Herbert John Niehaus

Herbert John Niehaus, Maj. Ret.

Herbert “Bert” Niehaus, 92, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, at the North Okanagan Hospice Society, Vernon BC.  Bert was born on July 14, 1933, Radway Alberta, to Aloysius (Al) and May Niehaus, as the first of 5 children. Bert grew up and was educated in Ladysmith BC.  He joined the RCAF on January 3, 1953, and trained as an electronics technician.  In 1955 he remustered to aircrew as a navigator.  Upon commissioning to FLt he was posted to Lachine QC, then 426 Sqn. at CFB Trenton.  He spent 37 years in the RCAF, flying with Transport Command.  This included missions with NATO and the UN, with operations in Egypt, Cypress, the Congo during the Congo War, and in Puerto Monte Argentina for earthquake relief.  Over the years he was posted to 426, 435 and 437 Sqns.  He fulfilled roles as the St Johns Nfld Recruitment Officer, Navigator Instructor and CFB Trenton NBC Officer. He retired as a Major in 1992.

While at CFB Trenton, he met FLt Jacqueline Legere. They were married October 12, 1963. Together they had 2 sons; David (Karen) and Paul (Joanna). He was the proud grandfather of Melissa, Michael, Benjamin and Cora. 

Bert was predeceased by Jacqueline (2025), sister Marjorie, and brother Brian.  He is survived by his sister Audrey Mehmal, brother Russell (Vera), sister-in-law Audrey and many nieces and nephews.

Upon retirement, Bert and Jackie moved to Vernon BC.  There he served on the local Air Force Association board for 9 years as Vice President and for 4 years as Director of the Vernon Winter carnival.  Bert joined the Knights of Columbus serving as Grand Knight for St James Council and as the founding Grand Knight for Our Lady of the Valley, St Theresa Council. He was very involved in the building of Our Lady of the Valley church.  Over the next 20+ years, he fulfilled many roles, including Eucharistic minister, lector and parish committees.

He was an avid reader and enjoyed golfing, gardening, bowling and was a dedicated Blue Jays fan.

Prayers will be held at Our Lady of the Valley Church (OLOV) at 6pm, Thursday, January 29th, followed by mass of Christian burial, at 3pm, Friday, January 30th at OLOV.  Interment will take place in the Spring. For those who cannot join us in person, a livestream will be available at https://livestream.cypressfuneral.ca/.

The family would like to thank Vernon Jubilee Hospital and North Okanagan Hospice Society staffs for the excellent care Bert received.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the North Okanagan Hospice Society in Vernon, BC., in his name.

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-558-0866

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services: