KENNETH L. BERGSTROM

KENNETH L. BERGSTROM - ESSEX JUNCTION - On Feb. 1, 2013, Kenneth L. Bergstrom, 64, left his battered body on this Earth and let his spirit soar. Born on Jan. 22, 1949, to Hazel and Paul Bergstrom in Holden, Mass., Ken lived a life full of love for his family, many beloved friends, colleagues and students. He left a lasting impression on everyone whom he met. Ken lived in Massachusetts until coming to Vermont in 1967 to earn his BA at Middlebury College. He subsequently earned an M.Ed and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study at the University of Vermont, and a doctoral degree in Leadership and Policy Studies. He taught middle grades in Vermont schools for 15 years, and was a founding member of the Vermont Middle Grades Professional Development Collaborative. He also taught for many years at both Goddard College and Union Institute and University. Ken loved doing "Courage Work", and facilitated years of Courage to Teach retreat cycles. He continued to work as an Educational Consultant with the Courage and Renewal Vermont Programs. Throughout his career he published many articles and book chapters. Ken married Lillian Pickering in 1980, and they had two beautiful daughters, who were the light of his life. He later married Linda Barnes, and though their marriage ended, he considered his stepdaughters as "his babies" along with his own. He experienced one of his greatest joys, meeting his grandson, Hudson, a year ago, and spent as much time as possible with him. Ken was generous with both his time and resources. He was always there to help a neighbor, colleague, friend or family member in need. Ken volunteered with Hospice Programs for many years. He belonged to a men's group that spanned many years, which was a great source of strength. Ken spent most of his adult life in a house that he built himself, in Waterbury, a very proud accomplishment for him. He loved being outdoors, whether hiking, gardening or paddling his Adirondack Guide Boat. He got great joy from his pets over the years, especially his faithful dog, Whiplash. Ken is survived by his daughters, Timiny Bergstrom of Essex and her husband, Adam Sawyer, along with their son, Hudson, and Tatiana Bergstrom of Lake Park, Fla.; and stepdaughters, Heather Barnes-Flint of Lake Park, Fla. and Elisabeth Barnes-Flint of Winooski. He is survived by his brother, Donald Bergstrom of Brevard, N.C. and his wife, Sandra; sisters, Ellen Moore of East Greenwich, R.I. and her husband, Brian, Jean Bergstrom of North Leverett, Mass. and her husband, Steve Adams, and Martha Bergstrom Porter of Millbury, Mass.; as well as many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Dr. Joe Haddock, Ken's longtime doctor and friend, as well as the loving staff at The Vermont Respite House. A celebration of Ken's life will be held on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Shelburne Town Hall.