Brian BERGQUIST

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BERGQUIST: Brian Charles "Levi" Bergquist passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2013 after a very brave battle with cancer. His passing was peaceful and he was surrounded by love. He is remembered by his wife Diane; daughter Sara of Whitehorse, Yukon; son Josh (Misty) and granddaughters Lauren and Kate of Mackenzie, BC. Brian is also survived by his siblings: Carol O'Neill of Gimli, Manitoba, Lynn Bell of Langley, BC, Vicki Halme of Duncan, BC, Len Bergquist of Langley, BC and Phyllis Plater (Roy) of New Westminster, BC. Also saddened by the loss of their brother-in-law are Helen Ford (Dale) of Killarney Manitoba, Harvey Bridgeman (Heather) of Brandon, Manitoba, Rena Carnahan of Airdrie, Alberta and their families. His impersonations and zany antics will be missed by all of his friends and relatives. Brian was born in Winnipeg on February 16, 1948. He lived in 14 cities during his 65 years. He began his career in radio broadcasting and ran several group homes for youth. He also owned multiple businesses including retail, restaurants, event and concert promotion and even a movie theatre. He had a passion for writing and he registered countless songs with the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada. He produced seven albums and published two books of his poetry. He was also the only honorary member of the Sons of the Pioneers. Being a mentor was important to Brian. He directed the chapter of Big Brothers in Trail BC and he worked with youth in group homes for 17 years. He always wanted to help young people develop life skills and a sense of their self worth. In his own businesses, he often hired people who needed a second chance at life. He always favoured the underdog and took pride in being part of others' successes. He loved movies (Tarzan, Laurel and Hardy, Bob Nolan, Humphrey Bogart and anything James Bond) and all forms of music, pop culture and entertainment. Brian often talked about how he wished someone taught him more about song writing and how it would be a boon for western music to have a mentorship program so the tradition would be passed on to future generations. What he didn't realize is that although they are rare, every once in a blue moon, someone like him will come along. Someone who discovers something that sparks their interest. Someone who immerses themselves in their new found passion. Someone whose enthusiasm is infectious and keeps traditions alive for others to treasure and appreciate. Our family would like to thank Dr. Visser and the wonderful staff at the Brandon Assiniboine Centre for their compassion and tireless work to keep Brian comfortable in his final days. We would also like to thank the Main Floor staff at Fairview Home (Diane's place of work) for their generous and endless supply of food. Thanks to our family and friends for your countless prayers, love, cards, calls, emails, flowers and hugs. A tribute to Brian's life will be held at Memories Chapel, 330 18th Street North on Wednesday, May 15 at 2:00 p.m. Please bring your stories and memories of Brian to share during a reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, please feel welcome to make a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters, 153A 8th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 2W9. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements withMemories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 204-727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on May 11, 2013