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Gordon Eric Berglund
12/29/1916 — 12/25/2011
From Lyle, WA, US | Born in Spokane, Washington
Gordon Eric Berglund
Gordon Eric Berglund
Gordon Eric Berglund, 94, of Kennewick, died peacefully December 25, 2011 in The Dalles, with family near him.
He was born in Spokane, Washington on December 29, 1916 to Gustav Erik Berglund and Ida Lyons Berglund. Gordon was the youngest of three children and grew up in Spokane. He attended Lewis and Clark High School and Gonzaga University. He was an Eagle Scout. He was a professional electrician and member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers IBEW. Throughout his life, Gordon was always an exceptional athlete and enjoyed boxing, bird hunting, swimming and diving.
Gordon married Ruby Christine Leaf on October 27, 1940. They were married over 56 years. The Berglunds were adventurous and took their young family to live in Panama, where Gordon worked on the Panama Canal. Gordon and Ruby loved to dance and were also founders and coaches of the Richland Swim and Dive Team, on which all of their children participated. Later in life they went on many trips and cruises, including a tour of China. After he retired, Gordon stayed active and could be found at the Court Club most every day, swimming before lunch. Gordon was a long-time member of Richland Lutheran Church.
Gordon was preceded in death by his wife, Rudy, parents Gustaf and Ida Berglund and his sisters Edith Berglund and Lillian Jackson.
He is survived by his daughters, Dona Groves and Carol Cooper of Lincoln, CA; son, James Berglund of Lyle, WA; seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A small service for friends and family will be held at Memories at Sunset Event Center, on the grounds of Sunset Memorial Gardens in Richland, WA on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 1:00 PM. Viewing will be 5:00-8:00 PM Friday, January 6th, and 8:00am to Noon Saturday the 7th, at Einan's Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gordon's memory can be made to Providence Hospice of the Gorge at www.providencefoundations.org/hoodriver. From here, click the "Donate Now" link and continue.
Health issues prevent my attending Uncle Gordon’s funeral but I send prayers, love and hugs to Donna, Carol, and Jim. I enjoyed reading the letters your mom and dad sent to my dad Virgel over the years and have appreciated and enjoyed your dad’s Christmas cards and notes since my husband Van died.
I have so many wonderful memories of my Aunt Ruby & Uncle Gordon. My mother Verna was the oldest of 12 children. Our home was headquarters for many family events. Gordon and Ruby were among the younger part of the brood. They would get right in and play with us. I remember that they didn’t always live in Spokane, that Gordon’s work took them far away. In my child’s mind I thought he built Coulee Dam almost single handed – then moved on and built the Panama Canal! When on family picnics or when we visited in Richland – my Uncle would work with Laurine and I on our swimming. I loved his laugh and the way he blushed! Even after Aunt Ruby passed, I still got Christmas cards and notes from him – not all men would do that. I am 75 now, lost my husband Bob 1 1/2 years ago and have health issues. I wish I could have attended my dear Uncle’s service, but my Lord tells me no. I have such beautiful memories of a large family and wonderful days. My love to each of you. Beaty Ann
I’m sorry I missed the service yesterday. I knew Gordon for years and he was a GREAT guy!!
I was hoping to say hello to Carol and Donna. I love telling the story about being in Turkey in the USAF and my roommate Jimmy Joe Reynolds I think it was having lived in Panama and having a “girlfriend” by the name of CAROL BERGLUND!!! Just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and your family during these difficult times. Much love to you both. No, Donna, I don’t still play the trumpet!!
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Gordon Eric Berglund