Bernt Elias Viddal

Resident of Ferndale Bernt E. Viddal, age 84, went home to his Lord and Savior on Monday, October 7, 2013. He was born on July 27, 1929 to Ole A.O. and Vida (Kalva) Viddal, in Alesund Norway. Bernt was the youngest of five siblings growing up on the family farm. He came to America at age 18. Bernt worked on his uncles farm on the River Road in Lynden. He then went to work deep sea fishing off Alaska and joined the U.S. Army until 1953. He also worked on the Ross and Diablo Dam project in Marblemount. Surprising the congregation, Bernt married June Vlasman on May 27, 1956 after that days worship service at Sunrise Baptist in Custer, WA., much to everyones delight. After their stay in Marblemount, they moved back to Lynden and started their family. He and June raised their three daughters in their present home in Ferndale, the center of family affairs for 50 years. Bernt also worked for Tempco, providing contract maintenance for ARCO at the Cherry Pt. refinery. He was a well known figure there for many years before retiring in 1999, and was highly regarded for his skill as a cement finisher. He enjoyed singing with the Sons of Norway, very enthusiastically. In his retirement, he volunteered at Ebenezer Christian School, where he was grandpa. He volunteered for the Salvation Army. He enjoyed fishing, gardening and wood working. A friend once shared that you always knew where Bernt was fishing by all the filbert shells. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great- granddaughters, attending all their sporting events and other important events in their lives. He was quite the baby sitter for 2 year old Preslee. Bernt was preceded in death by sisters Otilie (Jon) Klokk, Berta (Rinehart) Slotten, brother-in-law, Anders Myrhol, sister-in-law, Johanne Viddal, all of Norway, sisters-in-law Bernice (George) Telgenhoff, Doris (Perry) Jorissen and Betty Fenton. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, daughters, Valerie (Jeff) Beard, Kristin (Allen) Vinkes and Heather (Dean) Tjoelker, grandchildren; Dexter Beard, Austen Beard, Jessica (Robert) Benson, Bennett (Amy) Tjoelker, Blake Tjoelker, Tanner Tjoelker, two great-granddaughters, Preslee Viddal Tjoelker and Bryonna Mobley. He has a brother and sister in NorwayOle O. Viddal and Signy Myrhol. Bernt is also survived by sisters-in-law Ruth (Bern) Visser, Pat (John) Poortinga and brother-in-law Ray Fenton and numerous nephews and nieces. Bernt loved people and was loved and respected by all who knew him. He lived his life as a loving Christian who loved God above all else. Farewell Tribute Information A visitation will be held Monday, October 14, at Moles Farewell Tributes Lynden from 3:00 PM 6:00 PM. Graveside services will be Tuesday, October 15, at 1:00 PM. A memorial service will follow at Sunrise Baptist Church at 2:00 PM. Donations Information Donations may be made to Sunrise Baptist Church.

Bernt Elias Viddal

July 27, 1929 - October 7, 2013