Birth date: Jun 15, 1948 Death date: Dec 2, 2022
Robert Alan (Bob) Van Bergen June 15, 1948 - December 02, 2022 Robert A. Van Bergen, of North Ridgeville, Ohio passed away on Friday, December 2, 2022. In his final days, he fought a fierce battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia befo Read Obituary
Bob was a true friend and exceptional hotelier. He left Springfield, IL a better place than when he arrived in the capital city. I am thankful our paths crossed many times. Condolences, scott d
This is a memory from undergrad days at the Sigma Chi house. The cook, Margaret, was easily offended and the brothers would enjoy finding ways to test her patience. One day she'd had enough and told Bob, as our president, she was leaving. She said, "Robert, call me a cab." And with a straight face Bob said, "Margaret, you're a cab!" At which point Margaret screamed and ran out the door. Bob smoothed things over and she did come back.
Good times in understand days.
My Sympathies to Bob's family.
Bob Sullivan
I’m a cousin to Robin and remember Bob when Scott and Matt were just little guys as the loving, caring father that continued throughout his life. My family had an opportunity many years later to stay at his hotel in the Keys. He was so gracious and kind to us during our stay there in spite of being very busy with his job. We appreciated visiting with him again at Matt’s wedding. We are so sorry for his family’s loss and know he will be greatly missed.
Rich and Teri Babcock
Aunt Mary, Scott, Matt, John and family - our prayers are with you all. So glad that we got to see and spend some time with Uncle Bob this October when we visited Cleveland -- and that he was his usual chatty and funny self! We will always remember the Bride & Groom ball caps that we took on our honeymoon (and of course a cigar, too!) Uncle Bob was always so friendly and interested in what we and Taylor & Katie were doing. I hope that he and my Dad are sharing jokes and stories together. Love Greg and Jennifer VanBergen
My story concerning Bob is not a funny story but one that talks about how he affected my life as Wild Dunes Resort’s entertainer and future friend.
In many cases, upper levels of management much less GMs don’t or won’t deal with entertainment
It’s usually left to the F&B director or some other staff member to handle and deal with.
My experience with Bob was not like the norm as I always felt I could discuss matters of concern with him and he truly would have my back if he felt it was warranted and he always had a warm hello!
Not only was he that kind of fair-minded man but also an employee's GM to say he would get right in there with you.
I remember although being the entertainer I was still an employee of the resort and therefore ask to help clean the new flooring in the new Inn built during Bob's tenure at Wild Dunes.
Upon arriving, and not crazy about feeling obligated to do so, I saw Bob right there with us getting on his hands and knees also to “getter er done”!
That resounded big in my mind and made me admire even more the commitment and integrity he showed us all who were lucky enough to work with him!
We continued to be friends with Bob and sweet sweet Mary long after he left Wild Dunes and he even invited me to come to one of the other properties he oversaw after WD and perform, putting me up and looking after me and my wife Kim while there.
But not all work while there!
We also all got together with Mary who was always sweet and kind to Kim and me, had dinner, shared time at their home along with John’s company, and just enjoyed laughing visiting, and of course cigars!
Probably what bonded my and Bob’s friendship, hard not to appreciate a fellow cigar lover!
Although we didn’t see Bob and Mary that often we continued to share messages and post on FB to keep up with each other.
I was really surprised when I got a message from Mary not that long ago that they were going to pay a quick visit to Charleston and hoped to see us while here.
We couldn’t make it work when they planned to have dinner with several other friends here but they came walking into my performance which I was not expecting the day before and was surprised and so great to see them walk in!!
Mary visited with Kim and Bob sat quietly close to where I was playing and enjoyed a cigar I’d given him while there.
He seemed peaceful and reflective when I think back and although he shared what he was going through I did not feel he was anywhere near being called home as he looked good and healthy.
I shared with them a story of my sister who had gone through a similar situation and that had been some 8-10 years earlier and was doing fine, by the grace of God.
I did not doubt that Bob’s would be any different he seemed so well.
I had no idea that would be my last time seeing him and the fact he wanted to come to see me.
Bob forgive me for not taking the day off and spending it with you or hugging you longer when you left or telling you how much I appreciate and love the man you are and how kind you have always been to me, a resort singer/musician.
I will forever be grateful to have had you in my life and for the kindness, you showed me.
I know I will see you another day my sweet friend and….I’ll bring the matches!
Smoke ‘Em if you got ‘em💫
Ronnie Johnson
