Bert Hybels

Bert R. Hybels, 84, of Marco Island, Fla., passed away on Nov. 2, 2024, and is now at home with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was born on Aug. 24, 1940 in Kalamazoo, Mich., to Adrienne G. and Elbertus Hybels. Both are deceased, as is his older sister, Saundra K. Hybels.



Bert attended Gull Road School, Oakwood Junior High and graduated from University High School, Class of 1958. While attending U-High Bert sang in operettas, was elected Student Council President, and served as a member of the Interschool Council. Bert was also president of the Methodist Youth Fellowship. He continued his education at DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind., where he studied political science, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1962. He pledged Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, where he formed lifelong friendships.



On Sept. 7, 1963, Bert married the love of his life, his high school and college sweetheart, Helen Lynnette Higgins. Their amazing marriage over six decades has served as an inspiration to others. In 1965, the year his first son Sam was born, Bert completed his MBA from Western Michigan University and founded his own company, Bert R. Hybels, Inc.



In the beginning, the company shipped mainly produce and some plants. Bert R. Hybels, Inc. later transitioned to shipping bedding plants (annuals, perennials, and hanging baskets) to garden centers in 26 states. Quality and service were the benchmarks of his company. Bert was greatly admired in the industry, serving as a mentor to others who went on to launch their own businesses. Today, two of his sons carry on the family business which still bears his name, Bert R. Hybels, Inc.



His love for family included the honor of being the father of six children and grandfather of nine. Bert’s interests spanned from gourmet dining, to politics, to foreign and domestic travel. He was a voracious reader. Bert also loved to fish; his fishing excursions included a trip to Plummer’s Arctic Lodge in the Northwest Territories of Canada, the Dry Tortugas and catching a 92-pound perch on Lake Victoria, which borders Kenya.



Bert was passionate about driving his yellow Ferrari convertible and participating in Ferrari events with Helen in Naples, Fla. He and Helen enjoyed their time living in Kalamazoo, in an historic home which dated back to 1865, spending time on Lake Michigan in St. Joseph at the Italian villa they had built and at their beachfront condo in Marco Island.



After the children were grown, Bert enjoyed traveling abroad every year with Helen by his side visiting more than 30 countries over two decades. Their travels included trips to Europe, Russia, China, Egypt and going on a safari in Kenya. There were also many family trips to Walt Disney World, Mexico City and Italy. They took the entire family, including grandchildren, to Florence, Italy in November of 2019, a country he and Helen both loved.



Bert was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo. He was also a member of the Union League Club of Chicago and a member of the Ferrari Club of Naples.



Bert will be remembered for being genuine and straight forward, for his sense of humor, his strong work ethic, sharp business mind and integrity. He was someone you could count on for sound advice. His deep love for his wife, children, and grandchildren was shown in so many ways. Bert was a man who lived up to his ideals, showed kindness in quiet ways, was a mentor to many and an inspiration on how to fully enjoy and value life. His legacy will remain forever in the hearts of his family and anyone who had the privilege of knowing him.



Bert is survived by his best friend and cherished wife of 61 years, Helen, his six loving children, their spouses and nine precious grandchildren. Elbertus Samuel (Michelle) Hybels, children: Abigail, Sophia and Mac; Amy R. Hybels; Matthew J. (Carrie) Hybels, children: Christopher, Lauren and Megan; Cameron C. (Nomita) Hybels, children: Annika and Josefina; Polly L. (Alphonsus) Diamond and son, Grayson; Seymour B. (Jessica) Hybels; and younger sister, Mariann Hybels Miller, of Santa Monica, Calif.



After Bert suffered a stroke in May of 2016, Kevin Alleyne, a devoted caregiver, came into Bert and Helen’s lives bringing not only extraordinary care but laughter and joy.



Bert’s final resting place, along with his wife, will be in Milan, Italy. Cremation has taken place. A private memorial service will be held in Marco Island for the immediate family. To share fond memories and condolences, visit the website of Cumberland Chapels: https://www.cumberlandchapels.com .



In lieu of flowers, a remembrance of Bert’s life may be made to the Shriners Children’s, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Attn: Office of Development, Tampa, FL 33607. Their telephone number is 844-739-0849 and website is: https://donate.lovetotherescue.org



Other organizations include the American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org and his son Camerson’s faith based non-profit orphanage in the Dominican Republic, Cameron’s Kids: https://cameronskids.org .