Ronald Dale Bergt

A long time Alaska resident Ronald Dale Bergt passed away on Jan. 24, 2015, from congested heart failure. Ron was born in Tacoma, Wash., to Percy and Florence Bergt-Teufel in 1934. In 1936, the family came to Alaska, by steamship, to the Prince Of Wales Islands, where they lived for two years. In 1938, the family moved to Ketchikan briefly and then in 1939, to Eklutna and then Anchorage. Ron graduated from high school in 1953, in Anchorage, and went to college at the University of Alaska. Ron had a career in construction, transportation and aviation. In his earlier years he worked on construction projects throughout Alaska, then became a professional pilot and flew for Interior Airways and later for Alaska International Air, where he flew C-130 Hercules Aircraft in the Arctic, Africa and Europe. He left his career as a pilot to manage companies with Alaska International Industries as President of Weaver Brothers Trucking Company and Alaska Diversified Properties, then retired. Ron's lifelong passion was aviation. He was a true aviator and when he wasn't flying he was out at Lake Hood, working on airplanes or home building radio controlled model airplanes. During his later years, he became interested in building computers using them as flight simulators. Ron was very skilled at working with his hands as a mechanic, electrician, carpenter and aircraft mechanic. Ron was a very solid foundation to his family. He introduced his family to many wonderful Alaska experiences, flying to remote locations throughout Alaska. He also had a passion for skiing and took the family on many weekend trips to Arctic Valley and Mount Alyeska. Throughout his life, he and LeNelle enjoyed many wonderful canine friends, especially his dog, Tux. He is survived by his wife, LeNelle Bergt; four children, Randy, Charie, Steve and Traci; their spouses; eight grandchildren; a great-grandchild; siblings, Beverly Brown, Neil and Derril; and life long friend, Jimmy Branham. A potluck and celebration of his life will be held on April 11, 2015, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum, located at 4721 Aircraft Drive in Anchorage. In place of flowers, celebrants are encouraged to please donate to the American Heart Association .