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Hank Bergman Obituary

"My magnificent Viking left for Valhalla". A wife's most appropriate tribute to a wonderful husband, devoted brother, loyal friend and confidant to many, "Hank" Bergman sailed off into that realm in October after a brief illness, surrounded by a bevy of family and friends. Son of the late Olle and Marta Bergman, he was born into a family of hardy Scandinavian stock. After traditional schooling, he served an apprenticeship at sea, then returned to Sweden to earn his engineering degree. Hank then set off on a life of adventure that took him all over the world and to places some might not seem the safest. But he heartily embraced the chances life gave him. Hank would tell you that the wisest thing he ever did was convince Judy that he was the man for her, promising a life of adventure, travel and never a dull moment. Without hesitation she said yes! - married in March 1987. Fiercely loyal to those he loved, be they family or friends, he was there for whoever needed him.

An extraordinary sailor and engineer, those attributes gave Hank many opportunities. He sailed the globe, salvaged many ships, raised a Civil War submarine and built a marina/bar/restaurant in Guam. One could rightly conclude he was a "Renaissance Man" of sorts.

Hank is survived by: his beloved wife Judy and their pups, brothers Thomas and Sture (Gittan), sister Birgitta, daughter April, sis-in-law Linda, many cherished nephews and nieces and a host of friends around the world.

Judy and Hank's family would like to thank Maggie's Hospice of Prescott, AZ for the untiring care they lovingly gave.

A Celebration of Life for this marvelous man will be held at a future date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Durango Herald on Oct. 11, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Hank Bergman

Not sure what to say?





Judy Bergman

February 14, 2025

Happy Valentine´s Day, my love.
You are forever in my heart!
Judy

Judy

October 16, 2024

Judy

October 16, 2024

Judy Bergman

October 16, 2024

My Love,
It´s hard to believe you started your journey to Valhalla over a year ago. I miss you so very much, but will hold you in my heart always. As you probably know, we had glorious weather and a memorable day at our favorite picnic spot over Cinnamon Pass on the 7th.
Judy

Guy

April 27, 2024

One of my favorite memories of Hank was when we were trapped for 3 days on a wreck we had just re-floated. We floated her on a day that a big storm came in which was pretty good timing, she would probably have broken up if she had not come off. We anchored her and got the crew off unfortunately the weather deteriorated so much that it was too rough for Hank & me to get off. We were trapped for 3 days which normally wouldn´t have been too bad but Rui had asked if he could take the windows out of the accommodation and I had said yes not realizing he was going to employ a couple of locals and get every single one of them. There was not a dry room onboard we were thoroughly miserable. The boys would come by on a tug and throw us burgers to eat.
He was a great man, I was honored to work alongside him and proud to call him and Judy friends. Xo

Per and Linnéa

March 9, 2024

Our family tree lost much of its leafs with the passing of Hank. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on in the stories we will pass on about Hank and his life.

Rest easy dear uncle.

Gail Rendall

January 27, 2024

Hank was a wonderful person inside & out. Upon first meeting him in Guam at his bar & restaurant, I thought...boy he's a little rough around the edges! But as soon as I saw his gorgeous laughing eyes I knew he was really a teddy bear that LOVED to tell tales! He would tell real tales but also exaggerated ones just to see if he could string you along! He was GREAT at it! Be at peace our old friend. Thank you for taking such good care of Judy. Also, thank you for being YOU! Love you always.

Stacey

January 17, 2024

In loving memory of a dear friend, whose adventurous spirit and quiet strength left an indelible mark on my life.

Judy

December 25, 2023

Judy

December 25, 2023

Judy

December 25, 2023

Judy

December 25, 2023

We miss you my dear Hank!
XOX
Judy and Sam & Gus

Thomas Bergman

December 22, 2023

Hank, you have been my brother for 76 years. We have grown up together on my farm. We have traveled together in Europe, Asia, and America. We have crossed the Atlantic in your sailing yacht. You have now left us to go on your last sailing adventure. But we know that on the other side of the ocean there is another beach. See you there soon. Thank you, Hank!
Thomas

Cheryl & Ron

December 20, 2023

The strongest memory that comes to mind is Hank helping my husband install an attic door. They worked well together; mostly in silence while Judy and I yammered away as always in the other room. I also love the tiki he and Judy brought me from Tahiti.
His sense of humor was just so Hank. He was one of a kind, a great Viking, and will be missed greatly by all who loved him. Our hearts go out to Judy and Christoffer.

Kathi DuPont

December 16, 2023

I met Hank with Judy in 1990. Judy was my roommate in Colorado in 1986 (pre-Hank days). As soon as I met Hank, I knew these two were meant for each other. They were definitely soulmates... Hank was always loving and respectful to Judy. It was so sweet to see how much he loved her. He was the most interesting man I have ever met. Hank was quiet and laid back, but lived his best life with passion!!! To me... Hank will always be Crocodile Dundee... we will surely miss you Hank!!!!!

