Douglas Richard Bergman, age 67 years, who passed away peacefully on Sunday September 15, 2013 at the Dryden Regional Health Center after a lengthy battle with heart disease and kidney failure related to his diabetes, with his family at his side. He is survived by his wife Roseann (nee Petchenuk) of 42 years, married on July 10, 1971 in Thunder Bay and settled in Dryden; his 2 children: Steven (Erica) Bergman of Ottawa, Ontario, and Christine (Craig) Erb of Surrey, British Columbia; 5 grandchildren: Adam, Evan and Ethan Bergman; Kayla and Carter Erb. He is also survived by his younger brother Don (Karen) Bergman of Thunder Bay and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was pre-deceased by his father and mother – Rickard Bergman (1964) and Violet Bergman (1988); sisters: Mae Bruckenberger (1997), Lily Bergman (2008), Eleanor (Dolly) Harned (2012); brothers: Ralph Bergman (1998), Lloyd Bergman (2007).
Doug was born in Kenora Ontario on May 14, 1946, and received his early education at Lakewood High School and later attended Lakehead University and Teacher’s College in Thunder Bay, receiving his BA Degree in Education. He taught at Albert Street, Pinewood, and Barclay schools over a period of 30 years.
Doug was a devoted family man and loved his wife, children, and grandchildren dearly. He and his family built a camp on Avery Lake in 1980, where during the many summers he enjoyed boating and fishing. Over the last three years he enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow and play at camp.
He was very active in the Community Service Clubs belonging to Jaycees, Kinsmen, and was a past President of the Lions and Khartum Shriner’s Clubs. He was a chartered member of the Dryden Shrine Club, as well as a registered clown known as “Gabby”. He was a member of Golden Star Lodge #484, Golden Star Chapter #254, and Ledger Preceptory 70.
Doug was a member of the United Church and belonged to the Men’s Club. He was strong in his Faith and his commitment to God and always felt a need to help others despite his own disabilities.
A Memorial Funeral service will be held on Thursday September 19th at 2 p.m. in First United Church with Reverend Hewitt Holmes officiating. Interment will take place at a later date in Thunder Bay. A Masonic Service will be held on Wednesday September 18th at 7 p.m. in the Moffat Chapel of Stevens Funeral Home.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Diabetes Association, Kidney Foundation, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation through Stevens Funeral Home P.O. Box 412, Dryden ON P8N 2Z1. Condolences may be posted at www.stevensfuneralhomes.
