Richard E. Bergquist

Richard E. Bergquist was born to Ernest and Edna (Adams) Bergquist in Woodlake, Minnesota; he died from COPD, surrounded by his family on his birthday, July 16, 2010. He was 72 years old. He moved with his family to Washington State around the year 1951. He attended Wenatchee schools and went to work for Van Well nursery. He entered the Army and served from 1959 through 1963 as a mechanic and truck driver overseas. After he was discharged, he went back to work for Van Wells, until he went to work for Alcoa in 1962, retiring in 1993. While working at Alcoa, he started his own well drilling business, known as "The 5 B's", which he operated for 30 years. Drilling was something he enjoyed so very much and talked about often after he retired. He had a very good life and was happy to be alive. He used to go to McKenzie's Café for coffee and there in 1961, he met Shirley Davis, his future wife and partner. Two months later, they were married on June 12, 1961 in East Wenatchee. They were married for forty nine happy and wonderful years. He always took time to take the family camping, (mostly at Sun Lakes), and fishing. On opening day of fishing, he would take his mom and dad and one of the kids fishing. The kids loved it when it was their time to go on fishing day. They all still love to fish, camp and hike to this day. They still talk of the things their dad did with them. On one occasion, he took two weeks off and the family drove and motel camped along the way to Disneyland, where they all acted like little kids and had the best time ever. Richard was so proud of his family and their accomplishments - everyone graduated from high school and all went on to higher education. He took the credit for all their good jobs and their good marriages. He was a smart person and so were his siblings - all did so very well. He was especially proud of his sister Candy. With her knowledge of the business world, she started Visconti's restaurant. They all had common sense and smarts that people were amazed at all of them. Richard was a jack of all trades; carpenter, plumber, mechanic, electrician and well driller. He was highly skilled in all those trades. All of the inspectors were amazed at his work. On a special note, his granddaughter who he thought was extra special smart. He was an old fashioned guy and always had wooden screen doors; Raelynne, let the screen door slam once and Grandpa hollered, "Don't let the door slam!", and to this day she doesn't let it slam. He was a great old fashioned guy. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Shirley (Davis) Bergquist and his very special children, eldest daughter, born in 1962, Deborah (Debbie) Allen, his second daughter, born in 1964, Geraldine (Geri) & (Tony) Larimer; his third child, born in 1966, Jack (Sue) Bergquist. He has four grandchildren that were so very special to him, Deneen Allen of East Wenatchee. Joseph Allen of Rock Island, Zachary Bergquist of Shoreling, WA, Mae Larimer of East Wenatchee and one great granddaughter, Raelynne Sheriff of East Wenatchee. He is also survived by one brother, David (Judy) Bergquist and one sister, Candy Mechum all of East Wenatchee. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Edna (Adams) Bergquist and one brother, Glen Bergquist. A special thanks to Dr. Toby Long, the first Dr. that he liked and trusted, because he was a special friend who told his what was what; to Lifeline Ambulance and crew, for the great treatment of patient and family; to all at Central WA Hospital, the ER doctors and nurses, the staff at the CCU unit. Also, a special thank you to Natalie for her caring support and making the end more comfortable for him and his family. Thanks to all from his wife and family. At his request, there will be no services. Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Richard E. Bergquist

July 16, 1938 - July 16, 2010