BERGMAN, Homer

BERGMAN June 24, 1928 – December 29, 2023 HOMER MELVIN BERGMAN passed away peacefully on December 29, 2023. Melvin was born June 24, 1928 in Langham, Saskatchewan to John and Anne (Hiebert) and was the oldest of four children (Don, Jack and Mary Ann). On his way to Vancouver with a friend in 1948, Mel ended up settling in Lethbridge. He frequently revisited his roots in Langham. Mel and Isabelle Pavan married in 1952 in Lethbridge.
Mel worked for the Canadian Pacific Railroad out of Lethbridge and Medicine Hat before switching to Singer sewing machines. In 1962, with a young family, he made a bold decision to become a teacher. He took the first year at the University of Lethbridge (which then operated out of Lethbridge Community College) and the second year at University of Calgary where he earned a teaching diploma.
In 1964 he started his first teaching position at Catholic Central High School in Lethbridge. Other schools included Raymond, Picture Butte and Coaldale (Kate Andrews). After retirement he substitute taught at many schools in and around Lethbridge, and taught math classes at Lethbridge Community College.
It took another 10 years for Mel to earn his Bachelor of Education degree by persistently taking evening and summer classes at University of Lethbridge. He was an ardent believer in education and knowledge.
Mel played hockey as a young man up until his 70’s when he broke his femur on the hockey rink. His daughters donated a one-time scholarship to the Lethbridge Old Timer Hockey Association in his name to recognize his passion for hockey and education.
Mel pursued several outdoor activities. He took his young family camping at Christina Lake, B.C. every summer. Downhill skiing and hiking came later. He camped a lot throughout his life for as long as he was comfortable pulling a trailer. He camped in Southern Alberta and, for a while, made annual trips to the west coast to be by the ocean, which his second wife, Melba, enjoyed.
Melvin is survived by his children Kim, Karen and Sandra; 12 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; and, his wife, Melba (Warnock) and her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was fortunate to have so many who loved him and whom he loved.
A private Celebration of Life will be held August 17, 2024 in Calgary. His ashes will be spread at the places he loved and where his children were inspired to love the outdoors.
Many, many thanks to the staff at Legacy Lodge, Lethbridge for caring for Mel in his last years.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com