Robert Allen James Baergen

As I am reading this I still can't believe Rob is gone. I just found out today as I was browsing the internet. Oh God. I feel sick. I am in shock. It's been over 30 years the last time I saw Rob. To his wife and family, I am sorry. I have a school picture that he gave me. I will cherish him forever. In all the years I am living by far this is the saddest news of my life. I will love and think about you always. Kim Williams Ottawa, Ontario

Rob, I think about you often. You were a great co worker, and an amazing friend. I'll always remember the fresh pair of white Nike AF1's you gave me at city gate. That was the kind of guy you were. And I'll always remember talking with you at Stanley Park one night after a BC Lions game and learning so much about you. If I can pack as much stuff into my life as you did in yours I will consider myself blessed. Thanks for the memories Rob.

Dear Portia, my name is Scott Beadell and i am the President of the Western Canadian Flag Football Championships in Abbotsford. Our website is www.wcffc.com You may remember me. I was the Quarterback with the Seminoles football team and Rob was on our team for a while. He was one of my favorite players. So funny and just a great guy. We want to do something very special for him this year. We are going to Induct Rob into our WCFFC Hall of Fame on Saturday, July 14th at 7pm at Finnegan's Pub in Abbotsford. We would be honoured to have you there for Rob's special night Portia. Can you please contact me. scottb9@hotmail.ca Thank you Portia.

I am so sad to see my friend leave us way before his time. Rob and I became friends in 1975. we grew together, we fought together many times made peoples lives hell on the court. Rob's family was my second home growing up and I want to send my deepest sympathy to Robs family and his parents. Portia while we always joked with each other when we saw one another . I hope you know how much I loved this guy Maurice

It's sad to hear of Rob's departure from us. I'm sure however we will all have some fond memories of shared "goofiness". Rob was a good friend, athlete and even camper during high school mini courses with Benson. My condolences go out to Rob's family and friends that he left behind. Gordon Bell will always remember you. It was a great time. Miss you. Marion

How can one put into words how shocked, stunned and saddened over this news we are. We are super sad and shocked. Our condolences to you all. Kumvana Gomani Orebro, Sweden

I was very saddened to learn of Rob's passing. I knew Rob from our days at Gordon Bell. I will always remember him on the basketball court with all of the guys just having such a great time. His smile will live in the memories of all who loved him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Rob's family I am still in shock hearing about his passing I feel blessed having known him and to share part of my life with him Thanks.

We were deeply saddened to hear of Rob's untimely passing. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to Portia and his children. Godspeed my friend ! Our deepest sympathy Tom & Sherra

I was so very sorry to hear of Rob's passing. I knew Rob through school at Gordon Bell. We played alot of basketball. Although I have not seen him since then, it shows what a special person he was to be remembered and missed even after 30 years. I wish your family peace and strength in dealing with your loss. He will be with you in your memories of all the times you shared together. Rest in peace Rob. Stephanie Appleby-Jones

I was so very sorry to hear of Rob's passing. I knew Rob through school at Gordon Bell. We played alot of basketball. Although I have not seen him since then, it shows what a special person he was to be remembered and missed even after 30 years. I wish your family peace and strength in dealing with your loss. He will be with you in your memories of all the times you shared together. Rest in peace Rob. Stephanie Appleby-Jones

Rob We worked together and had many a chance to have great times together outside of work. You always had something to say that would leave everyone laughing. Thanks for being a friend. The memories are golden.

My condolences to Portia and Family. I have had so many great memories of Rob running through my mind since I was told of his passing. Rob was so much a part of my life throughout our school years. He was a big brother to me and I am feeling his loss deeply.

We were all saddened to hear of Rob's passing, he was greatly loved by all his friends and collegues here in Winnipeg. I feel blessed to have gone through this life knowing Rob, he will never be forgotten. My sincere condolences to his Family. Shayne Lewis

So very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

I’ve had the privilege of knowing Rob since I first met him and his family in 1974. I fell in love with his sweet sister Beverly and have now been married to her for 33 years. There’s no words to express the grief and devastation of Rob’s passing. “Robbie” as we still call him, brought so much joy to all of us and he will always be a part of our lives. Through the years, from the “horse-play” on the dock at Strawberry Lake, the “smack-talk” we so enjoyed together, the great political debates, and watching him grow up to become a great husband, father, and provider to his family, Rob’s infectious laugh and personality will never be forgotton. Why was Rob taken from us so early? I will never accept an answer to this question, but Rob’s legacy is one to nurture and protect. His precious family remains his legacy, and I will always see Rob’s reflection in Tanner and London. Beverly and I will see Robbie again on the other side of this life, and not a moment too soon. We will always love you Robbie!

Dear Portia I am really sorry to hear about the loss of Robert. I know he was a good husband, father and friend. His smile was radiant, it brought light to every room he entered and peace to those he touched. Robert was a man of integrity, a loving support to you, Portia; a very good father to London and Tanner; a welcomed and respected friend to all who knew him. I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet, talk and laugh with Robert. I'm also glad that I could call him...."friend". My love and condolences to you Portia and your family. May God continue to bless you and yours and grant you peace. God bless you Robert. Lloyd

Dear Portia & Family I am devastated to hear of Rob's passing. My condolences to you and your family. He was a great family friend, schoolmate and my mom (Val Scott) adored him. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. I particularly remember going to his Basketball games with my mom at Gordon Bell and the gym was just packed. The first thing you would see was his hair flopping down the court before anything else, then he would put up his signature corner shot. He had a gentle spirit and a helpful nature, he was an exceptional giving peson who just love to play jokes and kid around. There is a great void to be filled by Rob's passing, but I know that the depth of love that you and your family share for each other and for Rob will pull you through. Honor his memory with that LOVE and the wonderful memories you share of him. May God Bless and comfort you and your family. Rob will always be wtih you in spirit and will continue to watch over his family. -Thorna xoxo

My condolences go out to my cousin Bob and his wife Betty on the loss of their son. What a sad time this must be for you.

