EIGHT BELLS … Don Bergman (1/25/31-8/12/23)

EIGHT BELLS … Don Bergman (1/25/31 – 8/12/23)

It’s difficult to say good-bye to a legend who has touched all our hearts in some way. But it’s easy to celebrate the wonderful memories that Don left us with. As a mentor, teacher and friend, Don was a special gentleman we loved sharing time with at events. His laughter signaled a special sound that drew groups to him to hear his stories. But he was equally spell-bound by stories we shared with him. He always made us feel important enough to be listened to and gave us encouragement just when we needed it.

There wasn’t much Don couldn’t or wouldn’t do involving Sunfish Class events and Class business. He was that special kind of member who was happy to help in any way that was needed.

Our hearts go out to Jean and everyone in Don and Jean’s families who joined in song at Don’s bedside during his last moments. 

From afar, all of us in the Sunfish Class join in shared memories to honor Don who will sail with us forever in our hearts.

A Tribute from Mark Kastel

I just received word that one of my early sailing mentors, and heroes, passed away on Saturday, Don Bergman.

When I started racing Sunfish, as a kid, probably in 1966 or 1967 Don was already established as a leader at Winnetka Yacht Club. It was a few years before my time but I understand he helped start the club, as a Sailfish fleet. But by the mid-60s there was such a demand for a rack to keep our Sunfish on the beach that we had to wait out all night in a line at the village hall. Eventually, they turned it into a lottery. A lot of that popularity was Don’s doing.

I don’t have to tell top competitors that he was one of the best. According to the Sunfish Bible, he finished in every position in the top 10, at the world’s championship, other than first. And his partner in life, Jean, became an excellent competitor in her own right.

I can remember being in junior fleet and having practice races on our days off. I would have to luff at the weather mark to wait for Jean to catch up. I’m sure I wouldn’t have been doing that if I still sailed Sunfish in her heyday. And knowing both of them, I’m sure that Don was gently, very gently, her coach.

When I started racing against Don he told me I had a good sail (back in the day when they were quite variable). I was an up-and-comer and eventually would win the Midwest Junior championship when the regatta had 80 boats (the Sunfish was the primary Junior boat on Lake Michigan). If it was a drifter I might be sailing next to him on a reach and would ask, “Mr. Bergman, how does my sail look.” He would give me some advice on trim and I might have passed him --- for a moment or two. He was such a generous guide.

I once sold Don and Jean a new Penguin so they could join our frostbite fleet at the Skokie Lagoons (where by that time I was one of the top dogs). They were a little heavy together so they were never at the top of the fleet but pretty much insisted on sailing together rather than Don finding a lighter crew. And if they weren’t sailing the Penguin together, or Sunfish against each other, they were frequently practicing for the next canoe competition out on the same pond where we raced the Penguins.

I will never forget Don’s kindness and generosity. Still, when debating tactics, with myself, out on the course, I defer to his judgment some of the time. I credit his conservative approach to my performance on the second day of the Masters championship in Pensacola (I had the fifth-best scores that day --- if I could only figure out how to have good starts, in large fleets, like Don I would’ve done better.

I know that Maj and Sladen Hall knew Don as well or better than I did, and earlier, so I hope they will chime in. And I hope his son-in-law, Bob Finley, will share his full obituary with us, and any other thoughts when it is available. I checked my scrapbook and didn’t have any of Don. I hope other folks could share some better photos as well.

Don is was year older than my father who is retired from sailing but still playing golf. We should all be so lucky as to have as full a life as he did. When I first got back into Sunfish, after a 45-year hiatus, seven years ago, I saw a video of him getting into his boat at the Midwinters in Florida, at 85 years old. He was moving pretty slowly. I hope I can still get in a boat at that age.

Blessed be his memory.

Other Honors: Lake Michigan Hall of Fame 2020 (Jean and Don Bergman) 

Memory Lane of Sunfish Worlds Photos with Don CLICK HERE

Don and other Worlds’ competitors sailing a big boat on the lay day during the World Championship in the BVIs. He was as comfortable at the helm here as he was in a Sunfish.

Don visiting with friends he met at one of the events many years ago.

 Don with Charlie Clifton and Pat Manning.

 Don, a champion sailor, receiving another hard-earned trophy.

 Don and Jean having breakfast at Vicki Palmer’s house when in Austin for the Women’s North Americans. Too late, I learned the sleeper sofa in Don and Jean’s room was very uncomfortable, and Don didn’t get much sleep! I was so embarrassed. Vicki

Ski goggles (Don Bergman) to keep salt water off eyes. Soaking up multiple sweatshirts for moveable ballast (Carl Knight) (Left: Derrick Fries)

Lake Geneva Wisconsin Invitational 1979 (submitted by Jacqueline StGermain)

North Americans NY 1974 (submitted by Jacqueline StGermain)