Kathleen DuPont

December 16, 2023

I met Hank with Judy in 1990. Judy was my roommate in 1986 in Colorado (pre-Hank days). From the minute I met Hank, I knew Judy and Hank were absolutely perfect for each other! They were soulmates. They fit perfectly together just like 2 peas in a pod. Hank always had such love and respect for Judy. He was the most interesting man I have ever met. Hank lived his life to the fullest and was extremely intelligent and kind. Easy going, laid back... Hank was a one of a kind man. I always called him Crocodile Dundee.. He will be surely missed.... Truly , Hank made the world a better place.

Peter and Catharina Westrin

December 16, 2023

Here is a fine memory from our visit to Hank and Judy in July 2006. We had a lot of fun with Hank as our guide and jeepdriver. Lovely stops at Quray and Telluride, two charming small villages.
The photo is from National Forest San Juan.
We miss Hank very much.
/Peter and Catharina

(Photo-On the right side stands Sture, Hank´s brother and our brother-in-law.
Also on the trip was Birgitta, Sture´s wife and Catharine's sister).

Garland and Kelly Lowe

December 14, 2023

His obituary says it all; a man of extraordinary accomplishments and great feats, but so laid back and quiet you'd never know it unless you were fortunate enough to spend time with Hank and Judy. We were proud to call him a friend and glad we had the opportunity to visit Hank and Judy last May. Whether it was in Urbanna, VA, Durango, CO, Kailua-Kona, HI, or Prescott, AZ, we always had a wonderful time with Hank and Judy. Cheers to an amazing man!

Caroline Bergman

December 14, 2023

It was truly a great pleasure knowing Hank, he always had stories to tell about his life and adventures. He was a wise man with plenty of experience, who we could all learn a lot from.
Hank, we´re all given time to do with as we please. With the time given to you, you have lived a thousand lives, and I am so grateful to have been a small part of it all. Rest in peace Hank, and may our paths cross again.

Silvia Hale

December 12, 2023

I first met "Hank & Judy" at Ulf's small Christmas party in 1991. The Bergmans and their pup "Jelly" were boat people (live-aboards) on "The Wench". Hank, with a beer in hand was a man of few words and a big heart. He will live in our memories always on a boat.

Jeff Hatton

December 11, 2023

I think of you often and feel very grateful for the time we got to spend together. I appreciate you in some many ways. Thanks for all the great stories and tips on whatever current project I was tackling at the moment. Cheers

Gaile & Paul Harden

December 11, 2023

Hank could not have a been a better neighbor and friend. He was always ready to help when ever we needed it. We so appreciate the friendship he and Judy have given us. He always had a smile! We will miss him dearly. Gaile & Paul Harden

Annakarin

November 6, 2023

Home is the sailor, home from the sea
And the hunter home from the hill.
A great man, a wonderful, sometimes dangerous but more often adventurous life, a family that never will stop missing him. Thank you for all the stories we will keep on telling about you and Judy.

Rosalie Cirignano

November 2, 2023

Hank was my cousin's husband. He was her best friend, the father of her little girl! He was a good man and will not be forgotten. Rest in peace Hank, bless you.

Craig and Jean Hill

October 28, 2023

What a beautiful tribute to your dearest friend, husband, partner in crime, traveling companion, jack of all trades and master to all. We have never really ever met anyone like Hank. He always made everyone feel welcomed. Always had us laughing. And his endless stories. We could listen to him for days on end. So glad you had the time you did with him. We know you two sure made the most of your time together on this planet. We will sure miss him. Love you Judes and so very sorry for your loss.
Craig and Jean Hill

Per olof Bergstrand

October 24, 2023

Tack för vår vänskap genom livet sov i ro din barndomsvän Per Olof Bergstrand med fam

Sture Bergman

October 14, 2023

A farmer boy from Sweden met country girl from Pennsylvania on a small island in the middle of Pasific Ocean. What a fantastic life you made and got.
Sture (brother)

Sture Bergman

October 14, 2023

A farmer boy from Sweden met a country girl from Pennsylvania on small island in the middle of Pasific Ocean. What a fantastic loge you made and got.
Sture (brottet)

Rhonda Sharp

October 14, 2023

My deepest sympathy to Judy and the family.

Staffan, Ukraine

October 13, 2023

I was very sad to hear about the passning of Hank. He was an extraordinary man who lived an extraordinary life. He will be remembered and talked about at family gatherings for generations to come.

Calm seas and fair winds.

Christoffer

October 13, 2023

The most adventurous uncle one could ever wish for. Will always remember the days I spent with you in Virginia and later on in Arizona.

Single Memorial Tree

The Cadmans

Planted Trees

Judy

October 12, 2023

The most wonderful husband and best friend I could ever imagine. I missed him dearly, but feel so fortunate to have shared more than half my life with this amazing man.

Sue Pollard

October 12, 2023

I finally got to meet the infamous Hank and Judy this past May in AZ after hearing wonderful things about them for years from my Sister and her husband who were their friends and neighbors in VA for many years. Easy to tell there was a lot of love between Hank and Judy. I wish I could have heard more stories. Rest easy Sir, and Judy is in my thoughts.

Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results

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