In Loving Memory of

Leif Bertil Berg

of Edmonton, Alberta
Jan 15, 2020

 

It is with loving thoughts and fond memories that the family of Leif Bertil Berg announces his passing on January 15, 2020 at the age of 84 years. As in life, Leif was supported by family and friends during this time and was surrounded by his loving wife and sons as he passed peacefully. Leif was born in Millicent AB, the youngest of nine children and grew up in a ranching family whose influence and reputation would be known across southern Alberta for going on 100 years. The last of the original Berg pioneer ranching family, Leif and his seven brothers and one sister were blessed to contribute so much to the agriculture industry and the communities they called home. Their collective impact will be felt for generations to come and if there is a baseball league in heaven, the Berg family team is back together and likely cleaning up.

Following the lead of 4 of his older brothers, Leif graduated from the University of Alberta with a B.Sc. in Agriculture in 1959. He was proud of the tradition that the Berg extended family held at the U of A, including all his sons and daughters-in-law, and several grandchildren enrolled and graduating from his alma mater. Leif had a successful career with Agriculture Canada, spanning 35 years. He had a positive impact on countless Ag professionals as well as leading the development of Canadian grade standards that to this day are foundational to food safety and fair compensation to livestock and hog producers across western Canada. His other passion was his acreage on the North Saskatchewan river, "the Quarter", where he spent years with his family building a log home, passing on a love of nature, and creating life long memories for his children and grandchildren.

Leif was never the big talker in the crowd but when he spoke it was from the heart and worth listening to. He led a wonderful life that was guided by a love of family, actions speaking louder than words and the belief that hard work builds character. He has left big shoes to fill but his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will do their best to carry on his legacy.

Leif met June, the love of his life in Winnipeg and the two were married in October 1962 and have been inseparable for 57 wonderful years. To say Leif will be greatly missed by his wife June, is the ultimate understatement. Fortunately, love is eternal and not bound by earthly constraints. Leif’s children Shane (Karen), Darren (Emily), Nolan (Cindy), twelve grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild are better people having been blessed with the love and guidance of their Dad/Fafa. We will miss but never forget our strong, humble, loving husband, father, Fafa, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. Happy Trails.

A small family service will take place in the near future with a Celebration of Life being planned in the spring. Donations in memory of Leif can be sent to the Berg Family Scholarship, c/o Faculty of ALES, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5.