Palomar Mountain News

It is with heavy heart that I share this message from Dutch’s son, Wes.

Many of you have had the privilege knowing Dutch. Click here to read some of his family history with roots going back to the late 1800’s.

Our friendship began in 1975 when we first moved to Palomar. Saturday nights his band played and sang at Thompson’s Summit Grove Café (Now Mother’s Kitchen) for all you can eat steak dinners. We’ve traveled, camped and sat around the campfire until late in the night. In church over the years, Dutch was often leading worship, occasionally singing his beautiful, original songs that have played my mind over and over the past few weeks. My husband Don has spent so much time in the saddle with Dutch, herdin’ cattle, gathering, branding and *ridin’ all the back trails they know.

Many times the past few years all you subscribers have been invited to hear Dutch and his good friend Bruce play their guitars and sing. Late April, the Smith Mountain Boys were playing at Lake Henshaw. It happened to be Don’s birthday, perfect way to celebrate and he made it fun with a birthday song for his cowboy friend.

Dutch will be missed so much and his family and friends appreciate the love and prayers and hope you can join them next Saturday as they celebrate his life.

From: Wes Bergman

May 14th our family suffered an incredible loss.

My hero, my mentor, my best friend, my father went home to be with his Lord and Savior.

Anyone that knew him for more than a minute knew the kind of person he was, and what a significant void he is leaving behind him on this earth.

For us, there is going to be a significant time of grief and sorrow. However, that sorrow is ours alone. He is now in a state of pure joy, experiencing first-hand what we can only imagine. He is reunited with my mother after ten long years apart. He is feasting with the angels and talking to Jesus about all the mysteries of the universe. He always did have to know exactly how things worked!

While we may not understand while his time on earth had to come to an end so soon, we can have faith and comfort in knowing that God’s timing is perfect, and the Creator of the universe has a plan for our lives far greater than anything we could ever imagine.

My mother officially passed away ten years ago on May 17th, however, my dad always said that she died on May 14th when she had her stroke. He knew she was gone that day and it was only machines keeping her body alive. Now, ten years later, on the same exact day, he went home to be with her and his Creator.

I don’t quite know why, but I don’t believe that timing is a coincidence and it brings me a sense of comfort.

We are so appreciative of the outpouring of love and support we have received during this time.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

Please come and join us in celebrating the life of my father, Dutch Bergman on June 24th, 2023.

It’s going to be located at his house on Palomar Mountain from 11 AM – 2 PM. 34313 Canfield Road, Palomar Mountain, California 92060

Meat and drinks will be provided, but please bring your favorite dish to share.

If possible, please RSVP by texting me at 951-719-5574, but we want anyone and everyone who would like to come to feel welcomed.

+ + + + +

*Dutch wrote such beautiful songs. Here is a post from last year where I captured him singing a favorite of many: High Mountain Home.