“Well, crap. It pains me to admit it, but apparently, I have passed away. They said it might happen one day, but that was simply not something I wanted to hear, much less experience. Once again, I didn’t get my way.”
This is what we expect John would say if he were here. And if stubbornness could cure illness, he’d be sipping margaritas on a beach in Ixtapa right now. But alas, even the most determined man can’t beat pulmonary fibrosis, which is what took him from us on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
John was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, on March 13, 1949, to Lavern and Ilene Berglund. While he had fond memories of growing up there, the cold was never part of the charm. He sought warmer pastures early on – first to Swift Current with his bride, then to Calgary, where he flourished working for IBM and Coca-Cola (yes, he was once the guy with the briefcase and a tie). He followed that up by starting his own concrete patio furniture business (?!) before venturing into oil and gas, which was much more lucrative.
After selling his company and attempting to retire at 37 (humble brag), he relocated his family to beautiful Victoria. But the man wasn’t done. In the early ’90s, he was introduced to land development in Phoenix, Arizona, which conveniently doubled as an escape hatch from Canadian winters. When Arizona eventually felt too chilly (a very John thing to say), he moved even further south – to Ixtapa, Mexico – his undisputed happy place. And yes, margaritas were involved. Many. And repeatedly.
Sadly, John has moved on to the great clubhouse in the sky. Before his final tee time, he blazed a 76-year trail of laughter, generosity, compassion, wisdom, and suspiciously convenient “naps.” He was world-renowned for his quick one-liners, which could disarm a room faster than a tequila shot. His wit will be sorely missed but never forgotten. If you knew him, chances are he made you laugh. Or cry from laughing. Or cry when the joke was at your expense. Either way, you laughed.
John is survived by his amazing wife of 54 years, Linda; his daughter Lara; son Brian; daughter-in-law Brooke; two granddaughters, Ella and Addison, who inherited his smarts, sass and sweetness; his in-laws, Don and Lesley Billsborough; and best friends Jeff and Mickey Millar. Also, his elder siblings Karen and Jim, who are still a bit annoyed he was the funniest one.
- He is also survived by a legendary list of favorites:
- Working with Brian (and occasionally pretending to be the boss)
- Reading anything not on Oprah’s list
- Travelling – preferably where shorts are acceptable year-round
- Golfing, watching golf, watching Rory McIlroy winning the Masters (finally!!!)
- BBQ’d filet mignon, good red wine, great company
- Mexico (have we mentioned that?)
- Mariachi music and margaritas (again, worth repeating)
- Marina Del Sol, walking the beach, whale spotting, and more napping
- Casa Bahia, Lalo’s and Deborah’s Restaurant, where he was Señor Juan, a favorite “regular” in every sense
- A good cup of coffee and oatmeal for breakfast, followed by – you guessed it – a nap
- New car smell and the view from his backyard
- Family get-togethers, preferably with a toast and a punchline
He was a great man, but a terrible handyman. When something needed to be fixed, his philosophy was “I can pay people who like doing that”.
John was blessed with many wonderful friends and a very comfortable life, in which he’d often remark, “we sure are lucky”, even though he was a man who made his own luck.
In the end, John passed peacefully on a beautiful evening, surrounded by his family. We’re confident he’s now golfing again, reunited with dearly missed friends, and finally hitting every fairway and sinking every putt – because heaven doesn’t have sand traps.
We already miss him terribly. But with a lifetime of happy memories we laugh through the tears, knowing that’s exactly what he’d want.
Raise a glass (margarita optional but preferred), tell a joke, and think of John.
And remember: if he can come back and haunt you, he absolutely will. Probably with a one-liner.
A celebration of life will take place in the Sequoia Center at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, on Saturday, July 12 at 2:00 pm. Non-local friends and family will be able to join virtually.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Berglund” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
18 Responses
I feel privileged to have known John both professionally and as a friend. He was that rare bright spot that cannot be replaced. I will miss our golf bets, sharing of favorite authors, and commentary on how to fix the world. Jeanean and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Linda, Lara and Brian. John was so proud of all of you!
