Born on May 14, 1931, Donald passed peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of January 30th, 2024, at the Simcoe Manor Beeton at the age of 92. Beloved husband of the late Marlene, proud and loving father of Anne (Donny O’Leary), Janet, and Brian (Heather). He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren: Maryanne (Matthew), Maggie (Dan), Brandon, Kyle, Evan, Marin, Graham, Meagan, and his great-granddaughter Nova. Don was predeceased by his siblings: Helene, Genevieve Haley, Joe, and Justina. Don was a hard worker during his life, whether that was on the farm with his cattle or building houses in the surrounding community. Dad loved his hockey and especially those he met along the way because of it. The family would like to sincerely thank all those at the Simcoe Manor who worked around the clock to take such wonderful care of Don during his stay.
Resting at Rod Abrams Funeral Home 1666 Tottenham Rd., Tottenham 905-936-3477, on Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. James Church Colgan on Friday, February 2, 2024, at 10:30 am. Interment to follow in St. James Cemetery. For those who wish donations in Don’s memory to Matthews House Hospice would be appreciated. Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
Service
Visitation
Rod Abrams Funeral Home
1666 Tottenham Road Tottenham, ON L0G 1W0
Thursday February 1, 2024
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Thursday February 1, 20246:00pm - 8:00pm
Funeral Mass
St. James Church Colgan
2118 Adjala Tecumseth Townline, Colgan
Friday February 2, 202410:30 am
Interment
St. James Cemetery
2118 Adjala Tecumseth Townline, Tottenham, ON
Friday February 2, 2024
Barbara Klich says
Sincere sympathy to Don’s family
We just heard of his passing and send prayers and condolences.
From
Barbara Klich and family
Jeffrey oldfield says
Condolences to an awesome hockey mentor
David & Donna Dean and Family says
Don & Marlene were wonderful neighbours and we enjoyed their friendship, greatly and we send our condolences and deepest sympathy to all the family. David & I hope all the wonderful memories give comfort during this loss. Dennis would like to thank Donny for always cleaning off the back pond with his tractor so we could play outdoor hockey. Memories he will always cherish. Denise was just talking the other day about all the summers swimming down at your house.
Paul and Maria Colalillo says
Sending our sincerest condolences to Don’s family. May he rest in peace.
Margaret Salmon says
Sincere condolences for the loss of this lovely man. Rest in piece!
Gaille Musgrove says
Anne we are very sorry for the loss of your Dad. Our thoughts are with you and Brian and Janet at this sad time. Xoxo
Tom and Gaille Musgrove
Bob & Pat Jackson says
To Don’s Family
Our sincere condolences for your loss. Treasure your memories.
Ivor & Ginny Cathcart says
We are very saddened to hear of Don’s passing. He was a lovely, kind and generous person. Holding you all in our hearts and prayers.
Rebecca White says
My sincere condolences to the Bergin and O’Leary family. Thinking of you at this time.
Bob McCarthy says
Our sincere condolences to the Bergen family.RIP Donnie
Bob & Donna McCarthy
Gail Gould says
Our sincere condolences to Don’s family. Jim & Gail Gould
Chris Bergin says
RIP Donny. I guess we will ” Chat With You Later ”
Chris Bergin
Jim Alexiou says
My deepest condolences to the family. May God bless you Don.
Klaus and Beatriz Baumfeld says
To Anne, Janet, Brian and all the Family:
Our sincere condolences, we are very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing.
Unfortunately I just found out so I wasn’t able to attend the Mass of Christian Burial.
We remember Mr. Bergin as a real gentleman, with humour and grace.
I was honoured to take communion to him many years ago. He always had something funny to tell me.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May he rest in peace!
Blessings
Klaus and Beatriz
Louise and Lyle Longhurst says
To the Bergin family: Our deepest condolences on Don’s passing. He was a great guy, always lots of stories when he was doing some work for the family or running into him on the street. He was a hard worker. He will be missed!
Maureen McKenna and Phillip Gutwein says
Condolences to the Bergin family. Donny and Marlene were good neighbours – always with a positive, happy outlook. When Dad had his stroke in 2003, Donny built a sturdy ramp into our house for Dad’s wheelchair – it was perfect.
Kim Ellison says
Our condolences to the Bergen family. We met Donnie through the South Simcoe Cow-Calf Club. Donnie had a very nice herd of Charolais cattle. Donnie was a long time director on our club.
He had a great sense of humour. There are many builders in our community who learned their trade from Donnie. Rest in Peace.
Kim & Jeannie Ellison.
Stephen Gleeson says
So sad to hear of Mr. Bergin’s passing.
He was a gentleman and will be missed. I always appreciated his love of his Boston Bruins.
Thoughts and prayers for him that he may rest in peace and for all the family at this time.
Also so sorry that I could not make it to his funeral Mass. I will say a prayer at that time. God Bless.
