Obituary of Richard VanBergen

Richard "Dick" Van Bergen, 69, of Summerfield, FL, a dedicated husband, loving Papa, amazing father and dear friend passed away on September 9, 2011 in Gainesville, FL. He was born on January 21, 1942, in Cleveland, OH, of parents, Robert Ebert Van Bergen and Helen Reitz, where he grew up with brother, Bob and sisters, Mary and Carol. Dick graduated from Ohio University, where he met his wife, Gayle. They lived and raised their three children in Solon, OH; and moved to Summerfield, FL, in 2005. Dick was a wonderful person, whose zest for life will keep him with us always. He will be continually with us in his yard full of flowers, which he took such pride in keeping so beautiful. One of his favorite things was playing games - any game! Bridge, poker, pickleball, H-O-R-S-E, casino, racquetball, you name it, he loved it and loved to play. His generosity of spirit was well known and his many friends depended on him for love and laughs. He was often consulted for advice on life, as he was great at getting to the point of it. He knew what mattered in life. Richard is survived by Gayle, his wife of 45 years; children, Greg (Jennifer), Michelle, Kristen (Chris); grandchildren, Taylor, Katelyn, Darien and Reece; along with loving family and friends. Memorial service will be held on Monday, September 19, 2011 at 10:30 AM, at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home, 1511 Buenos Aires Blvd, The Villages, FL, 32159. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, via Richard VanBergen's tribute page at www.themmrf.org. Inurnment at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. Sentiments are welcomed at www.hiers-baxley.com