Bob Shaw and Jeanean Kirk
On behalf of all the early friends of John, going back to the early days in Regina. It is comforting for us to know that John did not change his personality for the rest of his life. We had a great group of close friends in the early 1960s and even when we reconnected in Victoria, it was like old times again. We will miss you very much and send our love and support to Linda, Lara, Brian and Brooke from the whole Thompson family!
We treasure John’s friendship and we remember him as remarkable person: his excellent dining recommendations; a connoisseur of the best Tequila to purchase; his wealth of information; and the gift of engaging conversations with a generous dose of humour. Throughout the year, we looked forward to receiving emails from John, sharing the best jokes and comments. Our friendship with John and Linda began with a chance meeting while walking on the beach in Ixtapa a number of years ago. The ease of conversation and personal connection led to dinners together when we returned to Ixtapa for our annual tropical vacations. We were thrilled to meet lovely Lara when she visited and joined in the beach walk and fun dinners too. We met Brian and his family as we shared our family photos. Please know that we send our heartfelt condolences as you deal with this difficult time of sadness.
Condolences from the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council and the W̱SÁNEĆ Land Trust Society
It is with deep respect and heartfelt condolences that we extend our sympathies to the Berglund family on the passing of John Berglund, a man whose legacy will forever live on in the hearts and lands of the W̱SÁNEĆ people.
Although we had the honour of working closely with John’s son, Brian, we recognize that the generous gift of land made to the W̱SÁNEĆ Land Trust Society was a reflection of values shared by the entire family and inspired by the integrity and vision of the late John Berglund.
This profound act of generosity is not only a gift of land but also a gift of the future, of connection, and of healing. Generations of W̱SÁNEĆ people will remember it as a moment when true allyship and reconciliation took root in the soil of our homeland.
We honour the life of John Berglund, a man whose legacy will continue to grow alongside the trees and waters of the land he helped return. We hold his family in our thoughts and prayers during this time of loss.
On behalf of the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council and the W̱SÁNEĆ Land Trust Society—HÍSW̱ḴE, thank you.
Salvador y Margarita Liz
John fue nuestro vecino en Ixtapa, lo conocimos hace 20 años.
Siempre amable y sonriente. Compartió con nosotros experiencias de su viaje a Perú. Nos gustaba platicar con el y a pesar de la barrera del idioma logramos entendernos bastante bien. Recuerdo cómo cuido a Linda cuando se rompió las dos muñecas, me impresionaba su cariño y dedicación. Siempre fue muy respetuoso y considerado cuando remídelo el departamento encima del nuestro.
Nos recomendó los mejores restaurantes en Ixtapa … Casa Bahía por supuesto y algunas veces salimos a cenar juntos.
Lo vamos a extrañar y sentimos no haber podido convivir más.
Ha sido muy lindo conocerlo a través de las condolencias de sus amigos y de su familia.
Vuela alto John siempre te recordaremos con cariño.
Dear Linda Lara and Brian we send you a big hug.
Dear Linda and Family,
I was so sorry to hear about John (aka Juan). It’s hard for me imagine him in any way different than the last time I saw him. We had so many fun times, and good times working together on remodeling projects. He made the best grilled lamb chops I’ve ever had…hands down! Always good conversations. I’m glad Mike got to meet him. I’ll miss him and I know you will too. My sincere condolences. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
We were so sad to hear about John’s passing. We had so many great memories with John and Linda at Marina del Sol over the past 9 years. Señor Juan was a wonderful person with a great sense of humour, and quick-witted.
John and I had a friendly bet on who could see the most migrating humpback whales in January and February. John easily won with over 50 whales.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Garry and Elaine Russell
We will miss John. He was a friend, personal mentor, client and partner. Most of all John is remembered for sharing his time and place(s) with us and many others whom were in his circle of friends and business associates. Linda will carry on, we are sure, and we will sip margaritas in the future while remembering the past.
Much love and caring,
Russ and Deb Shasky