JACOB (JACK) BERGEN

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JACOB (JACK) BERGEN With great sadness we announce the sudden and unexpected death of our loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather Jacob Bergen on December 24, 1999. Dad will be greatly missed by his loving wife of fifty-seven years, Evylin (nee Epp) and his extended family of three generations. He is survived by his four children and their families, eldest son Rodger and wife Nancy of Vernon, B.C., grandchildren, Tracy and Tammy Bergen and great-grandchildren, Nicole Bergen and Hailey Douma; son James Bergen and wife Terry of Winnipeg, granddaughter Kimberley Bergen (Nick Romaniuk) and great-granddaughter Karli Romaniuk, granddaughter Judi Chambers (Markus) and great-grandsons, Quinton and Kordell Chambers; daughter Verginia Aldous and husband Monty of Winnipeg, granddaughters, Kathryn McCullins (Mark) and Amanda Aldous; son Brian Bergen and wife Mary of Surrey, B.C. and granddaughters, Christine, Marni, and Debra Bergen. His elder brother David of Saskatoon and sisters, Nettie Klassen, Margaret Enns and Gert Wall of Saskatoon also survive Jake. Jake was born in Great Deer, Saskatchewan on March 3, 1923. He grew up on his parents farm, and after his marriage, he operated a ferry crossing on the North Saskatchewan River. He moved to Winnipeg in the 1950s and spent the majority of his working career as a warehouse manager for Western Grocers, and later for Canada Warehousing. During his working life, Jake was an enthusiastic curler during the winter months, and an accomplished gardener in the summer. His yard and flower gardens were a neighborhood showplace. Dad was also a skilled handyman, and his workshop produced wooden playhouse furniture and appliances, refinished adult furniture, blanket boxes and crafts. As his children became homeowners, Dad was always available, his toolbox in hand, for any project that needed doing. Nor were family the only beneficiaries of his kindness - any driveway that needed snowblowing, or lawn that needed cutting, or repair that needed doing for any of his less able neighbours simply got done - no one ever had to ask, and no payment greater than "Thank you" was ever accepted. After he retired, Jake took up golf, and played with great enthusiasm, and a bit of skill. Family was important above all other things to Dad. An undemonstrative man, he nevertheless took great pride in all his family, without judgement or reservation, and he was happiest whenever he was in the midst of us all. We shall miss him always. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, and the service will take place on Thursday, December 30 at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave., with visitation forty-five minutes prior to the service. Believing that Dad will enjoy an eternity of gardening, and knowing that he was a strong believer in charitable contribution, flowers are gratefully declined. Should friends wish to honour Dads memory, please consider a contribution to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or your charity of choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 29, 1999