Born in Arcata, California, received a bachelor's degree in history from Humboldt State University in 1956 and was commissioned in 1957 at the Navy Officer's Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. In 1973, he received a master's in political science and public administration from the University of Washington.

Captain Bertrand served at stations throughout the country, including the Naval Air Station at Glynco, Georgia, where he helped establish the radar intercept officer training program, which was the basis of the Navy flight officer program. He served a combat tour off the coast of Southeast Asia in 1970.

In 1976, he took command of Fighter Squadron 194. His final duty was as Deputy Navy Inspector General, when he retired in 1987.

Captain Bertrand's honors included the Legion of Merit, three Navy Commendation Medals and Vietnam Campaign and Service Medals, among others.

Survivors include his wife, Sheila Bertrand; a son, a daughter, his mother, a brother, a sister, and a granddaughter.

Services will be held at the Old Post Chapel at Fort Myer, followed by burial with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery.

The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in form of donations to the St James Episcopal Church, Box 177, Montross, Virginia.