B & A Auctions was a Gilford landmark for more than 40 years, known for its household, estate and consignment auctions, and auctions of equipment.
The “B” stood for Bert Vanderdonk, auctioneer and collector extraordinaire. The “A” was wife Ann, the financial wizard behind the auction house’s success.
The couple met at a CYO Dance in Bradford one Sunday. Two years later, in 1963, they were married. While raising their two children, Ann worked in banking and accounting, and Bert worked at Sterling Drug.
Then came a landmark moment.
“Bert was watching (auctioneer) Bob Severn one time and said, ‘I can do that!’” remembered Ann.
The Vanderdonks held their first sale in Bradford in the early 1970s — and made $250 in a single afternoon. They never looked back.
When property at Line 14 at Yonge Street became available, with its sheds, large auction hall and second-floor living space, they made the purchase, and opened B & A Auctions.
“We had some astounding sales,” Ann said.
Bert was adept at persuading reluctant bidders. If the bidding was slow to get started, he would add first one item, and then another, until something caught the fancy of the crowd, and an offer was made.
For years, Vanderdonk partnered with the South Simcoe Police Service, hosting the annual Police Auction of recovered and unclaimed goods.
Bargain hunters came out to bid on tools, jewellery, electronics — even equipment seized from a marijuana grow-op — but especially the bicycles in every state of repair. The auctions raised money for the service’s community policing initiatives.
“He was a good auctioneer,” said Ann.
In 2013, health issues led to Bert’s retirement, although son Bert Jr., who inherited the family passion for both collecting and auctioneering, continued the tradition with an online appraisal and auction service from his Cookstown home.
On Nov. 2, 2018, Bert Vanderdonk passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 80. He is survived by wife Ann, son Bert Jr., daughter Anita, and grandchildren Mitchell, Quinn and Gabby.
“He always said that selling someone’s junk as treasures amazed him,” said Bert Jr. “We are sure that he is in heaven now trying to sell some of those treasures to the angels!”
A celebration of life will be held Nov. 25 from 1-5 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion in Bradford West Gwillimbury, at 115 Back St. There is more information online.
