Vern Dale Bergevin, 68, of Albany, formerly a long-time resident of Sweet Home who enjoyed studying about World War II, died Dec. 7, 2009, from complications related to a long-term illness, on the 68th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day.
Mr. Bergevin was born Nov. 23, 1941 in Longview, Wash., the oldest of six children, to Sylvin “Frenchie” and Frances (Jackson) Bergevin. The family moved to the Sweet Home area in 1945.
He attended all his school years in Sweet Home, graduating from high school in 1960. He was married to Patricia Ann Thompson in the LDS temple in Logan, Utah in 1963. The couple had seven children.
In 1966 Mr. Bergevin went to work for Wah Chang. He retired after working there for 33 years. He was very active in the Steelworkers Union and served as president of Local #6163 from 1976-1979. He was grievance chairman from 1985-1991 and served on several contract negotiations from 1974 – 1990.
He loved to study history, especially the Old West. He loved traveling and visited many historical sites, including mining areas. He also enjoyed collecting stamps and coins.
He is survived by his former wife, Patricia Bergevin of Sweet Home; three sons, Derrek and daughter-in-law Kelly of Sweet Home, Leland and daughter-in-law Stephanie Kleiven and Craig and daughter-in-law Lacey Shelby of Albany; four daughters, Tamara and son-in-law James McCorkhill of Sweet Home, Trudi and son-in-law Jerry Gregersen of Sweet Home, Frances and son-in-law Jedson Smith of Harrisburg, and Patricia and son-in-law Jon Yother of Albany; 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his mother, Frances Bergevin; brothers Marvin and Duane; and sisters Mellie Casida, Delpha Foulger, and Darla Barton. all of Salem.
He was preceded in death by his father; brother-in-law Craig Harding; sister-in-law Pamela “Rae” Bergevin; and two great-grandsons, Tristan and Malachi.
Services were held Dec. 14 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sweet Home, with final burial at Lewis Cemetery in Sweet Home.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.