Phil Bergeron, known at the “Guru of Go Fast” lost his last big race to pancreatic cancer on April 15, 2019. He was born in Hartford, Conn. in September of 1944. His family moved to Lynwood, CA in 1959. His mechanical genius led him to building and racing cars. His need for speed led to building and racing flat bottom boats, winning and setting records. He founded Bergeron Marine Engineering in the late 60’s in Lynwood, CA, later relocating to Mesa, AZ where he specialized in custom high performance boat equipment. He was a leader in the industry.
He is survived by his sons: Phil (Kim) and Brian; 5 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; his siblings: Elaine, Donna & Wayne, and his turtle Franklin. He is predeceased by his brothers: Richard & Howard. The “Legend” will be missed by all.
Services will be on May 4th, 2019 at 9:00 AM at the Living Word Bible Church, 3520 E. Brown Rd. in Mesa AZ 85213.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the following: The Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research; Seed Grant Program: http://support.pancreatic.org/goto/philipwaynebergeron or to the Living Word Bible Church.
Sorry to hear of this sad news. My heart goes out to all the family.
Donna and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Sending loving thoughts to you and hoping you find comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering. RIP Phil.
Dear Bergeron Family,
We are all very saddened by the passing of Phil. I can honestly say that Phil was one of the most genuine people I had the pleasure of calling a friend. Absolutely no one can say that Phil was not the definition of a boat racing Patriarch. He was not only a fan, but his contributions to boat racing in particular will be appreciated forever. Phil taught myself, and many, many others, how to set up a boat properly, with an emphasis on Safety. Something us drivers tend to get complacent with. When he walked the pits with a straight edge, none of us ever hesitated to let him throw it under the boat. His long list of engineering contributions to high performance boats, such as the currently used cavitation plate air system and strut bracing that have no doubt made our sport Safer. I will always appreciate the generosity of Phil, as you often didn’t have to ask for his advise or help, and when he spoke, everyone listed. I have walked many miles of shoreline at the races, and I always looked forward to running into Phil and having a conversation. His demeanor and willingness to share his boat knowledge was priceless, and could never be bought, or duplicated. He was also a legendary BBQ Master in the pits. Pretty sure Phil will be making some hot laps at Lake Paradise with the rest of our racing family members that have passed on. Phil May be gone, but Phil will never be forgotten, and Phil’s contributions to boat safety will last for generations to come. Condolences to the Bergeron Family, as you all have a new Guardian Angel.
My most sincere condolences to Phil’s family and close friends. He will be missed as a friend but also as an Iocn of the industry that he and all of us love. Sorry for your loss. Race In Peace Phil.
Love to you Donna & your Family, during this sad loss…..sending lots of love & big hugs….Love, Joni & Dan ?????
Our deepest sympathies and condolences to Wayne, Donna and the entire Bergeron family on your loss. Our thoughts are with you all.
we will miss him at the boat races, he was a very kind man that knew a lot. dean and anita barry Sydney australia
I first met Phil when he got started in boat racing. We had a few meetings at his shop in Lynwood. Great guy and a lot of fun. Always had a smile on his face and was always willing to help someone out. Sorry for the loss but I’m sure he just moved over so the next new start could now take his place………
Donna, I’m so sorry for the loss of your brother. May the Lord hold you in His arms as you start this next season with out him. God bless you. Betty
The marine industry has indeed lost a legend, and I have lost a good friend of forty years. R.I.P. Phil.
Phil will be dearly missed here at McFarland Machine and our deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of a great man he will forever be in our hearts and minds.
From the entire Loveless Racing Team, our condolences to Phil’s family and friends. We enjoyed being part of his boat racing family. Phil always made a point of coming by our pit area to say hi and catch up on what was going on in our lives. His kindness and friendship will be missed.
Time has now passed since getting the news. My condoleneces to all his many many friends. And to his family who now have to move forward as he would want them to do. I miss my weekly calls just to see how things were going. And I / we will miss him at yearly Wisconnsin trip in July. Bottom line….He will be missed by all of us. And I thank God for bringing Phil into my life. May he now RIP. Godspeed
I miss you more each day. Some say time heals wounds, not sure about this one.
I will love you forever, Phil
I miss you more each day. Some say time heals wounds, not sure about this one.
I will love you forever, Phil
I miss you terribly. Franklin is good, he’s actually a girl!! He/She is living in a sanctuary and is well taken care of. Love me.