Edmund Gordon Bergler Jr.

There are few people in this world that you can rely on the way we could with Ed. He provided consistency and dependability that has become a foundation not only for multiple generations of his family but for many people around him including his friends and countless others that needed support, guidance and a role model in their lives. Ed was a respected statesman and those that knew him best appreciated his tenderness, generosity and genuine interest in others.

Edmund Bergler Jr was born in Portland Oregon April 21st, 1942. His parents Alma and Edmund Sr were hard working immigrants that personified the American Dream. Alma and Ed Sr worked tirelessly to provide a safe, loving and stable home for Ed Jr, his older sister Jeannette and younger brother David. In many ways Ed grew up in an idyllic 1950s home. He attended Benson High School where he studied engineering, excelled at baseball and even drove a souped-up Pontiac. He learned the value of hardwork from his parents who both worked multiple jobs to provide a comfortable life for him and his siblings, but he also learned to enjoy life, especially from his mother Alma who had an infectious personality and undeniable love for life that she passed on to her children and grandchildren.

As a young adult Ed worked in the Air National Guard and studied Applied Sciences at Portland State University. He met Deidre at a hootenanny where Ed approached his future wife with the cool line “you don't know me but I know you”. Ed and Deedee quickly fell in love and married in 1965. Ed and Deedee had an inseparable bond and loyalty for 58 years of marriage.

Soon after they were married Ed and Deedee went to Texas for flight training with the US Air Force. Ed logged hundreds of hours and piloted jets but due to illness was unable to realize his dream of graduating and receiving his wings. This may have ultimately been a blessing because most pilots at this time were deployed to Vietnam.

Following flight training, Ed and Deedee returned to Portland where they raised a young family of boys - Brian, Brad and Tim. They made a home in Happy Valley where Ed, a city-boy, fulfilled Deedee’s dream of living on a small hobby farm and raising a myriad of animals, fruits and vegetables. There was always a farm animal around their property - rabbits, chickens, goats, horses. Ed famously would chase down a run-away horse prior to starting his 30 mile commute to work at Intel in Hillsboro. Ed had a long and exciting career as a Manufacturing Engineer at Intel through a wild ride of unprecedented tech industry growth throughout the eighties and nineties; but he never put his work above his family. He made sure he was home for dinner nearly every night and was a partner in parenting with Deedee. Ed's sons fondly remember playing bucking bronco on the living room floor, shooting hoops in the rain at night or playing football on the beach in Manzanita.

Ed and Deedee saw their hard work pay off as their three sons went to college, married and started their career. Ed was fortunate enough to retire at a fairly early age in his late 50s. This enabled him to enjoy many years traveling and enjoying mid-life with Deedee, spending time at the beach house, wood working, golfing and training his beloved golden retriever. Ed also used his gifts in leadership to serve others in his church community and at Warner Pacific College. He chaired multiple boards, provided financial coaching, led maintenance efforts at his church and supported numerous charities, including building 30 bunk beds for My Father’s House, a homeless shelter.

Ed was fulfilled by serving others and providing for his family, but his biggest joy in life was his grandkids. He invested time in his grandchildren's lives and built individual relationships with each of them. Each grandchild has special memories spending time with Papa, working in the woodshop, riding on the lawn mower, playing baseball, croquet or cards. He was a gentle and loving Grandfather but all nine of his grandkids would agree, he would never just let you win. If you are going to beat grandpa at something, you have to earn the victory fair and square. A true life lesson reinforced by their Papa.

Ed and Deedee’s life changed when Ed was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease over ten years ago. They continued to enjoy life for many years and faced the challenges of the disease together. Ed fought Parkinson’s with tenacity using boxing workouts as a tool. Deedee lovingly supported her husband for many years as his partner and primary caregiver.

Ed peacefully went to be with God on August 8th and is survived by his wife Deedee, and sons Brian and wife Kerry, grandchildren Zach, Mason, Sol, and Coco; Brad and wife Tina , grandchildren Abby, Brett, Colby, great granddaughter Esther; and Tim and wife Sonia and grandchildren Evelyn, and Anders.