Tony Terich

It is Sunday, May 24, 2009. A few minutes ago my wife asked me to look up Dan and see what he was up to. Upon opening the Sail Papa website, I was shocked and saddened to learn of his passing. In the summer of 2006, my wife and I had a trip to Seattle planned, like we often did, to visit two of our sons and daughter-in-law. My wife, Ellen, asked me if I could arrange a sail for all of us on the Sound while we were there. I was fortunate enough to hook up with Dan. We had the most fantastic evening. We will remember the evening and, of course, Dan (how could anyone forget him!) forever.

Tony Terich
aj.terich1@verizon.net
aj.terich1@tmo.blackberry.net

Colin Moffat

I met Dan at the Airline Ski Races in '92. I was Dan's Part time Roommate '97-99 commuting out of SF until my wife and I moved to PC summer of '99. Dan turned me on to Mountain Biking and was cohort (accomplice) on numerous adventures........

I have lost a kindred spirit and a great friend.

A blazing meteor has vanished over the western horizon. Dan was “core”— a no frills master of his own universe. A universe not without its demons, and yet in this arena, Dan confronted them head on and fought valiantly. An Obi-Wan — Zen knight with a snowboard, who never gave a second thought about convention. Those who knew him, knew he was no stranger to the edge, but in the end gave it respect. Ironic as this should have been written a decade or two ago… and just when he seemed to be settling ito his groove… fate paid an early visit to this voyager of the spirit. A Naval Grad and fighter pilot from the era of the so-called “Evil Empire“... He grabbed on to the so-called ”Good life” as an airline pilot… but was never satisfied or content with the mundane. Competitive to the core: He won a lot of ski races and stashed his trophies in his “snake infested shack” on the side of the mountain. He lived without pretense and skied hard until he blew out his knee and eventually his back …but even this couldn't keep him down. A coach and a mentor to many upcoming champions or at the least…. enlightened disciples. There were several whom he loved but could never bridge the personal crevasses of his inner glaciers, for beneath the lava was still flowing and molten: And thus they came and went …. and for the longest time he was the charming-hermit-monk. Ironic but in the end…this lava was forming into solid rock. No Stranger to the Himalayas, the Andes, and the Cascades, he still found refuge dwelling in the Wasatch and on the shores of Puget Sound. His “Papa” was a beacon and a true inspiration to him, and his father’s passing gave him a renewed perspective on what was important. From my perspective this had a profound transformational effect on his outlook. He traded out “ the Aluminum Sky Machine life” on a technicality and transformed this to return to his seaside roots. In a Vessel name “Papa II”, he sailed the tropics on up to and through the cold waters of the inside passage. Experiencing communion with Dolphins from Kuna Yala, Mexico and San Diego, his weekly quips served as a reminder to the rest of us that his life was going full throttle into his next amazing chapter. Damm the torpedoes… and the unfortunate rocky shoal incident …. A reminder to him that there always is a price we must all pay… for making our dreams come true. A true dharma bum up to the end, the enlightened rouge who loved nothing more than to lead others out of their dark cocoon into the light , even if the sting of transition was painful…. We will never forget his weathered face, childlike boyish grin of a smile, and intense sparkling blue eyes. He was full of life, and I can only imagine how he kited off into the storm to be enveloped in the torrent. Quenched like a red hot iron in a pail of water. After the storm the sun always comes out again. just this time Captain Delta Dan has sailed on to the other side of the Sunsets Neon Rust…

I wrote this flying back from Europe after hearing of Dan’s Passing.

Evening of 10 Dec 2007. Just Back form Dan’s Park City Memorial

I barely kept my composure at the Mass. Never thought Bergin could pack a Church.

Having to take my two young daughters on to their afternoon programs……

I missed my impromptu moment to toss out my thoughts at Dan’s Park City NAC reception and made a fast hurried quip in some autograph book. Just as well…..

As I look back on a great friend and a favorite character, I’m grateful I had time to share with this guy for the last decade and a half. Dan was truly inspirational. In his earlier years, he could be labeled as a much better friend than a husband or a boyfriend … although in the end I suspect he had exorcised his demons and was probably ready to settle down. He would have been a great father... In reflection, Dan had the knack to expand our horizons. He will not soon be forgotten. His true friends will always remember the great adventures that he inspired or partook with us.

Like that Blazing Meteor … we can always remember his influence … like an intense sparkling light fading… but still etched permanently into our collective memories.

We will miss you bud, bro, dude, Amigo!

Namaste………….

