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VICTOR BERGEN  Obituary pic

VICTOR BERGEN

Date of Passing: Mar 04, 2012

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VICTOR BERGEN After a brief, but courageous struggle with cancer, Victor Bergen passed away peacefully at the Riverview Health Centre on March 4, 2012 with family at his side. He was 62 years old. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of nearly 40 years, Ilse (nee Braun); daughters Larissa Smith (Brandon and step-grandson Gabe) and Lori Kasdorf (Chris); sons Richard (Erin with grandchild expected in May) and Robert; parents Herbert and Helen Bergen of Virgil, Ontario; brothers John (Lil) and Paul (Connie); sisters Hilda and Eleanor Neufeld (Doug); mother-in-law Agnes Braun; brother-in-law Henry Braun (Ellenore), and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father-in-law, Jacob Braun last year. Vic was born on September 2, 1949 in Volendam, Paraguay. He and his family immigrated to Canada in 1955 and settled in southern Ontario. Here he received his elementary through to university education. In 1971, he met his future wife, Ilse. After a four year letter-writing courtship, Vic decided to bridge the distance and move to Manitoba. They were married on July 14, 1972 and were blessed with four wonderful children. Upon arriving in Winnipeg, Vic found what he thought to be temporary work in Corrections, but this turned into a 30-year career working in both provincial and federal areas. During this time, he developed an interest in tax preparation. His side home business quickly expanded to leasing office space annually and finally purchasing commercial space on Henderson Highway in 2002, known as Vic's Accounting. He retired from Corrections at this time and continued to work at the Accounting office until 2011. Vic looked forward to every tax season. He enjoyed the challenge of his work and connecting with new and long-term clients. Besides his work Vic did extensive home renovations. He also enjoyed watching sports, cycling, hiking, bird watching, camping, and travelling. He took his family on numerous extended camping/road trips throughout Canada and the United States. Vic regularly traveled to visit his son in Calgary, his daughter in Delaware, and his parents and extended family in Ontario. He was grateful that he was still able to travel to Delaware in January to walk his daughter down the aisle. Family was very important to Vic. He showed his deep love for his wife and children in quiet and subtle ways. He did not like conflict and always wanted everyone to be happy. Although Vic worked in Corrections, he was not the disciplinarian at home. He had an easy-going and positive nature. Vic's faith in God was central to his life. He was baptized upon the confession of his faith on May 14, 1967 and was involved in various church activities since his youth. His faith became his cornerstone during his illness and he was able to face his circumstances with total peace and acceptance. He was an inspiration to us all. A celebration of Vic's life will be held at Douglas Mennonite Church, 1517 Rothesay Street on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. Viewing will take place prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to UrbanPromise, P.O. Box 66047, Vancouver, BC V5N 5L4. This organization was dear to Vic's heart as he saw first-hand the impact it had on the lives of young people living in the inner-city. Please clearly indicate that donations are in honour of Victor Bergen so that they can be forwarded to the branch where his daughter works.
Publish Date: Mar 7, 2012

VICTOR BERGEN On March 4, 2012 at Riverview Health Centre, Victor Bergen, beloved husband of Ilse Bergen passed away at age 62 years. He will also be missed by two sons and two daughters and their spouses. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at Douglas Mennonite Church, 1517 Rothesay Street with viewing prior to the service. Longer obituary to follow on Wednesday.
Publish Date: Mar 6, 2012

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 06, 2012

Condolences & Memories (21 entries)

  • I think of you often Ilse and my love and prayers are for you and your family for losing a husband and father. I pray for strength and peace. God'blessings. Pat, Larry Krause - Posted by: Patricia Krause (friend) on: Apr 20, 2015

  • We were shocked and saddened to learn today of Vic's passing. We met Vic when we first moved to Winnipeg in 2002. He was friendly and very professional. We appreciated the work he did for us. Our deepest sympathies go out to Vic's wife Lise and his family. - Posted by: Paul &Yvonne Seewald April 11 ,2012 (clients) on: Apr 11, 2012

  • I was so shocked to hear of Victor's passing and send my sincere condolences to the whole family. My dad (deceased) and Uncle Herbert were first cousins and I remember many, many visits to Virgil as a child and them visiting our family of eight kids in Waterloo. I am one year younger than Vic. My dad (John Rempel) was taken in by the Bergen family for a while in Russia, as a child when he lost his parents at the age of two and three. Uncle Herbert was the only relative my dad had in Ontario and I believe the same was true for Uncle Herbert. I remember Vic as a teenager as a fun-loving cousin and will remember him in this way. So sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Irene (Rempel) Pauls (second cousin (Waterloo, Ontario)) on: Mar 31, 2012

  • We are so very sad and shocked to hear of Vic's passing. He was always professional and cheerful at our yearly visit at income tax time. We want to offer our deepest sympathy to his family, close friends and colleagues. He was always so proud of it all. Our last contact was last year. What a nice friendly person he was. He will be missed. - Posted by: Michel and Chantale (clients) on: Mar 20, 2012

  • We were so saddened to learn today of Vic's passing. He did our taxes for a number of years and we looked forward to our half hour with him. He was always so helpful and obliging. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time. A good man gone too soon. - Posted by: John and Elsie Thrumble (Friend) on: Mar 15, 2012

