Gary Charles Bergeson
April 29, 1955 - November 10, 2022
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Gary Charles Bergeson
April 29, 1955 - November 10, 2022
Obituary
Gary Charles Bergeson
On Thursday, November 10, 2022, Gary Charles Bergeson, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle passed away at the age of 67 after a brief battle with cancer.
Gary was born on April 29, 1955 in Detroit, Michigan to Charles and Margaret Bergeson. He spent his childhood in Detroit before moving to Ohio with his family. He attended Ohio University while pouring himself into his passions- music and radio broadcasting.
Gary moved to Orange County, CA in the late 1980’s where he worked in sales while raising his young daughter and son. In the mid 1990’s he began his local radio broadcasting tenure with Saddleback College’s smooth jazz radio station, KSBR. His animated and joyful voice was a constant every Saturday morning for over twenty years.
Through this radio gig, Gary built many profound relationships with some of the most talented musicians in the industry. He was known and loved by them for his silly interviews, boisterous laughter, and his uncanny ability to build sincere connections with everyone. His endless talents and big personality were also put on display every year as he helped plan and cohost KSBR’s Birthday Bash concert. His face became as beloved as his radio voice which presented him with the opportunity to create a local television show “Breakfast with Gary and Kelly.” During this show, Gary had the unbelievable privilege of interviewing some of the most iconic performers of all time.
Gary’s love and passion transformed the lives of everyone he encountered. He was a man of integrity who poured his heart and soul into everything he did.
Gary is survived by his wife Jeanne Hardwegg, his daughter Elizabeth Griffith, his son Eric Bergeson, and his grandchildren Emily, Hailey, and Zachary Bohn.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 2nd, at 11:00 AM at Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano – 31520 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. Gary’s service can also be viewed by clicking on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNfYQGa_7vw
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in memory of Gary, to further spread his endless love of music:
https://jazzfoundation.org
http://www.sappa.net
Memorial Service
- Date & Time: December 2, 2022 (11:00 AM)
- Venue: Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano
- Location: 31520 Camino Capistrano San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 - (Get Directions)
Jazz Foundation Of America
- Website: https://jazzfoundation.org
SAPPA
- Website: http://www.sappa.net
14 responses to Gary Charles Bergeson
Leland Sklar says:
November 21, 2022
Gary was one of the reasons I always went to the NAMM show. Would make a beeline downstairs to hang with Gary and Kelly. Gary’s energy was bigger than life and I will treasure every minute I got to spend with him. My heart is with his family and the legions of fans who loved him. Miss you my brother! Lee
David Biber says:
November 21, 2022
He was a great friend Leland.
Judy Davila says:
November 22, 2022
Leland, he always spoke so highly of you, he loved seeing you at NAMM, he would talk about how he enjoyed hanging with you so much!
Randy Mills says:
November 26, 2022
I just heard the news of Gary’s transition. From our days together playing music and sharing constant laughs & experiences during our days @ Ohio University and thereafter, Gary remained a brother to me and one much closer than my own biological siblings.. Like most of his friends, we maintained a close bond that we each felt and were quick to reminisce of the hilarious times we shared. I am so saddened that I wasn’t able to say goodbye as he entered his transition. Gary will remain in my heart till my last breath and I share the Light & Love with all of the folks who love him
All the leaves are brown and sky is gray, today.
Kristen says:
November 21, 2022
I will remember his infectious laugh when he came over to see his grandkids. What a personality.
David Biber says:
November 21, 2022
Miss you my friend.
We had so many things to do in my new studio.
Our paths will cross again in the cosmos.
Mark Kruhmin says:
November 21, 2022
Gary and I had a similar sense of humor and we had many laughs together. It was always a joy shooting the monthly shows in the various locations we did them. Gary never hesitated to buy things to make the shows better. His work and support of Alert the Globe was unending too. I’m sure his real day job will miss him too. Miss you brother.
Susan Stahl says:
November 22, 2022
Never met, but we talked nearly every day when I work for a company who bought his work. Great laugh and a great sense of humour, loved our banter about American Football and Rugby.
You will be missed.
From your Welsh friend. Xx