In the quiet embrace of his loving family, Robert was welcomed into the halls of Valhalla on December 19, 2023, at St. Joseph’s Hospice, concluding his valiant battle against cancer. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories as the beloved husband of Isla Bergenhus, devoted father of Leith Bergenhus (Jonathan Donais), and Allison Bergenhus (Justin Budz), and the adored grandfather of Sabrina Bergonais. Robert is survived by his father, Kaare Bergenhus, and preceded in death by his mother, Ellen Skog, and brother, Per Harald Bergenhus.
Born in Burnaby, BC, Robert grew up in Port Coquitlam, graduating from PoCo Senior Secondary and from BCIT with a diploma in Civil and Structural Engineering. Robert’s working career with Shell Canada started in 1986 at Shellburn Refinery in Burnaby and continued with a transfer to Sarnia in 1999. Robert was a beautiful dancer, which started with Norwegian folk dancing as a child. For 36 years, he ballroom danced his wife, Isla. The Sarnia Scottish Country Dancers welcomed him in to their sets as well. He served as the Music Director of the Sarnia Ballroom Dancing Club for 16 years. Robert's other passions included photography and woodworking.
A man of gentle demeanor and calm resilience, Robert earned the respect and love of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Cremation has been completed, and an open house to celebrate Robert's life will be held at the Smith Family Centre (located in front of Smith Funeral Home), 1576 London Line, Sarnia, on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Interment will take place in Penticton, BC at a later date. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be conveyed through donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice (cheques only at the funeral home, please).