PETER BERGMAN

Peter was born to Bernard and Helena Bergman on August 11, 1941, the tenth child of what came to be a family of 18. He spent his early years in the Horndean area, and attended school in Melba, Rose Farm, and later MCI for high school.

He determined early that farming was not his future and soon moved to Winnipeg. He used to tell the story that his dad drove him to the city and dropped him off at the YMCA – with little or no money, which ensured that he found work quickly!

He worked in various sales jobs which eventually took him to Saskatoon, where he met and married Ruby in 1971. He then switched his interests to business, and owned first a garden and pet shop in Saskatoon and then a Chrysler dealership in Rosthern, Saskatchewan. At this time he felt increasingly that God wanted him to pursue ministry, and he closed shop to attend Winnipeg Bible College. In 1980 Peter and Ruby were blessed with a son Marshall, who endured his first month with them on the road to California, where Peter attended Talbot Theological Seminary and obtained his MA.

Peter then served as pastor for three churches: Kindersley Alliance, Lawson Heights Alliance (Saskatoon), and Rockyview Alliance (Calgary) followed by a ministry in Planned Giving for the Christian & Missionary Alliance. After retirement and moving to Winnipeg in 2011, he also served in that capacity for the Salvation Army.

Throughout his life God’s work was evident. He initially responded to God’s call to salvation at a Janz Team Crusade, and at the age of 18 he was baptized at the EMM Church in Rose Farm. After some years of lagging commitment, he came to “a moment of clarity” in his mid-twenties. He was driving home after attending a football game and in an inebriated state found himself stopped in a field not knowing where he was. God broke through to him in a powerful way in what he described as black and white, heaven or hell decision time. He made a serious recommitment to Christ at that time and continued following Him until the time of his death.

He had a warm and open way of putting people at ease, and a positive and encouraging ministry to those around him. He enjoyed life, and his relationship with his Saviour was central in all he did.

For the last several years he experienced severe health issues, with cancer necessitating the removal of a kidney, and then a few years later being diagnosed with another type of cancer that took his life. Throughout all this, he remained steadfast in his faith, positive in his outlook, and didn’t lose his sense of humour.  He did not complain, but took everything as from the hand of a loving God, knowing God would see him through, sustain him, and ultimately take him Home in victory. Peter passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 20. His faith and trust in God’s goodness did not waver, even in death.

He kept a notebook beside his chair, and this was his last entry:

“Weep not for me, that I am no longer with you;

Weep for yourself that you must stay a while longer.”

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

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