“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.
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Ginette and Bob
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W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council and the W̱SÁNEĆ Land Trust Society 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.
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Salvador y Margarita Liz 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.
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Carol Russell 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.
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Garry Russell 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
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Russell Shasky 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
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Rick Nicholson Linda and family, I love your picture of John. Knowing him as a friend for many years, and often sitting beside him at a Friday lunch, that look has one waiting for the next humorous zinger followed by his wide smile knowing he made you laugh.
We wish you strength in accepting your loss of an exceptional husband, father, and grandfather and our loss as a warm friend to so many of us.
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Sue Dehart “Well crap” I remember John telling me that was how he was going to start his obituary, but I didn’t consider that it could happen so soon.
We often commented on how lucky we are. Being able to call him a friend was a definite blessing. There are so many memories of the years we were able to share. Countless cribbage games around the pool -I know you were cheating because no one can be that lucky! But my job of keeping you in a good mood remains in tact. We solved problems with obscure and rediculous solutions. ( Well they sounded good at the time.) Flipping ice cubes over the railing while sitting at “John’s table” at Casa Bahia each Sunday. Pretending you actually did see that whale. So many laughs – many of which I can’t share here!
Now you leave us with a smile on our face through the tears You will finally get your 29 hand, and spend warm day golfing and reading all the obscure downloaded books.
Your family was always your pride and joy. I extend my sympathies to them all and thank them for sharing a part of John with me. I will welcome your haunting, but now rest after such a long, hard fought battle.
Love you
Sue
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Doug & Nancy Playa El Palmar beach in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo will not be the same without Senor John. His caring for his beloved beach on his daily walks did not go unnoticed by those who knew him. Lina and family may your precious memories bring all of you comfort.
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Deborah I don’t know if I was John’s Tuesday restaurant or Friday restaurant, most definitely not his Sunday eatery, that was for Casa Bahia. I never knew what night would be mine, but I was always happy when he walked into my place.
John was light and laughter, regardless on how he was feeling.
First thing, of course, an order for a “special margarita” was given to the bartender. We have a recipe made, especially for his discerning, palate. . . Only 2. . . no wine in Mexico, except for the odd bet we would make on NFL for a bottle of “Unico”.
He was a predictable customer either fresh tuna or octopus or chicken Cordon Bleu. I always wanted to please this charming man. Unknowingly, he drove me to be the best that I could be. . . Thank you John. . .
We became friends, and eventually he was like a beloved, big brother to me. He was always ready to listen and to help with advice and insights when I asked. I feel honored that he would generously share his wisdom.
I will truly miss him with that quick wit and sense of humour. I feel blessed that he was in my life.
I am saddened that I won’t share any more meals or drinks or laughs with John. But I will smile each time he comes to my mind, I only have fond memories of this wonderful man.
My heart is with you, Linda and Lara and Brian.
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Deborah Perluss Linda and Family, Senor Juan was certainly known and loved by his Mexican community from Marina Del Sol to Casa Bahia to El Agave. I remember the moment I met you both. John was always so lovely and caring for me and his humor was always so uplifting. My sincere condolences to the whole family and will miss him.
May his memory be a blessing.
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Dale leBis I moved to Regina in 1963 from Vancouver. John was one of my best friends. We reconnected when he and Linda moved to Calgary. Then as life got busy we lost touch. I’m so glad he had a fabulous life doing what he envisioned. He was a wonderful friend and he deserved the best.
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Martin & Anne Barnes The obituary captures him perfectly. We feel privileged to have known and spent time with John and Linda during the years we lived in Victoria. We would often meet walking the beach and, yes, John would invariably have us in stitches. We have nothing but fond memories of John and are greatly saddened by his passing.
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Mindy and Rob Sherwin Linda, Lara, Brian and Brooke,
We cannot begin to tell you how sad we were to hear of John’s passing. Señor Juan was one of a kind and Ixtapa will never be the same. Conversations were always lively when John was around and his one-liners always quick witted. I can see him with Linda now walking down to the beach for his early morning walk ….. timed perfectly to ensure he was back for breakfast! You could tell time by his walk (rarely a minute off schedule).
Marina Del Sol will feel very different without John but a day won’t go by when we look at that lounge chair by the pool that we won’t see him napping with a smile on his face.
Sending love to you all!
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Ken and LaVonda John was our friend and there is a hole in our hearts with his passing. There are so many fond memories. Linda, one of the best was sitting around your table in Victoria, after a great meal and after too much of whatever we were drinking, and singing Big Bad John (which went on and on because John knew all the lyrics)! We all laughed and laughed. John was the show.
Our condolences to the Berglund family. We are better persons for having known John and we feel privileged that he was our friend. Our hearts are heavy with sadness.
Ken and LaVonda Hamilton
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Jane E. Fiala This certainly describes the Senor Juan that I was lucky enough to know in beautiful Ixtapa. We never knew what to expect when he approached us in the pool area…something witty and thought provoking, for sure. His restaurant ratings were categorized by the strength of the Margaritas. Linda always carried a ‘little extra’ in her purse just in case. Their favorite restaurants will miss him as well as the entire Marina del Sol 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.