Obituary of Charmaine Bergman

Charmaine Bergman (nee Cooper) October 7, 1952 – February 24, 2021 It is with profound sadness that the family of Charmaine Bergman announce her passing at the Victoria Hospital the afternoon of February 24, 2021, bringing her fierce and courageous battle with cancer to an end. Charmaine leaves to mourn her passing her husband of 37 years, John Bergman; and her brother, Kirk Cooper and his partner, Ian. She was predeceased by her parents, Richard and Katryna Cooper. Charmaine grew up in B.C. and also resided for a short stint in Whitehorse. After high school she was drawn to working in radio, starting first in Victoria and then Vancouver and eventually on to Whitehorse. She left the far north for Prince Albert in the early 80’s for a job at CKBI Radio as the Creative Director for 10 years. During this time, she married John in 1985. Charmaine’s next career venture was Missinippi Broadcasting Corporation, where she was Creative Director and Assistant Manager for the MBC Prince Albert Office. Charmaine’s passion in life was definitely horses, horses, horses. Her first horse was somehow acquired in Victoria, as a youngster, and she even managed to wrangle a pony for her younger brother Kirk. There was no turning back, and she chased her dreams with enthusiasm. Volunteering, running events, shows, clinics, and even trying her hand at being a Director on the PA Exhibition Board. In 1986 Charmaine and John bought the farm they lived in until the present. One horse quickly became five and Apex Farm was born. Along with horses, Charmaine became a 4H Leader, helping many youngsters learn about the equine world. Many weekends the yard would be full of parents and kids, enjoying the horses and other animals on the farm. Two ponies were a special attraction and people driving by would stop, and Char would cheerfully saddle them up and take kids for rides. The smiles from the kids were payment enough for her. A series of horse deals, lead to her first Dutch Warm Blood, a stallion called Atillo. Joining the Canadian Warm Blood Association, reading and learning everything she could, she eventually became a Director and contributed much to the organization. She built the herd up to 25, which included four stallions, and was selling horses across Canada and the USA. She made many friends along the way, at National and International Meetings, and received many notes from people all over the world including Denmark, Sweden, Brazil and France. She truly was an ambassador for the Canadian Warm Blood Association. All of this sounds pretty busy on it’s own, but Char also managed to serve six years as an R.M. Councillor, as well as serving on the Board of Directors for the PA Rural Water Authority. She always wanted to be knowledgeable and informed about anything she did, and she received many accolades for her work. In early 2000 an illness that required three abdominal surgeries held her back from riding, but she still got back in the saddle. In 2016 cancer struck and the riding was put on hold again. True to her passion she got back in the saddle again after her recovery, riding a bit at home, and Pelmac Stables. In March of 2020, the cancer returned in her lower spine. She fought hard to beat this second diagnosis and stayed unbelievably positive and optimistic right to the end. Her husband, John, remained her sole caregiver, until the time of her passing. His support and understanding made it possible for Charmaine to play such an important role within the Canadian Warm Blood Horse Breeders Association over a 20 year span. John was also the beneficiary of Charmaine's gourmet cooking skills and business acumen; a personal and professional side that few were privy to. She will be missed by her family, her friends, and the many people she crossed paths with. In keeping with the family’s wishes no formal service will be held at this time. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Tracy-Lynn Lenchuk, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.