We were so upset to see Rob's obituary. I remember when he came into my office with London in 1992 looking for a job. He was so positive and full of life that it was obvious that he would be a great addition to the Brighter Mechanical family. I was so fortunate that I could call Rob a friend. We are so sorry Portia for you and your family's tragic loss. All that knew him will also miss him dearly. Bob and Lynn Martin

As I struggle to fully understand why Rob was taken from his family and friends so soon, his every lasting smile and humor is embedded in my mind. I send my deepest condolences to Portia, London, Tanner and family. I was lucky to have known Rob for many years. But I am deeply saddened that I didn't get that chance to tell him how much I loved him. God has called for him and he is now in his house. I will miss you Rob.

I was saddened by the news of Rob's passing. Rob was a wonderful man who brought smiles to everyone's face every time he walked in a room. I had known Rob for 13 yrs as I started playing slo-pitch with him with the Stingrays. He taught me so much over the years and I will have nothing but the fondest memories of him. I wish I could have seen you one last time to tell you what a great person you were and how much I had missed having you around. My condolences go out to his family. Until we meet again....

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Rob. Our world lost a shining light on the day he passed. Rob was a co-worker of my husband and a friend. Every time I would see him, he made me feel like I was important. He had that way about him. His big bright smile could light up any room and his positive attitude was infectious. My heart goes out to Portia and his family at this very difficult time. May the many happy memories that you have of him help carry you through.

I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Rob's immediate and extended family. Rob was alway's having fun. In the summer of 1980 we were in P.E.I. playing fastball, during opening ceremonies Rob decided to tuck his hair under his ballcap. Well when the dignitaries came around to greet our team and Rob was shaking the mayor's hand, he took this oppurtunity to remove his cap well his hair sprang forward and startled the mayor who in turn screamed, which got the crowd going. Rob alway's the jokester. Rob will be greatly missed by everyone that was touched by him. Greg Wiebe

Dear Portia & Family, I am shocked and so very saddened to hear of Rob's passing. My heart goes out to you and your children. Rob was one of the funniest and sweetest guys I have ever met. All of your lives have been blessed by having him with you as long as you did. My condolences to your extended family in Vancouver as well. Love & Light, Joan

I was very saddened to hear of Rob's passing from Kerri. I remember him as the protective brother with the great smile. My condolences over such a great loss to your family.

I am saddened to hear of Rob's passing. I had a brief conversation with him several weeks ago at the BC Lions game. I knew Rob through flag football and he was always a fierce and talented competitor. He was also a person you could hang out with and have a laugh with after the game. He always spoke about his family with pride and love. He will be missed. My condolences go out to his family. Joe Fortune

Normally in high school when your hanging out at a friend’s house, and her younger brother comes around to talk you try to quickly get rid of them. With Rob that wasn’t true. He always had an infectious smile and a funny story to tell you. I am profoundly saddened to hear of Rob's passing. Thinking of you all at this diffcult time. Love Ingie

My deepest condolences to Rob's family and Friends. Rob was a co-worker and friend. He always had a smile on his face. He will be remembered for his incredible smile and devotion as a friend and family man. We will all deeply miss you Rob!

The Baergens are my "second family" and I spent a lot of lunch hours at their home during my years at Gordon Bell High School. I will never forgot Robbie's infectious laughter and his wild stories. Robbie was always giggling. There was never a moment when he didn't put a smile on my face. Receiving a hug from him was like, a warm blanket on a cold winter day. Robbie has always been a very special person in my life and I will "forever" keep him close. Anita Gettino McGavock

Dear Betty: We were saddened to read in todays Free Press that Rob has passed. We are so glad that you were able to visit with him during his final days. We pray for strength and healing for you and the whole family. Our sincere sympathy, Tricia and Gord Kell

I am deeply saddened by Rob's passing. In my heart I always BELIEVED we would reunite one day,and the fact we can't I have the most regret. I considered Rob a dear close friend. He and I attended high school graduation together in 1981. (Portia did my hair for the event)...He and I played freshman and varsity sports together and we had boatloads of laughs in gym 100 and beyond! These will be memories I will cherish forever. We maintained a close friendship for the next 10 or so years while he lived in Winnipeg and he remained close in my heart while he and Portia continued their life in BC. Rob was a great guy,..devilish and fun with a razor wit. He loved his friends,and adored Portia and his family. His death was untimely for many of us. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. The world is a little darker without his shining light... Love and heartfelt condolences to Portia and Rob's Family...GODSPEED ROB... I'll love you forever..KellyXOXO

I was very sorry to read of Rob's passing in the Winnipeg Free Press today. Rob was an exceptional athlete. I had the pleasure of coaching him as a football player for the Gordon Bell Panthers. He had the fastest reflexes I have ever seen and this skill resulted in many circus like catches as a receiver on the team. I know all his friends, coaches and teachers from those high school days will be saddened to hear of his passing. My condolences go out to his family as you deal with this loss. Bob Wilkes