MARTIN ALEXANDER ERNST BERGMANN -

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MARTIN ALEXANDER ERNST BERGMANN 1956 - 2011 It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we announce the sudden and tragic death of Martin Alexander Ernst Bergmann on Saturday, August 20, 2011, in Resolute Bay, Nunavut. Adored husband of Sheila McRae and loving father of Kristofer, Nicholas, Toby and Isabelle. Beloved son of Alexander and Rosemarie Bergmann; and deeply cherished brother of Victoria Merkis (Witold) and Alexandra Montgomery (John). Beloved son-in-law of Gordon and Rose McRae; and brother-in-law of Janice McRae and Arthur Harris. Proud uncle of Christina, Elisabeth, Alexander, Thomas, David, Julia, Sarah, Alex and Abby. Marty had an incredible heart, an embracing smile and passion for all that he loved. He connected with everyone he met - in his formal capacity in his role as Director of NRCan's Polar Continental Shelf Program, as a son, brother, friend, neighbour, and especially as a husband and dad. He loved talking to others, asking them about their lives, and these conversations would often turn into friendships. He was tireless at everything that he did. It was not unusual for him to travel home from Ottawa on a Friday night to say goodnight to our beautiful children, and then be out on his tractor past midnight, clearing the snow that had accumulated over the days while he was gone. He met many wonderful people from all walks of life and admired integrity, honesty, sincerity and, above all, love of family. Marty was a passionate advocate for research in Canada's north and encouraged others to work beyond departmental, governmental and international borders to achieve a better understanding of the Arctic. He felt through conversations, however small, that he could enlighten others and increase appreciation for this most precious and fragile region. Marty spoke on several occasions to our children's daycare and school classes, bringing in a narwhal tusk or a sample of whale baleen, while sharing a slide show, along with many fascinating tales of his journeys. Marty's home was where he found peace. He spent hundreds of hours caring for the landscape, the mini horses (Karly, KT and KC), and loved to create anything that would increase our enjoyment of our land. A small rink several years ago expanded each year to the rink last winter that was the envy of the kids and parents we knew. He, Toby and Isabelle made the structure and he would take garbage can after garbage can of water across the yard to flood it. As days went on, he created a hose system and a handmade zamboni and once the ice was ready, he loved playing a fast paced game with Toby, Nick, friends and family, or just skated with little Isabelle as she quickly learned. Marty was so very proud of Kristofer and Nicholas in all of their accomplishments and growth as young men. And he reveled in his role as dad to his strong little son and his beautiful princess. Above all else, I had the joy of being his wife. Not a moment went by that I did not feel cherished and loved. We shared a trust and love for which we both felt blessed every single day that we had. He is so sadly missed and he would be in awe of the outpouring of love that has come forth from this tragedy. I love you, sweetheart. A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 30, 2011, at the Main Floor of the Winnipeg Convention Centre, 375 York Avenue. The service will be available via live webcast on Marty's Book of Memories on The Neil Bardal Funeral Centre website nbardal.mb.ca. Condolences may be sent to condolences@nbardal.mb.ca The Marty Bergmann Family Trust has been established to honour Marty's love and dedication for his family. Anyone wishing to donate can do so at any Royal Bank branch by referencing the fund by name. The Martin Bergmann Fund for Arctic Research was established through the Winnipeg Foundation in his memory by his family and friends. Gifts to this fund are invested and the income generated will support his passion for advancing scientific research in the Arctic. To donate, contact The Winnipeg Foundation, 1350 One Lombard Place, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 0X3, by phoning 944-9474 or toll free 1-877-974-3631 or online at www.wpgfdn.org. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 27, 2011