Ted William Bergey

When the steam rises with the morning sun, will you remember me in the light of day as you did in the midnight score? I have taken with me the love you have given and with tenderness hold it to my heart. -from the original, published poem "Will You Stay?"

These lines were penned and published by Ted William Bergey who stepped into the warmth of eternal morning sunshine on Wednesday September 13, 2023, at the age of 70. 

Our beloved Ted was born in Kremmling, Colorado, on December 22, 1952, the son of Ellwood and Kelley (Harbin) Bergey. After settling in Norman Oklahoma, Ted considered himself a Colorado man who held Wagon Wheel Gap and the beauty of the Rocky Mountain State close to his heart. 

Ted was a friendly man. Known for his good-natured attitude and humorous personality, he was a people-person who cared deeply about other people. He was kind, generous, and oh so funny. He loved sharing his "Ted-isms." His sense of humor could sometimes feature a bit of sarcasm, and if someone called him a “smart aleck” he would say, “It’s better than being a dumb one.” 

While his writing was a more private and personal endeavor, Ted was a talented poet whose work was published in Poetry.com's anthology Poems for the Twentieth Century. A man of many talents, the culinary arts remained a passion throughout his life. Ted was a restaurateur, working in or establishing a number of restaurants/catering services within the food service industry. His lemon pie and homemade pizzas were personal specialties.

Ted loved the outdoors, especially fishing and camping. He was not one to be idle.  More than anything, Ted loved his family, friends and loved ones, cherishing the quality time he spent with them. Card games of almost any kind were played at family get togethers throughout his life and he continued the tradition with his "second family" at the Norman Senior Center. He considered the senior center his "home away from home."

He is preceded in death by his mother, Kelley Edith Harbin, his father, Ellwood Bergey, and three brothers, Jack, Joe, and Tom Bergey.

Ted is survived by his loving children as well as several nieces, nephews, and friends. His warm, caring presence will be missed deeply by all those who knew and loved him.

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