Mike Dunn says
I would like to send my condolence’s to the Bergin Family. A loss of a great Man. I have many fond memories of working with Don and great memories of hockey times as well. Rest in peace Don.
Kathy Mitchell says
Anne &family, we send our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Dad. Don remembers your Dad putting the steps in their home when they were living on the 7th of Tecumseth in the 1950’s.
Your Dad was a man of excellence, integrity & of good character and will be greatly missed by all who knew & loved him.
We are praying for the comfort & peace of our Father, His Son & the
Holy Spirit .
Love & hugs,
Don & Kathy
Warren Holmes says
God Speed Donny! A hockey coach of mine in my youth who without a doubt taught me a lot about the game. RIP.
Sharlene Webber says
Wonderful kind man, you will be missed, sending my deepest condolences to Don’s family, you are now with you dear Marlene
Shari-Lynn Dunn says
Ann, Janet & Brian
So sorry to hear about your father. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your families
Shari-Lynn (Small) Dunn and Keith
Gregory Skelly says
To All the Bergin Family,
I remember first meeting Don, 40 some years ago, when we moved into
St. James parish. He was always friendly to me, at Mass, or at the annual
Mens’ Night get-to-gether, or the Parish cemetery bee.
He was a very nice man. Rest in Peace Don .
So very sorry for such a great loss.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you all on Friday.
God Bless,
Gregory Skelly , Toronto
Betty Anne Rutledge says
I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He was a wonderful, wonderful man who raised an amazing family! My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Ray an c d Janette Wallace says
Anne, Janet, Brian and families, We are so sorry to hear the loss of your dad.
Barb, David Bricknell and Family says
Sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. Keeping you all in our prayers.
Brian and Patti Snell says
To the Bergin Family,
We are very sorry to learn of Don’s passing. We extend our condolences , at this difficult time. Don was certainly a pillar for the community. Cherish the memories.
Sincerely, Brian and Patti Snell, and family.
Debbie Steffler says
Debbie says Don & Marlene were both a pleasure to know. I would see Don help with the collection plate at church with a smile. I would also see Don & his daughter Janet in the coffee shop. Don was a very nice man and very well liked by many..
God be with his family at this difficult time. He will be missed by many people.
MaryLou, Paul and Jessica Maher says
Dear Anne, Janet, Brian and Families,
We were so saddened to hear of Donny’s passing. Remembering what a wonderful and kind man he was, and keeping you all in our thoughts.
John, Mary, Raquel and Mitchell Bergin says
Anne, Janet and Brian, we offer our sincerest condolences to you and your families. He was a good man. Uncle Don will be missed.
Laura Daniel says
Very sorry to hear about your dad. We always had a laugh
Anne Platt says
My sincerest condolences to the Bergin Family. My husband Dave & I met Don when we first moved to Beeton in 1975. He was such a gentleman. We would see each other at the rink often. His greeting was alway. Hello Dave, how are you doing, Mrs Platt as he doffed his hat. That never ever changed although I asked him many times to call me Anne. I will always remember him. May your memories be a blessing.
Anne Platt and Family.
Theresa and Larry Keogh says
Anne, Janet, Brian and Families. It is with sadness that we hear that Don has left us. He was such a pillar in the community. His jovial spirit radiated through the entire teams on which he excelled. There was no better person one could meet on the street — always his very positive attitude was so prominent. Yes He will be missed by the Community. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Hubert and Olive Sheppard says
Sincere condolences to Donny’s family at this time.
John Boyce says
We extend our deep sympathy to Don’s family. He was a true gentleman in every manner possible. A dear and respected friend to all who were blessed to have met him. I remeber my Dad taking me as a little lad to watch Don play intermediate hockey in Beeton. He had an effortless stride and competed every time he was on the ice. Just imagine my excitement when I played my first shift as an oldtimer with the Polar Bars, and Don was my defense partner. He wanted me to have the puck, and I wanted him to have the puck, because to me he hadn’t lost a stride! I will treasure this opportunity as long as I live. RIP Don, you were loved, admired and truly special to many!
Cam Lindsey says
Condolences to all of the Bergin family … Thee world has lost a very fine gentleman. From our nice chats about hockey ( and his Beloved Bruins) to the great job he did years ago refinishing our basement , he was a personable caring man. Heaven’s a better place now .
Mollie & Jasper says
Anne, Janet, Brian & Family
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing.
Our thoughts will be with you at this time.
Aileen Leavitt says
My thoughts are with you all, lots of love I have heard over the years for Don. Happy memories to cherish for a lifetime. All our love, Gerard and Aileen Leavitt
Sheri Sallows says
Anne, Janet, Brian & families,
Sending sincere condolences to all of you. Such a kind & lovely man. I will remember him fondly.
