LUSBY, Md. – Southern Maryland lost a great man and friend of our community on March 25, 2024. A man who always answered his phone with “Talk to me!” A man who lived to serve. A man who asked for nothing in return for everything he gave – including his way of life we should all aspire to. That man was Herbert Davis Breeden Jr.
He went by the name of Bert. Bert was born in Fort Washington and was the youngest of 11 siblings. He moved to Calvert County in 2000. After graduating from Parkdale High School, Bert owned and ran his own business Designated Drive also known as Bertman Drive (simultaneously working for Boomerangs restaurant and Grill Sergeant BBQ).
He would go on to drive residents home from local bars, families to food pantries, and the elderly to hospitals and doctor appointments. He participated annually in the National Kidney Walk in Solomons Island. There was no cause too small for Bert.
Mike of Grill Sergeant BBQ had many things to say about his friend.
“Bert became a friend when I was part owner of the Tiki Bar and owner of the Grill Sergeant Barbecue…he became family over the years. He was our driver for the Tiki Bar Opening! He always had a place at my dinner table and was loved by all,” Mike told The BayNet.
“I believe his story is important due to the countless lives he saved and the DUIs he stopped by being our county designated driver way before Uber and Lyft were around. Bert once told me he got a DUI over 25 years ago and from then on, he gave up drinking completely. He said no more and decided to become a driver to help everyone. Not just bars, either; he was known as the go-to guy for local hotels. Calvert hospital would call him to get stranded patients home, local calls to get elderly to doctor appointments, and no matter what hour of the day, Bert was a phone call away.”
“I spent years with Bert riding on his bus to concerts, professional games, or just riding around with him watching him do the job he loved. He would take me as far as Ohio to watch a friend play a concert. I believe he deserves all the accolades that can be given, and I will always have a spot in my heart for Bert. My family and close friends, along with Calvert and St. Mary’s County will miss him.”
Bert’s niece, Sheila Whitney, had kind things to share as well.
“His family would like Bert to be remembered by his smile and willingness to be there for anyone for anything.”
She emphasized, “Bert had no schedule – he was on everyone else’s schedule to be there for whatever they needed. He had a larger-than-life personality, charisma, and endless kindness. He kept us all safe.”
The slogan on his bus? “It’s Us or the Sheriff’s Bus. DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE – KEEP YOUR FRIENDS AND YOURSELF ALIVE.”
Bert was survived by his son, James Lee Coleman Breeden.
A memorial was held on Saturday, April 6th. It was standing room only. Grill Sgt BBQ and Boomerang Ribs restaurant donated the food and the amazing Band Funkzilla played Micheal Jackson songs that Bert especially loved. The American Legion Post 274 in Lusby hosted the event.
Did you know Bert? Share a personal story in the comments below!
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
Bert man was my younger brother When he was younger we called him Herbie but when he got older He took the name Bert I added man to it that’s where he got Bert man from Bert got into some trouble when he was younger but he straightened his life out and became a good and decent person And try to help people to get their lives straight and become a good person too he was happy and laughed all the time and cut up with people to get them too smile Have some fun together He was willing to help anybody No matter what day or what time Just call him and he would come and help you I would like for everyone to know How special he was To me And everybody else should remember how special he was to them I will love you always and remember you always Love your Sister Jenny
His name is Herbert Davis Breeden Jr He is the Bert man The Designated Driver of the bus