Bergmann, Garry William (1951-1976)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1977 Feb 04 p. 29

Birth date: 1951 Nov 29

text of obituary:

GARRY WILLIAM BERGMANN

Garry William Bergmann was born on November 29, 1951 in Winnipeg, the third child of William and Tiena (nee Klassen) Bergmann. Shortly after Garry and his wife, Justina, committed their lives to Jesus Christ in the fall of 1976 and began a powerful witness to their new commitment, the Lord called Garry to himself, on November 7.

While growing up in Winnipeg, Garry participated enthusiastically in Boy's Brigade. On January 15, 1972, he and Justina Quiring were married with Rev. G. Lohrenz officiating. Rev. Lohrenz also comforted the family in a message at the funeral service in the Fort Garry Mennonite Brethren Church. Three years after their marriage their daughter Lori was born. Lori quickly became the delight of her parents, and was deeply loved by her father. Garry's lifelong dream to own his own trucking firm became a reality in March, 1975 when he and his brother-in-law, John Quiring, started Pony Express. The venture was both a success and a challenge.

In September, 1976 Garry and Justina spent a holiday in Toronto, a period of reflection and re-evaluation. They realized their need for Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord and committed themselves totally to Christ. In the short time that Garry lived following that commitment, he and Justina shared their new-found faith in Christ with relatives and many friends and acquaintances. All his life, both before and after becoming a Christian, Garry loved and was loved by people. He especially enjoyed children, and would often be found at schools and playgrounds with a group of children around him. His short ministry as a Christian was powerful and effective, and it lives on in the lives of the people he challenged with his testimony.

He leaves to mourn his beloved wife, Justina; his daughter, Lori; his parents, William and Tiena Bergmann; three sisters, Judy, Grace and Karen; his parents-in-law and their family; both a maternal and paternal grandmother Klassen, the latter residing in Russia; and a host of relatives and friends who will remember him gratefully.