‘To know him was to love him’: Prince Albert’s Sheldon Bergstrom passes away

Noting she was blown away when she first heard Bergstrom sing, Stelmaschuk also explained he was the kindest person you’d ever meet, adding he was always warm and friendly, and even though he knew he was adored by so many people, always had enough affection for everyone.

“It was always hello and a hug. Like he’d been waiting just to see you. Sheldon was such an amazing talent. The impact he had on this entire performing arts community in Prince Albert can’t be overstated.”

Reflecting on the shows at the old Powerhouse Theatre, Stelmaschuk said Sheldon was one of the talents that drew people in to see musical theatre, and that’s why the Broadway North Theatre became what it is.

“People loved to see him on stage, whether it was a musical review like we did as a fundraiser for the Victoria Hospital Foundation a number of years ago, emceeing the Country North Show, or that amazing performance in “Fiddler on the Roof” as Tevye,” she said.

A cast photo from Fiddler on the Roof. (Facebook/ Cara Stelmaschuk)

Stelmashuk added one memory she’d will never forget is seeing Sheldon sing the Sandy lines from Grease’s “Summer Lovin'” opposite Tim Toutant.

“So ridiculous. But as amazing as he was, he’d never take himself too seriously. It’s what made us all love him.”

Malcolm Jenkins, owner of Canadian Tire, and a long-time fan of the theatre described news of Bergstrom’s passing as a very sad day. The two men had started the Broadway North Theatre Company at the old Powerhouse theatre.

“Just an amazing presence. He stole the show then and continued to do so for the rest of his career,” Jenkins said.

With respect to his own favourite memory, Jenkins recalled a time when Bergstrom was trying out for a part in the “Music Man” on Broadway, and a group of friends all bought tickets to New York to see Bergstrom perform. Out of all those who tried out, Bergstrom came second.

Paul Lomheim has known Bergstrom for over 25 years and recalled they met through music. Lomheim had gone to Saskatoon to audition Bergstrom to emcee the Country North show.

When asked to share some favourite memories, Lomheim recalled he and Sheldon wrote the Western Canada Summer Games theme song. Lomheim also has fond memories of Bergstrom dressing up as Lady Gaga, Elvis, or as Myrna Nagy (president of the PA Winter Festival).

“He was so creative & spontaneous on stage. Whether it was the Country North show or Broadway North show (musical theatre) he could nail it! Sheldon had a heart of gold,” he said.

(Facebook)

Another memory shared by Lomheim was seeing Bergstrom handle a heckler at the Country North Show.

“He said to the guy two steps and a Belly Flop and you’re a Fridge Magnet”

Nancy Hagen is one of Bergstrom’s closest friends and explained it was very difficult to put into words the impact Bergstrom had.

“I first met him doing Karaoke when he hosted it years ago then finally got to work alongside him when he was the emcee for the PA Winter Festival,” she said. “Once meeting there was no mistaking his immense talent and his huge heart and just how funny he was. I was lucky enough to have him as a duet partner on that show for many years. I mean his Elvis was epic and his Single Ladies routine just showed he was a triple threat.”

“But most of all I will miss my friend and his kind loving and compassionate nature he was truly one of a kind.”

Kim Morrall with Odyssey Productions also considered Bergstrom a close friend and recalled how he had a way of instantly connecting with everyone he met.

“To know him was to love him and you couldn’t but feel happy to be in his presence,” she said.

Morrall also noted how to this day Bergstrom’s performance in Fiddler on the Roof is her favourite performance of any actor on stage.

“He just inspired so many people and touched them in ways,” adding she knows kids in high school who credit Bergstrom as their reason for wanting to become an actor.

Bergstrom went overseas on a number of occasions to perform for the troops, including trips to Bosnia, Germany, Croatia, and Afghanistan twice. (Facebook)

In addition to performing on stage, Bergstrom was also well known for his time helping Telemiracle. A statement was posted Monday on the Kinsmen Foundation’s social media page:

“We are greatly saddened to hear the news of the passing of Sheldon Bergstrom. A multi-talented singer, actor and stage performer, Sheldon appeared on the telethon several times. He was very loved on and off stage.”

Long-time TeleMiracle Cast member Beverley Mahood explained Sheldon had a way of disarming people and making them laugh.

“He had the best energy.”

Fellow National Cast member Brad Johner remembered Bergstrom as, “very humble and didn’t know how talented he was.”

“He brought so much fun and joy to TeleMiracle. He will be terribly missed,” Johner said.

In 2014, around the same time he had been cast to play Rob Ford in Factory Theatre‘s upcoming production of Rob Ford: The Musical, Bergstrom told paNOW he always liked having fun, goofing around, and music.

“For as long as I can remember I’ve probably been a wanna-be entertainer. I always loved to sing and goof off with my family and my sisters. My sisters would tell you I would often dress up in my mom’s clothes and just kind of show up at supper in a dress and an evening gown or something just to entertain the siblings or any guests that we had over,” he said.

A date for Bergstrom’s funeral has not yet been finalized.

In a statement posted to her social media page, Bergstrom’s wife Dawn thanked everyone who has sent love and prayers.

“My world is shattered and my heart is broken,” she said.

Out of respect for Bergstrom, the flags outside Prince Albert’s EA Rawlinson Centre are flying at half mast. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

‘To know him was to love him’: Prince Albert’s Sheldon Bergstrom passes away

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