Roger L. Bergevin

CONCORD- Ret. Lt. Colonel Roger Louis Bergevin, 86, died Wednesday morning, January 11, 2017 at Havenwood Heritage Heights in Concord, NH. Roger joined the Havenwood Heritage Heights community in May of 2010.

Roger was born August 30, 1930, the son of Walter and Rose (Dupont) Bergevin. He was raised in Pembroke and was a graduate of Pembroke Academy, class of 1949. He graduated from National University, San Diego, in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. 

Roger married his high school sweetheart, Constance Thibeault, on July 28, 1951. They were married for 56 years until her death in 2007. They had 5 children; Denise, Kenneth, Raymond, Thomas, and Karen.

In 1959, Roger and Connie moved to California with their four oldest children in a 1953 Chevy sedan (with water bags tied to the front of the car). According to his brothers, who ventured out west before him, it was the land of great opportunity. It would prove to be a good move for our family. Their daughter, Karen, was born in California. A true California girl was she.

Roger also studied for, and received, his private pilot license and always enjoyed the time he could fly like an eagle. He loved to golf back in the day, as well.

He enlisted in the N.H. National Guard in 1948, the HQHQ Battery 197 AAA group, Concord, NH. His unit was activated in August 1950 to 1952 for the Korean War. He graduated from Army Command and General Staff College in 1972. He was very proud of this accomplishment. He wore that ring proudly. After moving to California, Roger continued his military career in the California National Guard. Throughout his military career, Roger received many decorations and awards, among them, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, 1st Oak Leaf cluster, and a Meritorious Service Medal, 2nd Oak leaf cluster. Roger was a true military man and proud to have served his country.

Roger finally retired in 1987 as the Program Maintenance Manager at Headquarters, 2nd U.S. Army, Atlanta, GA. He retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel from the U.S. Army Active Reserves in 1990, Atlanta, Georgia. From there, he and Connie moved back to N.H. to be near family.

Roger loved jazz music, especially listening to his son, Ken, and grandson, Greg, play their saxophone and trumpet. He was always ready to help someone out when called upon. He was a whiz at mechanics and could fix just about anything. Especially, if there was a big roll of “Bergevin” tape (duct) around.

Roger is survived by his children, their spouses, grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. They are: daughter, Denise and Jim Sojka, and children Sophia and Adam, of Canterbury; son Ken and Marilyn Bergevin of Yakima, WA and children Laura and Tim Hilton, Nathaniel, Greg, Aaron, Rachel, Charles, Genevieve, and Josiah; son Tom and Cheryl Bergevin of Santa Clara, CA and children Jeremy Jones, and, Lynette and Angie Smith, daughter Melissa and soon to be born son Grayson. He was proud of his first great-grandson, Jonathan Hilton. Roger’s beautiful blue eyes would light up when he saw new pictures of him.   He is also survived by sisters, Theresa Letourneau and Marie Ayles; brothers, Victor Bergevin and Jean Bergevin. He was predeceased by his loving wife Constance, son Raymond, daughter Karen, brothers Leo, Gerald, Gaston, Robert, Roland and Paul; and sister, Yvette.

Calling Hours will be held on Thursday, January 19th from 4 to 7 PM at the Petit-Roan Funeral Home, 167 Main St. in Pembroke. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 20th at 10:00 AM at St. John the Baptist Church in Allenstown.  A graveside service will be held in the spring at St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Allenstown. Memorial donations in Roger’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th floor, New York, NY, 10001 or to Live and Let Live Farm, 20 Paradise Ln., Chichester, NH, 03258.   To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.petitroan.com

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