Raymond Oscar Bergstrom

Raymond Oscar Bergstrom, age 93, died peacefully at his home in Bradbury on Monday, October 5, 2009. Ray was born on June 29, 1916, in Fairview, Illinois, to Axel Victor and Helga Hawkinson Bergstrom and moved with his family to Los Angeles in the 1920’s. After graduating from Los Angeles High School, Ray enrolled at UCLA before transferring to the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. During this time, Ray was an avid surfer and later donated the surfboard he built to the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum. In 1945 he married Anne Reed, his loving wife of 64 years. They lived in San Marino, California, from 1947 until 2001, where they raised their family and were active in the community. A specialist in radar systems, Lt. Col. Bergstrom had a distinguished career in the Air Force and in private industry. He was a highly decorated veteran of both World War II and the Korean Conflict, for which he received numerous commendations and medals, including the Bronze Star and the United Nations Service Medal. A retired vice president of ITT Gilfillan, Ray’s long career included leadership roles in radar systems engineering, government negotiations, and public relations. Ray was a member of San Marino Community Church, serving as both a Deacon and Elder. He was also active in the Reserve Officers Association, the San Marino City Club, Executive Service Corps, and served as President of California Literacy. His intellectual curiosity continued throughout his life. Recently, he taught classes in investing and computing to the residents of his retirement home. Ray was predeceased by his sister Margarita Huntsberger and is survived by his wife Anne, daughter Shirley Dragicevich (Charles), and sons Edward Bergstrom (Gipsy) and Peter Bergstrom (Susan), as well as his beloved grandchildren Raymond, Scott, Kathryn (Jon), Jeffrey, Adele (fiancé Patrick), Kristin, Julie, niece Phyllis, and nephews John and Glen. A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 17, at one o’clock at Royal Oaks Manor in Bradbury, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Ray’s name to City of Hope, ATTN: Central Processing, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010.