ROBERT GEORGE BERGMAN SR.
February 8, 1919 – September 26, 2018
With saddened hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our dearly-loved father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Robert George Bergman Sr., age 99, in the early morning hours of September 26, 2018, at Pinecrest Home for the Aged.
Robert was predeceased by Jacqueline, his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, parents August and Kristina Bergman, his brothers Gunnar, Charlie, Herb, Nils, and sister Svea. Also mother-in-law Florence Phillips and daughter-in-law Elaine Bergman.
He is survived by his six children, son Robert Bergman Jr. (Frances), children Ingred Douthwright (Tom), great grandchildren Craig and Kyle; Kristin Kurian (Shawn), great grandchildren Emma, Julian and James; Robert Bergman (Brittney), greatgrandchildren Layne and Hudson; Jaye Bergman (Pamela), great grandchildren Chloe, Isabelle and Ruby. Also son Jim Bergman(Wendy), children James Bergman Jr.; Candace Bergman, great grandchildren Calista and Dustin; and Cheri Bergman. Son Douglas Bergman (Yvette), children Lana Pitchenese (Shayne), great grandchildren Cody, Carli, Shantelle, Brody, and great-great granddaughter Paisley; Anders (Sandra) and great granddaughter Luna. Daughter Colleen Martz (Bob), children Natalie (Evan) Gilmore, great granddaughter Stella; Andrew Martz (Sabine), great grandchildren Sophie, Isabelle, and Axel; Patrick Martz (Karen). Son Guy Bergman (Cindy), grandson Jackson. Daughter Jacqueline Bergman (Karol).
Born in Dryden, Dad, at a very early age, moved with his family to be raised in Kenora, where he lived his entire life. He was educated in Kenora and actively served in the Royal Canadian Air Force. While stationed in Montreal on his way overseas, he met his soul mate and true love, Jacqueline Phillips. Just like in the movies, they kept in close touch via mail throughout his entire time away and upon his return from WWII , they wed, moved to Kenora where they built their family home on Lake of the Woods and raised their six children.
Robert worked in the family construction and building supply business, Bergman and Nelson Ltd., which later became Bergman Builders, winding up his work career with Linnell Construction. Dad was a construction estimator for almost his entire work life. He was an excellent bookkeeper and record keeper. A skilled and meticulous craftsman, he built everything from camps and houses to boats, kitchen cabinetry to fine furniture, achieving superb quality in whatever woodworking project he attempted. Upon retirement, Rob became interested in the art of intarsia, and all of his children have pieces beautifully crafted by him.
He loved the lake. Over the years, many a tasty fish were caught by the Bergman family aboard the “Jacqueline”, a beautiful 26-foot wooden boat designed and built by Rob and eldest son.
Rob had a passion for sailing and spent summer months on his sailboat on our beautiful Lake of the Woods with Jackie at his side, often with kids, grandkids, and dogs along for the adventure. He was an active member of the Kenora Power Squadron and the Kenora Sailing Club for many, many years and was a member of the Bethesda Lutheran Church.
Dad loved his wife and family. He loved the little ones and they all loved him. Summers spent with family and holiday gatherings were very precious to him. He always generated a warm, loving smile. He was always a gentleman and a very gentle man. Dad loved his independence and looked after himself, keeping physically fit and active, and was blessed with excellent health for most of his 99 years. He drove his own car up to age 97 and looked forward to his annual air flights to visit out of town family for yet another adventure. He was super-organized in everything he did. He loved playing cribbage and pool, doing crosswords, jumbles, and Sudoku. We are all so very proud of him. He was, to put it simply, an amazing man, and we are so fortunate to be part of his family.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to ALL the caregivers and staff at Pinecrest involved in Dad’s care during his time there. Their genuine concern and acts of kindness are greatly appreciated. We would also like to thank the doctors and staff at the Paterson Medical Centre and Lake of the Woods District Hospital, who assisted Dad over his many healthy and happy years in the community.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Pinecrest Home for the Aged on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., with Pastor Cathy Giroux officiating.
In lieu of flowers, if one so desires, a donation to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation or the Kenora District Home for the Aged (Pinecrest) may be made in Dad’s honour.
Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com
BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS.
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