Clifford Bergstrom

BERGSTROM, Clifford (Cliff) passed peacefully at home with family on September 14th, 2020 at the age of 81. He will be greatly missed by friends and family. Predeceased by his parents, six siblings, and his beloved son Darrin; he will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, ‘Brown-eyes’ Balwant, son Dean, daughter-in-law Sheila. Grandchildren- Hailey (Jon), Noah, Clayton, two great grandchildren who kept him young until the end- Elliot, and his (newest) little sweetheart Lillian; as well as his three sisters, large extended family and many friends.

Born in Canwood, and raised in Stump Lake, Saskatchewan, Cliff grew up a die hard Rough Riders fan, as well as a farm boy, starting work from a young age and helped to provide for his ever growing family until making the long journey to Vancouver Island at the age of 15 to join the family that had arrived weeks earlier. This is when he began what would become a life-long career in the logging industry. His rough and tough years, that included many dances, gravel polkas, moments spent in the bar, finally lead to finding his lifelong partner at a town party, at the age of 24. In 1965 Balwant (Bunt) and Cliff married at the United Church in Lake Cowichan. Following a brief stint in Lake Cowichan, they finally found home in Mesachie Lake, where they remained, raising a family, gardening, hosting family all year round, and enjoying the company of many good neighbours, including lifelong best friend, Harold Hanson, until Cliff’s recent passing. Cliff and Bunt became parents in 1969 with their first son, Darrin Clifford Bergstrom, three years later followed Lawrence Dean. These rowdy boys kept them busy for many years, with Cliff making great hunting and fishing partners out of Darrin and Dean, instilling a great love of the outdoors, and coaching many sports along the way.

Cliff and Bunt had a passion for Curling, and spent many days at the Lake Cowichan arena; bringing home trophies in partner, team and individual leagues. Returning to his love of the farm life, and raising and observing birds, Cliff brought chickens, turkeys and pheasants to his Mesachie home for raising and family to enjoy. Cliff took great pride in his yard, teaching many generations of Bergstrom’s how to mow the lawn, all of which were unable to meet his high standards. Long time member of the fish and game club, Cliff took many hunting trips with Darrin, little Cliff, Rodney, and many more over the years. Former President and Legion member of branch 210, former president and member of the curling club, Deputy Fire Chief and lifetime honourary member of the Mesachie Lake Fire hall, member of the Scandinavian Club. Cliff proved to be a devoted volunteer, generous and loving man, with many days and long nights shared with fellow volunteers.

Retirement proved to be the best years of his life. Bringing him many new jobs in woodworking, renovating, gardening, and entertaining the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, making steak and Swedish pancakes on demand. Shooting and hunting with Hailey, happily sharing in a father-daughter dance at her wedding. Enjoying sport chats and debates with Noah at every opportunity, encouraging his collection of hats. Cheering on numerous sports games from the side lines for Clayton, giving advice after each game. Picking carrots in the garden with Elliot, and doting on Lillian, who took the title of Sweetheart from her mother, singing in Swedish and giving endless kisses. During this time Cliff and Bunt enjoyed many road trips with extended family and friends, including those to Arizona, Alaska, Saskatchewan, and many more. They found a passion in camping with their beloved grandchildren, and the infamous camping crew of the James’, Coopers, and Graves’. Making many traditions and memories camping up and down the island, and training the kids to bring beer on command. Something that lasted until the very end, when he requested ‘Happy hour’ only days before leaving us, to which Hailey quickly responded with a lucky and straw in hand. Leaving Bunt, Dean, and Geet in stitches. We would like to thank the great staff at the Victoria Cancer clinic, family Dr. Macgregor, and especially personal ‘uber driver’, niece, treat giver, Sharan Doman. A large celebration of life will occur post-covid BS, with plenty of lucky to go around... Enjoy your happy hour Gramps! Yag Alskir Dig.