William "Bill" Bergman

On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, Bill Bergman passed away peacefully at Boundary Trails Health Centre. Bill is lovingly remembered by Carol, his wife of 54 years; daughters Kim (Dave) Tjart; grandsons, Tyler and Dylan, and Andrea (Shayne Proulx) Bergman; grandson Alex.

Bill was born on October 31, 1945, the 13^th of 18 children to Bernhard and Helena Bergman. Bill spent his first couple years in Miami before moving with the family to a farm north of Horndean. Bill attended teachers training in Winnipeg and in 1966 began his teaching career in a one room school in Gnadenfeld. The following year he transferred to Gretna where Bill met a “rookie” teacher, Carol Schroeder.  Two years later, on August 23, 1969 they were married. Bill continued teaching in Gretna for many years, while Carol taught in Altona. After their girls were born, Bill transferred to Altona where he taught grade six at West Park School, followed by the principalship at Elmwood Elementary and eventually returned to West Park to take on a resource position where he remained until his retirement in 2000.

Throughout their marriage, Bill and Carol loved camping as a family of four or with the extended Bergman family. Every camping season was traditionally bookended with May Long and Labour Day weekends at Miller’s Campground. Road trips with the family throughout Canada and the US were very important to Bill. During these trips, his pursuit of the perfect snapshot occasionally led to a bit of mischief, pushing the limits at a couple historical sites resulting in some stern looks or short words of reprimand from security but leaving us with unforgettable memories. In retirement, Bill and Carol combined their love for travel and camping, escaping to Arizona to spend the winters in their fifth-wheel.

Bill was a very gentle, compassionate and patient man, which served him well in a house of women. He loved to lighten the mood using humour and silly antics. He was known to “trip” into a classroom to make his students laugh or do a silly walk to embarrass his family. Bill eagerly anticipated the arrival of grandchildren and cherished every moment with his three grandsons, whether it was rolling on the floor playing with them, being silly in hotel pools or various other outings. 

Although his health deteriorated over the last 20 years he never complained or felt sorry for himself. Instead, he faced these new challenges with grace and accepted them as his new reality. Refusing to let limited mobility restrict his enjoyment of life, he demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience, a true testament to his unwavering spirit. Despite enduring severe pain for many years, he maintained a positive outlook and a strong faith until the very end. As a family we will miss his calm and steady nature, but his legacy of strength and faith through difficult times will sustain us.

The family would like to thank the medical staff at Boundary Trails Health Centre as well as Cancer Care at Health Sciences Centre for their care and support throughout the years.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

Donations in memory of Bill may be made to Boundary Trails Health Centre - CancerCare.