On July 9, a convoy of three fire trucks, two pumper trucks and a large contingent of firefighters made their way to the Forest Grove Store.
On top of one truck was a sign honouring the athletic achievements of the Grove’s Richard Bergen. The sign was put in a prominent spot on the gable end of the store, through the generosity of owners John and Heather Shin.
When Richard was seven years old, he was walking along a road in Chilliwack on his way to school when a car struck him, causing massive injuries to the right side of his body that left him with permanent disabilities.
After six months of reconstructive operations and basic therapy, Richard’s parents, Bob and Edith Bergen, decided to bring their boy home and to begin the long process of teaching him to take care of himself.
Their approach to his rehabilitation was unusual. It was strict, but effective.
Richard returned to the farm chores he had done before the accident. He milked cows, cleaned the barn and worked in the fields. He also began to compete in riding events, such as barrel racing.
Richard remembers how he struggled to tie his shoes.
“My grandmother would cry and want to help me. She hated to see me trying so hard over and over.”
When Richard was in Grade 3, every child was given 10 cents to buy garden seeds to grow produce for the Chilliwack Fall Fair. Richard planted his small garden, which was inspected during the summer. Since it had been planted and maintained properly, his 10 cents was returned.
Richard continues to grow a top-notch garden filled with several kinds of potatoes and other vegetables every year, which take him through the winter.
In 1986, he bought a home in Forest Grove. Richard was determined to pay off his mortgage with hard work. In no time, he became “Mr. Forest Grove.”
If there was a job to be done or if anyone needed help, he was always first on site. In the worst of weather, he would be working the hardest.
Richard noticed advertising spots on TV for BC Sportability and decided to join the program. Charles Griffith, a teacher in 100 Mile House offered to help him train in shot put, discus and javelin, sports that were well-suited to Richard’s strengths.
In 1999, he competed in the BC Summer Games for Athletes with Disabilities. Richard brought home a gold medal in shot put and silver in the 100- and 200-meter races.
In 2001, he represented Canada in the World Games in Nottingham, England. He has continued his involvement in sports, helping to train students at local schools in track-and-field events.
Richard works as a volunteer for every organization in the Grove. In 1994, he started the Forest Grove ’94 Lions. For 10 years, he was their award-winning secretary.
He has also served on the Recreation Society, Legion executives and has been a dispatcher for the Forest Grove Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years.
He assists at the school with events, helps maintain the grounds and clears the sidewalks in the winter. In the spring, he cuts the grass at the cemetery and cleans up winter debris. He also takes care of the grounds and does janitorial work at the community and fire halls.
In his spare time, Richard is The Go-pher It Man. He has a franchise to sell specially designed gopher traps and also works for ranchers and gardeners to help eliminate gophers from their land.