Respect - Love - Friendship

Colin Moffat
(former fighter pilot USAFA ‘83)
(former inhabitant of the snake pit)
(friend of Dan’s)

PS: When the sun breaks out of the clouds on top of that windswept peek looking down on to a field of spangling powder….
With the rushing descent on a mountain bike thru the golden blankets of Aspen leaves when the light is just right….
On a down wind run, sunshine on your back, cool breeze blowing thru your hair, the cocktail ice clinking, and waves gently caressing the bow. The dolphins dancing to the Starboard in loose formation….

You’re there Bro!

PPS: Bergin was Cool.

Lou Siegel

Dan was a great spirit with a heart for adventure the size of the Queen Mary.
He will be missed and remembered.

lou siegel, (another flyer, ski teacher, sailor)

Matthew Zarit

My condolences to Dan's family and loved ones. I met
Dan in Park City around 2001, and I was his
chiropractor from 2003. He was a wonderful, giving
person and will be deeply missed.

Matthew Zarit, D.C.

Amy Bergin

April 2005 – teaching Molly how to drive Grandma Doc’s boat


November 2003 – meeting for dinner on a flight layover in Atlanta.


Oh how he loved our kids…


Summer 2003 – the bond of family can never be broken (Dan, Mike, Patti, Tim)

I am Dan’s sister in law, married to Mike and when Dan came to our house believe it or not he rested. Our home in North Atlanta was his home away from home during flight layovers and training with Delta Airlines. Often we did not know he was coming until the day or hour he arrived but we always made the trip to pick him up at MARTA. It was a great adventure for our kids to go pick up their Uncle Dan. He preferred to stay at our house over a hotel even though we lived 2 hours from the airport and we loved the surprise visits. Often he would be jet lagged and would hole up in the basement, sleep, soak in our hot tub and do his yoga and stretching. His flight bag now rests in our dining room and it feels like he will emerge from the basement looking for breakfast scraps and take over the blender mixing up something interesting. We all deeply miss him this holiday season.

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. Psalm 62:5

Ann Wheelan

I have been away for a few months training with the military, and just got home to hear of Dan's death. What a man! So full of life. He taught me so much about how to live..about truth..about facing your darkest fears. He had a lot to do with the person I have become..all the good parts. The best way to remember and honor such a wonderful spirit is to try to live as he did. My heart goes out to everyone who had the privilege of knowing this soul. Our world is darker without him.

"It is the experience of living that is important; not searching for meaning. We bring meaning by how we love the world."
~ Bernie S. Siegel

I miss you Dan.
love,
Ann Wheelan

Virginia Bergin MacKenzie

Thank you all so much for the kind words about my son Dan. I can't tell you how much it means to me and to my other children.

I guess I knew him longer than anyone. For some reason, I keep thinking about what he was like as a bright, healthy and happy little boy.

The attached picture is surely one you haven't seen. This was our Christmas card when he was a year old, before he was joined by his sister Patti, and his brothers Mike and Tim. He was always smiling then too. What joy he brought to everyone he met. As hard as this is for me, my Faith is strong. I know God has His reasons. It is not for us to question them. Dan was only loaned to me for a time and I have to give him back to God whether I want to or not. It is simply God's will.

Patti's comment was priceless. I told her that Dan would probably have to spend some time in Purgatory. He had some "making up" to do.
She answered, "Mom, don't worry about Dan. He talked his way through the gate two days ago". He would want me to say to you - Stay Happy.

Peace and all good

Virginia Bergin MacKenzie

Dean Pappas ~ Impact Trainings

How many hearts can one person touch in one lifetime?
Dan was an exceptional person touching so very many.

All the members of Impact Trainings have expressed their love and support for Dan's family and all his close friends, and asked me to pass on their heartfelt admiration for the being Dan manifested, through all of his trainings.

I have not yet experienced enlightenment trainings but did experience Dan at Impact Trainings and in the Awakening, which he introduced me to.

He is a fine spirit, a true mentor, generous and open, and his inspiration will live on in so many hearts.

Love and LIght to all.

Dean Pappas
LO 180

R. Briggs

I was shocked to read the sad news about Capt Dan on his website. He helped crew on my boat Present Moment on a trip from SF to Dana Point about this time last year. We all learned more about sailing from Dan on that short trip than all our previous combined experiences. He was a great shipmate and even better sailor's teacher and I'll miss him and his adventures. I though you might enjoy the attached photo of Dan directing one of his shipmates.

Sadly,
R. Briggs
S/V Present Moment

Stephen Beck

My friend Edrid wrote me last Friday and asked if I had heard the news about Dan's death. I was shocked yes, but mostly deeply saddened...

