Obituary of Richard "Rick" Bergstrom

Richard "Rick" Bergstrom of Camrose passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at the age of 52 years. Richard Dale Bergstrom was born August 10, 1961, in Camrose, to Alvin & Bernice, a younger brother for Terry, Albern, Randy and Regan. He was raised on the farm east of Meeting Creek, later joined by twins Monna & Murray. Rick took his schooling in Meeting Creek and Edberg, graduating in 1979. Growing up, Rick's passions were family, sports, music and the farm. He played hockey, fastball and curled, and later in life added golf to the list of favorites. He loved to sing and play his guitar for anyone who would listen, and was known for his karaoke talents. At wedding dances, he would dance with any lady who was willing to be his partner (and some that weren't). Rick's mechanical ability was noted at a young age, and he was the "fix it" man on the farm. He was a car guy, probably one of the best drivers in the area, could pull a "Rockford" like no other and was famous for buying vehicles on a whim, including a corvette to drive gravel roads. He was an entertainer, and everyone will remember his stories and sense of humor, which remained with him to the end. He loved kids, and before his own were born, he was known to go over to his siblings' houses to play with the nieces and nephews, requesting that they call him C.U.R, short for "Cool Uncle Ricky". Following high school, Rick attended NAIT to obtain his ticket in heavy-duty mechanic, working over the years as a mechanic at Alberta Machinery and CASE in Camrose, Johnny's Service in Bashaw, Shaw Pipe in Camrose, and then working freelance for various farmers in the area. In 1984 Rick met Shamanthi (Sam) Cooray and they were married in 1989. This union brought Rick the light of his life, his daughter Veronica in 1993 and son Christian in 1995. Rick's children were the center of his world, and he was a doting and devoted father. He was there for every function when the kids were growing up, being named "Kindergarten Dad of the Year" for Christian's class. Even when Veronica & Christian moved to Edmonton with their mom, Rick planned his life around the kids' weekend visits with him. It was nothing for him to get Christian back to Edmonton for 6:00 a.m. Sunday morning hockey practices, and there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for his kids. Rick was a people person and had many friends far and wide. He loved to visit with everyone and always had time to stop and talk. His late night phone calls often went on for hours. Family was very important to him, and he considered his siblings and cousins among his closest friends. Rick was the kind of guy who called the shots - if he wanted to get or do something, he bought it or did it. He loved to have fun & lived his life accordingly. For the past five years, Rick used his positive attitude and dignity to battle his cancer, choosing to wage his fight on his own, so as to not worry or bother anyone else. Rick leaves to cherish his memory his daughter Veronica and son Christian; mother Bernice; brothers Albern (Janet), Randy (Connie), Regan (Judy), and Murray; sisters Terry (Carl) Nordahl and Monna (John) Rathwell; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends and other relatives. He was predeceased by his father Alvin; and grandparents Anna & Robert, Seth & Vanja. A funeral service was held on Thursday, June 26, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. from the Donalda Community Hall with Rev. Brian Hunter officiating. Interment followed in the Ferry Point Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to the Alberta Cancer Foundation or to a charity of one's choice.