Henry J. Bergen is a renowned inventor from Alberta. Once an ordinary man, he could never have imagined becoming a figure of importance to Alberta and the world. Learn more about Henry Bergen’s remarkable contributions in this article on iedmonton.
Belief in Perseverance
Henry believed that when God opens a door, a person must have the courage to walk through it and endure the challenges along the way. Success, he claimed, requires positivity, resilience, and the determination to face adversity.
Henry Bergen is celebrated for his inventions, which have significantly benefited Alberta’s agricultural sector and beyond. His innovations helped farmers increase crop yields, reduce harmful pesticide use, and make the most of available resources.
Early Life
Henry was born on June 26, 1935, in a southern Ukrainian village. His early years were marked by immense hardship during the famine and Stalinist repression. Henry’s father, Don, passed away when he was just three years old, leaving his mother to raise five children alone. The family worked diligently on their small agricultural plot.
In 1943, seeking a better life, Henry’s mother made a bold decision to embark on a perilous journey through war-torn Europe. The family eventually settled in Coaldale, Alberta.
After their arrival, they enjoyed the freedom they had long sought, but life remained tough. They worked as laborers in sugar beet fields to make ends meet.
Despite the challenges, Henry learned the values of hard work and persistence. He understood from a young age that he had to earn what he wanted. His early struggles sowed the seeds of creativity and innovation that later defined his life.
Career Beginnings
At 17, Henry took on a seasonal job tending experimental crops at the Lethbridge Agricultural Research Station. Plant scientist Dr. Smith recognized Henry’s potential and encouraged him to join the mechanical shop. There, Henry quickly gained a reputation for his ingenuity, working on tools and devices to aid scientific research.
Henry further honed his skills at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, graduating in 1959.
In 1962, Henry married Mary Lepp, a member of the Mennonite Church in Coaldale. The couple had three children.
That same year, Henry unveiled a groundbreaking invention: the Smith/Bergen Plot Master. This self-propelled planter addressed the need for consistent crop planting, ensuring reliable test results. Using spare parts and an old engine, Henry developed a revolutionary seeding machine that soon became a valuable tool for farmers.
Establishing His Legacy
In 1968, Henry left the research station and entered the private sector, where he established his own business. He dedicated himself to innovative projects, from developing specialized tools to pioneering low-tillage seeding and fertilizer application techniques.
Henry’s contributions earned him numerous accolades, including recognition from Canada’s Public Service, the Alberta Society of Engineering Technologies, and several prestigious awards:
- 2005 Alberta Centennial Medal
- 2006 Member of the Order of Canada
- 2008 Honorary Doctorate from the University of Lethbridge
Henry Bergen’s journey from a challenging childhood to becoming an influential inventor is a testament to perseverance, creativity, and the drive to improve the lives of others.