Obituary for Leonard James Berglund
Leonard James Berglund: Friend to All
On January 1, 2021 we lost a great friend. Father to James and Sidney, partner to Shawna, step-Lenny to Marlo and Sam and an estimated 8,000 close friends to whom he was “Len”. To all who knew him, he lived a life that we envied and made friends wherever he went. A quick joke, a pleasant smile, and a fun-loving spirit of life. He put more into life than the rest of us got out of life trying to be cautious; he certainly kept the economy rolling!
During his “sentence” at the University of Alberta resulting in a 1983 degree in Civil Engineering, he developed many close relationships with most remaining lifelong friends for whom Len would drop whatever he was doing to BBQ a steak, pop a top for them and lend a consoling ear. Len entered the Oil and Gas Industry working in the Service Sector where he quickly was recognized as a trusted gentleman who would get the job done. No one worried when Len was “taking care of business”. Len had a lively and colourful career in which he connected with business associates as a friend.
Len’s great pride in life are his sons James and Sidney with their well being always priority number one. Whether spending days on the boat, dirt biking, at Disneyland or at sporting events, everyone had a great time. This is what his efforts went into … then the travel and event planner Shawna entered the Berglund Boys’ Club. Shawna enhanced their lives (and the lives of Len’s circle).
We would be remiss if we did not mention just a couple of his obsessions. He “might” have been an Oilers fan as he waited months to get the last 4 numbers of his cell phone to “9917”. He became a motorcycle enthusiast when he bought his first Honda XL 100 at 14 years old and had to be the only dude around who owned three Honda CBX’s and two Honda Runes, at the same time. Then came a “couple” of fast cars! He also over time acquired enough hockey jerseys to dress both teams at any game! His collection of hockey and football memorabilia is truly museum worthy. Len always had the biggest, kick butt camera and was the unofficial documenter of parties or sporting event. His golfing adventures as “Big Jim” provided decades of memories for the fortunate accomplices.
To a person, anyone who met Len left either a friend or they decided they needed to get to know him better. About 500 years ago we had a Renaissance man named Leonardo who left us with tools and paintings. This year we lost “our” Renaissance man Leonard who left us with memories of a life led with joy, integrity, and intelligence. He will be missed but fondly remembered by Shawna, James, Sidney, Marlo, Sam and (add a few thousand names).
With reverence and respect the following has been discussed with his closest: Len was the first to be a friend, a host, and entertainer. We have all agreed that he needed to get “there” first to ensure the BBQ was warmed up and the refreshments in the cooler were ready to welcome the rest of us as we arrive to join him.
Love you Len, Godspeed
There will be a Celebration of Life when it is safe to gather. To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Len, please visit www.choicememorial.com.
On January 1, 2021 we lost a great friend. Father to James and Sidney, partner to Shawna, step-Lenny to Marlo and Sam and an estimated 8,000 close friends to whom he was “Len”. To all who knew him, he lived a life that we envied and made friends wherever he went. A quick joke, a pleasant smile, and a fun-loving spirit of life. He put more into life than the rest of us got out of life trying to be cautious; he certainly kept the economy rolling!
During his “sentence” at the University of Alberta resulting in a 1983 degree in Civil Engineering, he developed many close relationships with most remaining lifelong friends for whom Len would drop whatever he was doing to BBQ a steak, pop a top for them and lend a consoling ear. Len entered the Oil and Gas Industry working in the Service Sector where he quickly was recognized as a trusted gentleman who would get the job done. No one worried when Len was “taking care of business”. Len had a lively and colourful career in which he connected with business associates as a friend.
Len’s great pride in life are his sons James and Sidney with their well being always priority number one. Whether spending days on the boat, dirt biking, at Disneyland or at sporting events, everyone had a great time. This is what his efforts went into … then the travel and event planner Shawna entered the Berglund Boys’ Club. Shawna enhanced their lives (and the lives of Len’s circle).
We would be remiss if we did not mention just a couple of his obsessions. He “might” have been an Oilers fan as he waited months to get the last 4 numbers of his cell phone to “9917”. He became a motorcycle enthusiast when he bought his first Honda XL 100 at 14 years old and had to be the only dude around who owned three Honda CBX’s and two Honda Runes, at the same time. Then came a “couple” of fast cars! He also over time acquired enough hockey jerseys to dress both teams at any game! His collection of hockey and football memorabilia is truly museum worthy. Len always had the biggest, kick butt camera and was the unofficial documenter of parties or sporting event. His golfing adventures as “Big Jim” provided decades of memories for the fortunate accomplices.
To a person, anyone who met Len left either a friend or they decided they needed to get to know him better. About 500 years ago we had a Renaissance man named Leonardo who left us with tools and paintings. This year we lost “our” Renaissance man Leonard who left us with memories of a life led with joy, integrity, and intelligence. He will be missed but fondly remembered by Shawna, James, Sidney, Marlo, Sam and (add a few thousand names).
With reverence and respect the following has been discussed with his closest: Len was the first to be a friend, a host, and entertainer. We have all agreed that he needed to get “there” first to ensure the BBQ was warmed up and the refreshments in the cooler were ready to welcome the rest of us as we arrive to join him.
Love you Len, Godspeed
There will be a Celebration of Life when it is safe to gather. To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Len, please visit www.choicememorial.com.