Hugh Neil Bergeson's Obituary
Hugh Neil Bergeson, 91, was born August 6, 1932, in Seattle, WA, and passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Tacoma, WA.
Neil is survived by his wife, Rebecca A. (Hobson) Bergeson; 4 children: Guy Neil Bergeson (Jeneene), Cynthia Rae Fordham (Michael), Glenn Edwin Bergeson, and Scott Douglas Bergeson (Paula); 19 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; his brother, Edwin Bergeson; as well as many nieces, nephews, and close friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jean Cushman and Hugh Neil Prentice, and by his sisters Nancy Roberson Adkins and Kay Halldin Koch.
Neil earned a doctorate in education from the University of Washington and was an educator and counselor in the Tacoma School District for many years. His last position, prior to retirement, was at Stadium High School. He believed in education, keeping up on current events, and was always learning. He loved to read, travel, and he volunteered in the community.
He enjoyed sports with his son, Glenn. He loved to be outdoors. He hiked, biked, and tried cross-country skiing for a bit. He learned to canoe and kayak, even though he was unable to swim. He even tried
ballroom dancing. Neil and Bekki loved to spend time at their shared cabin “GUSTHO.” This gave them the joy of the outdoors, peace found in nature, and the focus on what mattered most to them, each other.
Neil and Bekki joined a movie & wine club, which morphed into them each joining book clubs. He remained a member of one book club, Tacoma Retired Men’s Book Club (TRMBC) up until his passing – the members of this club have been friends for a couple of decades now. Neil will be missed.
Neil will be interred at Mountain View Cemetery, Lakewood, WA, near the Garden Chapel.
Per Neil’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral services; however, there will be a few gatherings for family and friends to share in and enjoy memories of Neil:
- On April 26, 2024, at 1:30pm at Frank Tobey Jones, his last place of residence, they will hold a bell ringing service for residents to say goodbye.
Location: Franke Tobey Jones, Lillian Pratt Building, 5340 N. Bristol St., Tacoma WA 98407
- Because Neil served in the Air Force, Military Honors will be held graveside at 12:00pm on May 5, 2024. His grave is near the Garden Chapel.
Location: Mountain View Funeral Home, Memorial Park & Crematory, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499.
- Also on May 5, 2024, there will be an informal gathering for family and friends in a Celebration of Dad’s Life from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. A few words will be spoken around 2:15pm and then the floor will be available for anyone wishing to share memories. Another way to share at this gathering will be to do it in writing for those who do not wish to speak in front of everyone.
Location: Franke Tobey Jones, M.J. Wick’s Fitness & Wellness Center, 5340 N. Bristol St., Tacoma WA 98407
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