September 9, 1964 – June 22, 2020
After a sudden and brief illness, Phil passed away at the age of 55.
Left to mourn his passing are his wife of 28 years, Leanne (Purdy) Van Bergen, son Derek Van Bergen, daughter Amy Van Bergen, mother Charlotte Van Bergen, brother Floyd Van Bergen (Christine), sister Carla Van Bergen (Andrew) and many other family members and friends.
Predeceased by his father William (Bill) Van Bergen in 2017.
Phil was born in Bassano, Alberta. Much of his youth was spent on family farms with many cousins where he developed a strong sense of community.
Phil was a graduate of Agriculture at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. He also completed a Masters Certificate in Project Management in 2005. He spent most of his career in the field of Agriculture throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Although he pursued many kinds of employment, he always sought out situations where he would have an opportunity to build relationships with both colleagues and clients.
Although Phil and Leanne resided in three different provinces and many different communities, Phil always left his mark by jumping into the life of the community. Phil was the quintessential volunteer everywhere they lived, being recognized on several occasions for his time and dedication to local activities. Phil was always offering a helping hand for tech support or anything that needed fixing.
Phil and Leanne made Beausejour their home for the past 17 years. Phil kept busy. He was involved in Haystack Productions both on and off the stage. He served as president of the Lac du Bonnet PC Association, and he sat on the board of the local Curling Club. He also served as President of Overcomers Outreach Canada where he supported many members battling with addictions. Throughout his time in Beausejour, Phil dedicated countless hours to the life of Beausejour Community Church often leading by example with his generosity and integrity.
Phil was always up for new experiences (sky diving, snowboarding, and numerous sports to name a few). Phil’s main passions were his family and riding his motorcycle. He always looked forward to joining his fellow bikers for weekly rides and longer trips to the Black Hills.
Everyone who knew Phil, enjoyed his quick wit, and quirky sense of humour. No matter where he went, he somehow managed to make lifelong friends. The lengthy contact list for his memorable Christmas letters was indicative of who he valued in his life. Phil would think nothing of simply calling up someone from his past if they happened to cross his mind.
Phil was thankful for his opportunities to travel. He backpacked throughout eastern Europe in 1991, took the family to Disneyworld in 2008, and enjoyed vacation hotspots with Leanne. Most recently they toured Southeast Asia in 2018.
The family would like to thank the caring staff at Beausejour Hospital and St. Boniface Hospital.
The service will be live streamed on Saturday, October 10th at 11 am at the following facebook link:
www.facebook.com/BeausejourChurch/live
We encourage all to watch and leave a comment so we will know who joined us virtually as a gesture of support. Thank you all for your understanding.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either The Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Brokenhead River Community Foundation Community Fund in Phil’s name.
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Art & Karen Berry
Our condolences to Phil’s family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you .
Jane lloyd
So sad to hear this news.
The Lloyd family
Emily and Dennis Brannen
We are so shocked and saddened to hear of Phil’s passing. He was everything his beautifully written obituary says he was and more. He will be sorely missed and we are so very sorry for your immense loss
Gerry & Irma Denisuik
Our condolences to Leanne Derek & Amy. Our thoughts & prayers r with you
Tom and Lori Cropo
Our condolences to Leanne, Derek and Amy.
Along with our other friends Darryl and Wayne, we are responsible for Phil’s path after he left Alberta. Meeting Phil in a St James bar one night over 30 years ago, we started up a conversation and that was the start of a great friendship.
Even though Phil and Leanne were often a couple of provinces away, we always maintained contact as they eventually made their way back to Manitoba.
Phil was always great in staying connected with me personally, especially over the last few years where Phil was always there to talk.
When remembering Phil, I think of his great humour- however how obscure it was, his wit was so quick.
When you were with Phil, he made everyone around him at ease, always engaging and never lacking in conversation.
I will have so many great memories with Phil, he was truly a great friend.
Phil you are one of kind, you will be missed greatly.
Wayne
Leanne, Derek & Amy.
I am not much for mourning, but prefer to celebrate a life well lived.
Phil’s life was certainly that.
Echoing Tom’s sentiment, Phil was a great husband, father, friend and volunteer. During his time here he certainly left his mark, and more than a few busted guts with his quick, sharp wit.
I am proud to have called Phil a friend.
Love,
Wayne & Kristin.
Dennis & Rosalie Lofstrom
Our deepest condolences to the family. We met Phil across the “fence” when visiting at my sisters place, and again at Melnick Motors. Always had a pleasant conversation with him.. Our sympathies go out to you. Dennis & Rosalie
Pat and Louise Lachance
So sorry to hear the sad news. I knew Phil first through Agriculture then Curling and through politics. He was always friendly and quick witted. The community has lost a great guy. May he RIP
John and Kim Naaykens
Our condolences Leanne, Derek and Amy. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. We first met Phil when our boys played soccer together. He was always friendly and made sure to say “Hi” when he saw us. Take care.
Marlene P
My deepest and heartfelt condolences to you and your family Leanne.
Donelda Long
Sorry for your loss. Phil was a great resource when he helped with Beausejour soccer club, and then sold us our truck last October. He will be missed!
Sincerely Elgin & Donelda Long
Pranav J Shukle
Leanne, Derek, and Amy
I am so sorry for your loss. Phil will be deeply missed by everyone who has ever met him. I will never forget his laughter and sense of humor. Sending you guys lots of love.
Pranav