Bergen, John R. (1922-1972)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1972 Apr 27 p. 2

Birth date: 1922

text of obituary:

Parcel Deliveryman Killed When Gun in Package Discharges

Rosthern, Sask. — Funeral services were conducted at the Rosthern Mennonite Church on April 8 for John R. Bergen, 50, father of four children who died in a freak accident in Saskatoon where he was employed as a deliveryman for the Canadian Pacific Railroad.

Mr. Bergen was found dead in his parcel delivery truck on a Saskatoon street, and at first his death was believed due to natural causes. However, examination at the hospital revealed a gunshot wound.'

Police returned to the scene and found that the truck had been taken by CPR officials and cleaned out by maintenance men. It was several days before a brown paper parcel was found with a slit in one corner. A .22 calibre rifle had been mailed by a 17-year-old youth, who had partially dismantled it, but had left a cartridge in the chamber and the safety lock off. It is believed Mr. Bergen dropped the parcel, causing the rifle to discharge.

Formerly of Laird, he leaves his widow, Helen, one son and three daughters, all at home.