Brian Ray Bergam

Brian Ray Bergam “Bergie” “Oldman” “Pawpaw” (February 7th, 1959-October 24th,

2024) cared deeply for animals, maintained immense awe in the wonders held in the sky above, had deep love and admiration towards both family and friends, held a statuesque appearance as a respectable man, provided a secure safety net for those in need, and always found joy and appreciation in the little things nature provided. He was born a mere 15 minutes away, in the small town of Nyssa Oregon, from the town he spent most of his life in and would call home. From boyhood to his parting day, aside from a short period of living in Portland Oregon, Brian took pride in influencing his beloved home Ontario Oregon in a positive and constructive way. Though Ontario has not resembled at all the glory it was during Brian’s youth, it was the center of where his kids, parents, brothers, and memories resided. Brian was associated as family not only to blood relations, but those he was blessed to call his friends as well. To friends he was a

brother, to his parents he was a godsend, to his kids a saving grace, and to his grandkids he was a superhero. A man is measured not by the possessions he acquires throughout his life, but by those that he loved who are left behind. Brian’s relations were not only made in abundance, but of the highest quality as well.

Brian was born to loving parents Beverly Rhea Bergam and Ramon Warner Bergam. He

had two brothers. A house of three rowdy boys turned out some outstanding men. When Ramon was battling with Multiple Sclerosis, Brian decided to be nearby and step up to be there to help his mother in taking care of his father. Ramon Bergam passed away April 22, 2002. 20 years later Beverly Bergam passed. Brian left work altogether when his mother could no longer manage on her own to the day she passed. He was there for her every step of the way.

During his life, Brian married two strong women: Cathy Yasuda and Grace Bergam.

Brian took pride in the family he had married into with Cathy Yasuda (the Maeda family).

Throughout the years, after separating from Cathy and eventually Marrying Grace, he watched nieces and nephews from his first marriage participate in Judo alongside his own children. He found tremendous elation in seeing them all put forth such effort in practice and competition, even to their adult years. He would watch Max and Andrew Maeda’s talents for judo with great awe. Though the other nieces and nephews weren’t as involved in judo, Brian would still enjoy seeing the development of other nieces and nephews into adulthood; Michael Maeda II, Kristia Simmons, Justine Sogoro, and Emily Conlon.

Brian Married Grace in 1993. Four-year-old Nigel Ray Bergam was present along with a

brewing baby girl the two would come to name Brooke Lanae Bergam. Grace blessed him with not only the two children but had Brian Mark Crabb as well: a son from her previous marriage. Brian and Grace faced great tragedy twice. They lost a daughter that the lord swept up to heaven 8 hours after birth due to complications in 1990 and the end to greatly revered son Brian Crabb in 2005. Brian was bestowed upon the title of grandpa to four wonderful grandbabies. Brian Crabb had his son, Damien Raiden Crabb, August 25, 2002. Brian always enjoyed encounters with Damien from going back and forth with him at the age of two at Brian Crabb’s funeral calling each other “silly goose” to visiting with him for lunch at Tacos Mi Ranchito after Damien had grown into manhood. He loved the trip to the Boise Zoo the most out of the memories with Damien despite feeling horrible that little 3-year-old Damien had been sick that day. Brooke Bergam had Reid Charles Helms June 26, 2014, and Haven Grace Shepherd

December 27, 2021. Brian looked so highly upon Reid and was wrapped around Haven’s little bitty finger. Though Nigel Bergam did not have any natural born children, he graced Brian with the title of grandpa to his absolutely cherished grandcat Simba. Brian adored his grandchildren and wore the title of “PawPaw”, given by Reid Helms at a very young age, on his sleeve and proudly presented it to everyone and anyone he possibly could.

Brian found himself surrounded by family at get-togethers his niece Sheena Moore. This

meant the world to him because his fondest memories were times where the family reunited for dinners his mother would host including aunts, uncles, and cousins from all over. He also was taken by the masterpieces of art created by niece Kyle Brown. Her talent spoke to him. Nephew Bryce always got a laugh or two out of him along with providing decent guy talk that Brian appreciated. The strength niece Arielle Bergam has had raising her beautiful littles had him talking praise at how well she was doing. Brian was even called “Uncle Brian” with great love from nieces and nephews on Grace’s side well after the two of them had separated. He tried to keep the best of tabs of those like Vanessa Roepker, Jennifer Manzo, Kristine Chavez, Anthony Loscalzo, Mercedes Gomez, Nikki Fadling, and quite a few more.

Brian had made countless friends through the period of his life. He spoke often of Todd

Nettleton, Steve Saito, Shelley Minami, Kim Recla, Mark Bernard, and many more. He

particularly would talk about his friend he knew from school that, while Brian was drawing two dimensional cars, was drawing three dimensional cars that totally blew him away. He always referred to this friend as “my friend Chris Ito”. He had immense love for Shelley Minami for being a mother figure to his kids and a sister figure of a friend to himself as well. When Brian was inthe hospital battling with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer, he had a whole army crusading with him through prayer, support, and love. He greatly appreciated every person in his corner during the plight. Whether next to his side or across great distances, the masses were there with him.

Brian was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents (Herbert Bergam, Alice

Bergam, Jim Goodman, and Helen Goodman), highly regarded father Ramon Bergam, adored Mother Beverly Bergam, love of past life Grace Bergam, amiable stepson Brian Crabb, virtuous sister-in-law Suzanne Bergam, and treasured border collie Max.

Brian has parted from loved family members Nigel Bergam, Brooke Bergam, Mark

Bergam, Damien Crabb, Reid Helms, Haven Shepherd, Rosie Livas Wheeler, Debbie Folden, Shelley Minami, Chris Ito, Steve Saito, Sheena Moore, Kylie Brown, Bryce Bergam, Arielle Bergam, and Gregg and Debbie Bergam.

The day before Brian passed rain swept the land pushing vision blocking smog down to

clear the next day for him to part this world while the sunshine prominently peered gracefully through his window bringing notice to the beautiful mountainside along the horizon. His son who he cherished deeply, and was always there for, returned such loyalty by being by his side during his last breaths of air and the last beat of the viking drum in his chest. Brian will forever remain in the hearts and minds of those he has touched. The shoes he leaves behind will never be filled, but by the memories we all hold dear. Thanks go out to all the love, support, and prayers throughout Brian’s life and during his time of need to the very end. A great loss occurred October 24, 2024, but a great impact was made to last an eternity by this one outstanding

individual. Let us remember the warmth Brian’s love brought and have it embrace us fondlythrough this dark time. 

The viewing of the vessel that contained the beautiful soul of our beloved brother, son, father, Pawpaw, grandfather, and friend will occur at Noon on Friday November 22, 2024. A church service will follow an hour after at 13:00 at the Church of the Nazarene. There will be a get together at Margie Yasuda’s after the service is concluded.