George Albert Bergh

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of George Albert Bergh at the age of 99, on December 7, 2022, following a brief illness. George is survived by his son Barry (Tricia) and Barry’s children Jennifer and Graeme; daughter Barbara and her son Carl; daughter Nancy (Bill) and their children Tara and Leah, as well as Bill’s children Kristin and Andrew, and great grandchildren Gabriella, Mia, Alex, James and Brinley.

George led a full and interesting life. He was a hard-working and pioneering man with a thirst for knowledge. George was born on August 4, 1923 in Calgary, Alberta to Florence MacIntosh Bergh and Daniel Gordon Bergh. He grew up in Calgary and Montreal. George joined the R.C.A.F. during World War II, training in Prince Edward Island and Nassau, Bahamas. George flew B25 Mitchells and B24 Liberator bombers on submarine patrols as a Flying Officer based out of Leuchers Scotland Coastal Command Station. He married Helen Agnes (Matthams) Bergh in 1943 and they settled in Winnipeg following the war.

George worked during the day and studied at night at the University of Manitoba to become a Chartered Accountant. He practiced in his own CA firms for many years, and then joined Price Waterhouse as a partner until he retired. In the years prior to his retirement George also actively farmed a section of land near Arden, Manitoba and owned a pig ranch. Not one to sit back and relax, following retirement from his work as a CA, George honed his entrepreneurial skills as an owner of a few small businesses.

George and Helen raised their three children first in Fort Garry, then in our River Heights home where George lived until his passing. He taught his children to be independent and to be problem solvers who think outside the box. Together George and Helen enjoyed many adventures such as travelling the world, skiing, sailing in the Caribbean and many happy years at our remote log cabin which was George’s labour of love. In the 1970’s, George and Helen purchased an island on Shoal Lake after spending many days in the Kenora Land Titles Office researching properties for sale. George designed the cabin, and he and a log cabin builder from Finland constructed it. Never daunted by a challenge, George persevered with the cabin project despite rotting logs, road washouts, failed engines, storms, injuries and his tractor falling off the barge into the lake.The family spent many happy times at the cabin, and it remains a very special place in our hearts. After Helen’s passing in 1995, George married Patricia Ruth MacCharles Booth in 2000 and together they spent several happy years until Patricia’s death in 2008.

George loved participating in sports including golfing, tennis, skiing and sailing. He was proud to be a 50 year Winnipeg Blue Bomber season ticket holder, as well as a Winnipeg Jets season ticket holder for many years. George was a lifetime member of Niakwa Country Club and a long-time member of the Granite Curling Club. He gave his time volunteering for the Lions Club and the United Way, and in his retirement years spent many hours a the Royal Aviation Flight Museum assisting in the restoration of aircraft.

The family will have a private ceremony at a later date. We would like to thank WHRA Home Care for their assistance over the last several years. Donations in George’s memory may be made to Siloam Mission or Salvation Army.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomsoninthepark.com for the Bergh family.