Gary and Susan Coleman says
Don was coaxed out of retirement to build our new home after a devastating fire destroyed our residence. His expertise, attention to detail and superior building skills are clearly evident in the home he built for us. A true gentleman in every respect and a sports icon for our community. Don and Marlene were both outstanding for their love and contribution to the area and will forever be part of our community history. Thank you Don and may you rest in peace.
Donal Blacklaws says
My sincerest condolences to Don’s family / families.
God bless all.
Tim & Lee Doyle says
We have lost a great man from our community. May he rest in peace as he joins his beloved Marlene.
Marc Ronan says
Another community icon has left us. Don was kind to everyone he met and was loved by his friends and family. Sincere condolences from the Ronan family
Lisa and Marie Snyder says
Dear Anne, Janet, Brian and families, our sincerest condolences. Your Dad was truly the best. He always had a smile and a “how you doing now” when we met. We will never forget all he did when our Dad died or the wonderful times (hockey and otherwise) we spent with your family after that. Rest in peace Mr Bergin. You will be missed.
Lisa and Marie Snyder
K says
Anne, Janet, Brian and families
Our deepest sympathies for your dad’s passing. Unfortunately we are out of the country and unable to offer our condolences in person.
Karen and Richard Saunders and family
Terry MacDonald says
Anne, Janet, Brian and families
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Your dad was an amazing man. I loved hanging around the Bergin house chatting to Mr and Mrs B!
Bob, Sybille and kids says
Loretto and the world lost a great man. He truly left a legacy in the community and beyond. He raised 3 great kids and a kinder man you will never meet. I am just glad I never had to go into the corner with him to retrieve a puck. Tough on the ice and soft and gentle off of it. To Anne, Janet and Brian and your families so sorry for your loss.
Kathryn Fitzgerald says
Anne to you and your whole family, my deepest condolences to you all at this time. May your dad rest in peace.
Kathy Fitzgerald
Betty Ann Asher says
Fond memories of a wonderful man who was such a big part of our community
Art Dunn built our house in 1972 with Donny Bergin’s fine workmanship
Treasure your memories
Rob and Barb Kowalski says
What an honor to have known such a wonderful person.
Amy Broley says
To Anne, Janet, Brian,
Sending you my sincere condolences in this difficult time. Your dad was such a good friend to our Mom and Dad as was your mom.
Thinking of you all.
Amy Broley
Brian and Jen Cave says
Our deepest condolences to Brian and Janet and your families on the passing of your father.
Joe and Nellie Vigneault says
Forever in the hearts of all the residents in Loretto.
Don, you are missed by all those who knew you.
Lori and Chris Thorne says
I had a lot of great chats with Don especially over his paper The Toronto Star made my day my sympathy to all
Corey Ferguson says
Dear Anne, Janet, Brian, and families,
My heartfelt condolences on the passing of your father. I don’t know if there is anything more difficult to endure than the loss of a parent. I can’t imagine all the things he has seen, the places he has been, and the people he has met in his 92 years. Thinking of you and hoping you find peace.
Anne and Mike Sledz says
Our deepest condolences to Donny’s family. We have nothing but fond memories of him from over the years. A true gentleman always, with a great sense of humour. Rest in Peace Donny.
Sam and Sharen Keenan says
It was truly an honour and a privilege to consider myself a friend of Don over the years.
We spent many a time together when Don would tell me of his love of sports in his younger days and of his days on the farm
It was with deep sorrow that I heard of Don,s passing and he will be ever in my thoughts and prayers.
At this time I should like to extend my condolences to the Bergen family
Rob, Linda, Dan and Robbie Biz says
Our deepest condolences on the passing of your father and grandpa. May God comfort you all during this difficult time. Rest In Peace Don
Dawn Westcott says
Sending my sincere condolences to Anne, Janet, Brian and their families. Don was a very personable man who liked to share his humour.
John Hacking says
To Don’s Family:
I’m very sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I had the pleasure of knowing him and working with him to complete the (first?) Beeton Arena ‘renovation’ many years ago. He was a very competent and pleasant man and will be missed.
Amanda Ranby PSW says
I’m so sorry to here of Dons passing he was a client of mine he was a very nice man and he had lots of stories to tell about his hockey days he was a die hard Boston Bruins hockey fan he was a very hard worker he would show me pictures of some of his custom built houses he had built it was a pleasure To have met him and to have taken care of him he was a remarkable man my condolences to his Family at this difficult time RIP Don
Chris Bergin says
Condolences to all Donny’s crew. Many fond memories of growing up with and next door to the cousin’s. Donny will be missed – a Sweeter Man you will never find.
Chris, Janet Bergin & Kids.
Kate, Dave, Jerrad and Josh Smith says
Anne, Janet, Brian and families
So sorry for your loss. Truly a legend in our community. Our deepest condolences to all of you.
Sara Archibald says
It was an honor to get to know your dad at his time at Simcoe Manor. It was great to hear him reminisce old times when he worked with my Grandfather Ken. He was a wonderful man and we will miss him very much. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.