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HAROLD THEODORE BERVEN
August 12, 1923 ~ August 22, 2013
"Hal was a great story teller and he found joy
in making others laugh."
Harold Berven, 90, of Vancouver, Washington, passed away August 22, 2013. He was born August 12, 1923 in Glendive, Montana to Clarence and Malena Berven.
Hal attended West Seattle High School, and Washington State University in Pullman, WA.
He proudly served in the Navy, during WWII, and was recognized for heroism during the battle of Leyte Gulf, Philippines. He is a survivor of USS Gambier Bay, sinking in the same battle, and a recipient of the Purple Heart medal.
He was employed by Bemis Company for 37 years.
A member of Toastmasters, he also enjoyed playing Bridge, woodworking, golf, international travel, and fishing.
He loved dancing with his wife, Goya,
and was an outstanding role model to his sons.
Hal is survived by his sons, Gary (Anita) and Karl (Lynette) Berven; grandchildren, Karina, Kelsey, Kyle Quinn; and two great-grandsons.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Feliscar "Goya"; his parents; sister, Clarice; and brother, Donald.
Special thanks to Doctors Fowler and Pfaff, the caring staff at Van Mall, and Hal's dear friends and neighbors that made his last days so special.
A memorial will be held Sat., Sept. 7, 2013, 1:00 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, 401 E. 33rd St., Vancouver.
Donations may be made to the Salvation Army or charity of your choice in Hal's name.
Please sign his guestbook at www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Fond memories of your folks, Karl. Especially the rodeo at the old Expo Center when we were wee little boys.
Tom Swafford
September 24, 2013
Dear Lynette &Karl and family,
I don't know if you remember me,Teckla Shaylor,You were my doctor at Cascade on St.Johns in the 90's.I knew your father in law at the Vancouver Mall home. I use to visit many friends there and Harold was always happy and smiling. May God Bless you all.
a formar patient. Teckla Shaylor,Vancouver Wash
Teckla Shaylor
September 7, 2013
Hal was a great bridge player and we knew his family well. He will be missed. Don and Marie Morrison
September 6, 2013
Our sincere sympathy, so sorry for your loss.
Greg and Gayle (Sullivan) Kimsey
Gayle and Greg Kimsey
September 6, 2013
So sorry to here about Hal. He was a wonderful, kind man to work for. He was so proud of his family. I remember he got a real thrill watching his piranha "Perry". Good bye Hal, rejoice in paradise.
Helen (Reiberg) Shade, Olympia, WA
September 5, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. Please find peace and comfort in knowing God cares for you and will help you in your time of need. 1 Pet. 5:7
September 2, 2013
I remember the laughter and happy times when Hal and Goya were at my parents' house to play bridge or for dinner. So many good memories. I'm so glad that joy was part of our lives.
Patty Leinweber
September 1, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Bill Smith
August 31, 2013
Hal and his family were part of my extended family. I had the very great privilege of his presence for many years. He is sincerely missed.
Stefanie English
August 31, 2013
Carl and family, sorry for your loss, it sounds like your Dad had a full and wonderful life.
Teresa Halcomb-Bergeron
August 31, 2013
We are blessed to have known Hal! I know he is happy in heaven, reunited with Goya! They were such sweet kind people! I am grateful for the influence they were in my children's lives. Such an example of loving goodness.
August 30, 2013
Dearest Hals'family. This circle of life is not an easy one to get use to, but it is, as it has always been and will always be. I know Hal is dancing with Goya and trying to out do jokes with Butch. I hope with all my heart he knew how much I loved them all.I do know that he was as proud as can be with Gary and his family and Carl and his family. He left a wonderful legacy for us all to try to follow. Words just aren't sufficient so I will end with saying, Love to you all and may the days ahead be filled with the wonderful memories I know you all share.
jan thomas
August 30, 2013
Hal,was a dear and wonderful friend and neighbor. He will always hold a special place in our hearts. Until we meet again my dear friend,may you sit under the cherry tree with the love of your life, Goya.
Love the Aston family.
Susan Aston
August 30, 2013
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Funeral services provided by:
Hamilton-Mylan Funeral Home, Inc. - Vancouver302 W. 11th Street, Vancouver, WA 98660
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