine Guerin Bertram; father, Col. William E. Bertram; and sister, Judith Guerin. Hal is survived by his wife, Cathy Crow Bertram of Tyler, Texas; daughters, Kathleen Bertram Vogt and husband Taylor of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Caroline Bertram of Dallas, Texas; stepson, Trey Sloan and wife Kaley of Santa Fe, New Mexico; brother, Sam Guerin and wife Mary Lynn of Fort Worth, Texas; niece, Laura Howard and husband Will of Dallas, Texas; nephews, Vincent Guerin and wife Stacy of Trophy Club, Texas, and Will Guerin and wife Mara of Austin, Texas; and mother-in-law, Patsy Crabb Crow of Tyler, Texas. Although devastated by their loss, each of them endeavor to live with the same zest for life Hal instilled as his memory continues to shape everyday of their lives. He will be remembered for his faith, his love for his family, his humor, his loyalty, his work ethic, his adventurous spirit, the unmistakable warmth that followed him wherever he went, and his ability to always pull off a blue blazer, no matter the circumstances. The mark he leaves on the world is deep, lasting, and cherished. Hal will be missed beyond measure and loved forever. A memorial service and celebration of Hal’s life will be held Friday December 5, 2025 at 1:00pm at Marvin Methodist Church with Dr. Doug Baker and Dr. Marc Donaldson officiating, under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Memorials in Hal’s memory can be made to Marvin Methodist Church, 300 West Erwin, Tyler, Texas 75702 (www.marvin.church/give).

Harold Kenneth 'Hal" Bertram

March 11, 1959 - November 23, 2025