Darryl Douglas Bergerson

Darryl Douglas Bergerson was born on Aug. 17, 1937, to Wally and Frankie Bergerson on the family farm in Vernonia. The family settled in Warrenton, where Darryl was raised and graduated from high school. Darryl was an all-conference football player in high school.

After graduating, he was offered a full scholarship to play football at Eastern Oregon College. After a tearful conversation with his mother about being homesick, he transferred to Western Oregon College.

Darryl’s Uncle Gilbert arranged a meeting with the head football coach at Oregon State University. Darryl was greeted by the coach, who said, “Wow, you’re small!” Darryl responded with, “Well, God made me this way.” The scholarship was honored, but unfortunately for Darryl, education was a part of the football program. He soon returned home.

Darryl was taught strong work ethics by his father, Wally, and started his first job in the hay fields working for Hank Williner at the age of 11. He worked miscellaneous jobs throughout his younger years, which included starting his own fish company. It was then he found the love of being an entrepreneur.

Darryl married Marlene Kelly, and together they had two daughters, Darrylene and Londa. In 1968, Darryl and Marlene founded Bergerson Construction. Darryl would often brag that he drove more piling up and down the Oregon Coast than any other company. Bergerson Construction recently celebrated 50 years in business.

After Marlene’s passing, Darryl married Mary Miner. They enjoyed traveling and frequent road trips to Reno, Nevada.

After Mary’s passing, he married Uraiwan (Uli) Bergerson. Uli was his wife, best friend and partner for 31 years. After retirement at the age of 58, Darryl and Uli enjoyed fishing, camping and traveling from casino to casino, bragging that with all his comps, the rooms were free. Uli took such good care of Darryl in his later years, making it possible for him to continue traveling and to enjoy the last years of his life.

Darryl was such a warrior. He was everything good and everything his family needed. Darryl was tough as nails, and never missed an opportunity to tell you how much he loved you, and how proud he was of you.

He taught his family to say their prayers, work hard, stay humble and love your people. If you were lucky enough to have a slug trail of drool on your face after he manhandled a hug and smooch out of you … you were lucky enough!

Darryl knew where he was going to end up, and made sure we did too, down to his last breath. Darryl peacefully passed away, surrounded by his family, on Sept. 25.
Darryl is survived by his wife, Uraiwan (Uli) Bergerson; his daughter, Londa Sarkie (Paul); his grandchildren, Ronnie Kelly (Brittany), Heidi Floyd (Dillon), Digger Cokley (Staci), Ryan Kelly, Katie Sturgell (Dennis), Jade Svensen (Kris), Marlie Haggren (Matti) and Blake Hagen; great-grandchildren, Colt and Case Kelly, Jaxon and Blaysen Steinhauer, Keeley, Presley, Aspynn, Nash and Indie Cokley, Riley, Ryder and Rayce Sturgell, Emry, Everly and Steele Svensen and Oskar and Hank Haggren; great-great-grandchildren, Ella and Jett; stepdaughter, Jill Hagen (Tod); stepson, Denny Moorman; sister-in-law, Kannikar (Ellie) Sanitthai; his two brothers, Chuz Bergerson (Charlotte) and David Bergerson (Linda); and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wives, Marlene and Mary Bergerson; his daughter, Darrylene Cokley; and a granddaughter, Levine Hagen.

A service will be held at 3 p.m. Oct. 15 at Peace First Lutheran Church, 725 33rd St., with a reception to follow at The Loft at the Red Building, 20 Basin St.

Because of Darryl’s love of football, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Astoria or Warrenton football programs, where his great-grandsons are currently playing football.