  • My family and I are truly saddened by the news of Vic's passing. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family. I will miss our talks about families and coworkers from Corrections. I always enjoyed working with Vic on his home renovations. Tax time will never be the same. The sign of a great man is how much he is missed. Vic we miss you! - Posted by: Don, Lori Kamins & Family (Co-worker, client, friend) on: Mar 14, 2012

  • We were extremely shocked to hear of Vic's passing. We knew Vic for a short time as clients and found him to be a very warm and loving person. He was tremendously proud of his children and we spoke about them often. Vic was the consumate professional. We will miss his cheery smile and our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. The Lord has a good man at his side. - Posted by: Ron & Cathy Bylo (Client) on: Mar 13, 2012

  • Vic and I worked together for a number of years when he was Supervisor of Programs in Corrections. I found Vic to be a compassionate voice in a challenging system. He was willing to say what he really believed. His "tell the truth and shame the devil" approach inspired many of us who sat on committees with him. I am sad today to hear that Vic was ill and that he had to leave his family and his friends so soon. I will remember that delightful "live life to its fullest" twinkle in his eye. Einstein said, "energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be changed from one form to another." I'm grateful that I was able to experience a little bit of Vic's wonderful energy. My thoughts are with Vic's family and I pray that they will feel his energy in their hearts and be comforted. - Posted by: Cary Hamilton (former work colleague ) on: Mar 12, 2012

  • I didn't know Vic. I came to Vic's Accounting for years and appreciated the work he did. He was friendly to his customers. He did my taxes for a long time. I was so sorry to hear of his passing last week. Rick did my taxes and I asked how he was doing and he said Vic passed away. I was shocked. He was so robust. I hope you and your family will have peace. - Posted by: Brenda MacMillan (customer) on: Mar 10, 2012

  • We are so saddened and shocked to hear of Vic's passing. We had so many good times together when we lived next door. Those memories will always be with us. Our sympathies and prayers go out to you Ilsa and your family. May Vic's memories bring you all comfort and peace. May God watch over you and guide you through this difficult time. - Posted by: Al & Iris Tymofichuk (Past Neighbour & Friend) on: Mar 09, 2012

  • Just want to send my love to the family, Vic was always really god to me, very encouraging and loving. Really feel sad for your loss. Love you all very much - Posted by: James Russell (Friend) on: Mar 09, 2012

  • My deepest sympathies go to you all as you mourn this huge loss. I have memories of Vic being from both long ago when Larissa and I were childhood friends to just a couple of years ago visiting at the bank. My prayers are with you. - Posted by: Heather Wiens (friend of the family) on: Mar 08, 2012

  • It was a pleasure to meet Vic, Ilse and Oma at the dinner following the bridal shower for Larissa and Brandon's wedding. It was a very nice evening laughing and reminiscing with both families. I was so happy for them both when he was still able to walk his daughter down the aisle and celebrate with her and very happy that they were able to spend time together before his passing. He will be missed! - Posted by: Jackie McClain ("adopted" Aunt of the family) on: Mar 08, 2012

  • It is with great sadness to hear of Vic's passing. I enjoyed working with him and meeting with him yearly at tax time. He was a great man, always helpful, interested in others and proud to keep us up-to-date on his family. I pray for peace and comfort at this time for the family. Vic will be missed. - Posted by: Mary Swallow (former co-worker) on: Mar 07, 2012

  • My condolences go out to Ilse and her family. May God's peace and comfort be with you at this time. May Vic's memory stay with you. - Posted by: Bill Reimer (Elementary & high school friend) on: Mar 07, 2012

  • It is with great sadness that we wish to extend our deepest condolences to Vic's family. We always looked forward to meeting with Vic at tax time, and valued the friendly chats, his expertise and advice. Our prayers are with Vic and his family. He will be missed. - Posted by: Roger & Lorraine Labossiere (Clients ) on: Mar 07, 2012

  • Ilse, my condolences to you and your loved ones, I will never forget Vic and always looked forward to our conversations. He helped so many people over the years and he took such pride in that, he made time for everyone. - Posted by: Guy Brunel (Friend / Client) on: Mar 07, 2012

  • My condolences to Vic's family. When we worked together he would always come in my office and talk about several things, have a few laughs then discuss his investment ideas which I barely understood. Vic was a kind and gentle man and I always looked forward to seeing him at tax time when we would catch up on any interesting news. He will be missed by so many people. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. - Posted by: Cathy Davies ((former work colleague)) on: Mar 06, 2012

  • We were deeply saddened to hear that Vic left us. There are no words to take the hurt away. Our prayers are with you at this time. If there is someway we can help, we're just across the street, please let us know. Deepest Sympathy. - Posted by: Ray and Penn Bodnarchuk (Neighbour) on: Mar 06, 2012

  • Our condolences to Vic's family. Vic was a very nice man and will be missed by all who knew him. - Posted by: Al & Jan Necsefor (Friends / Coworker) on: Mar 06, 2012

  • I was fortunate to work with Vic for many years and we grew to be friends over this time. I remember Vic as always reaching; eager to look at things a new way or to try something different. He was a refreshing person to be around. Vic was always shrewd and canny -the ideal person to help others look after their money as he eventually did with his successful business. His advice was helpful to me more than once. I remember his humour and his usually sunny disposition. I remember his work ethic -he set an example to others. I will miss him for these and many other positive traits. The world is a poorer place without him. I offer my prayers for Vic and his family in this difficult time. And I pray that at some future time I might have the chance to renew our friendship and play some cards together. He was very, very good. - Posted by: Reg Forester (former work colleague) on: Mar 06, 2012

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