I did not know Dan well, as an Enlightenment Intensive is not a place really where one gets to visit with another. Three years ago though, I waited with others for a man at the Ontario airport, whom they were all calling Delta Dan to arrive. His plane was late but hs story upon meeting him was better - "it was an incredible snow storm in Utah. I canceled my first plane reservation so I could go out and ski all day. It was incredible powder. Perhaps the best day of skiing ever! I drove through an incredible traffic jam because of the snow just making it to the airport"... I sat there in the car as we drove up the mountain thinking, "God, what a neat guy!" His behavior and passion as he followed his question at the Enlightenment Intensive did not betray this assessment...

As a surfer, one looks for two things in a surfing partner. One who will watch out after them if they get in trouble. Second, for some who will push the experience of the surfing day to its limit, not chance taking - no! but of another who will make this day in the ocean the most incredible experience and joy at being alive on this day. I experienced that spirit in Dan, and from reading the post of others, so did everyone else who has written...

It would easy for the casual observer - and wrong!!! to think of Dan as a risk taker, that somehow his pursuit of his passions somehow lead to his untimely demise. Anyone who has sailed extensively, like I have, or those of you who fly, know that reckless people don't last too long against the bigness of the elements. From all with who i have talked, Dan an was not a risk taker but someone who reached with his passion into the experience of life as he saw to live it...

There is a love poem that has been playing over in my head since I heard of his death and line "love is not for the weak of heart". Dan had a "big heart" that called him constantly back to the things he loved to do, to the ocean...

I'll see you at the beach Dan - and then well see where the day takes us from there:-)))...

My love and prayers go out to Dan's family to his friends...

With Respect and Love,


SALT

I awaken,
the taste of salt across my lips,
the smell of the shared earth
rising in the space between us,

folding into the cotton landscape
of the silent womb that contains us,
two separate bodies
floating

together
in a sea of surrender.

Outside
I can hear
the roar of the ocean
as it breaks across the beach,

its white pilgrims singing
as they reach the promised shore
where they collapse in a quiet kiss
and surrender to the earth their treasure -

and to fate,
as the steady hand of the undertow
pulls their lost forms back into the sea.

I love you like no other!

Still
I can feel my soul
being pulled with them
into the emerald sheets of the sea,

across the salty down of jade, as I am
delivered into the currents of a larger will -
alone,

loves final request,
I surrender all claims to you
and yield the salt on my lips
back to the sea.

***
Our love is a swell of hunger and sand,
born in the salt of our wanderings,
blessed in the currents of all to which we surrender.

***

In the morning
we will wake together
our skin still blushing in the fire
of soft almond and rose,

the hunger of our bellies
swelling in the braided air of moss
and salt that pulls us back to the beach,

its ashen face
puckering in the continual kisses of brine ,
happy to be walking in two worlds -
for it is simply not enough to love another person,
as to be wild and human is to love all that is offered in that space
between.

Down the beach
I see a gull rising into the wind,
its proud beak bursting with salty treasure
that it carries back over the ocean -
and I can see that love is not for the weak of heart,

yet from within
the ocean's thunderous chants
I hear it calling everyone to embrace all that is offered in this day,

smiling at the wisdom of its own surrender
it releases a small shell from between its glistening lips -
a once cherished kiss

surrendered to the currents -
a salty diamond from a shared soul
waiting on the shore to find us.

Stephen Beck

Brad Stock

Dan, my friend. I spoke to Dan only weeks before his passing, after losing touch with him for some time. I was glad to re-connect with him. I was also shocked to hear of his passing. I would not have known of his passing for some time had i not serendipitously bumped into one of his closest friends last week at Guitar Center.

I was very happy to hear that he was in love and living his life to his fullest potential. Dan was a beautiful friend: optimistic, supportive, bold, fearless, and always greeting with a beautiful smile. Dan and I spent a lot of time together in Salt Lake, in the mountains, and at his Park City home. We spoke of being soul brothers of sorts, sharing many of the same struggles, hopes, and dreams, and Dan's spirit remains in my heart as it does in so many others. Even in his darkest times his light showed so brightly into the world. My condolences go out to Dan's family and closest friends. I miss you, Dan, but I am very happy that you were happy, and doing what you love, when you died.

Love,

Brad

Stacy Sipinen

My condolences, love and support go out to Dan's friends and family. I was Dan's sister-in-law for several years. His light was such a bright one, and he will be missed by so many. Dan inspired us to live life to its fullest, and to find the adventure, passion, and enthusiasm in all that we do.

I had the opportunity to ski with Dan a couple times, and experience his patient teachings. He saw me struggling and working so hard to get the courage to just point my skis downhill. After some time, he finally said 'Just go! Just have fun! Think of Jimmy Buffet and Margaritaville!' Suddenly my fear melted away and I started enjoying the challenge.

At our wedding in 1993, would Dan be found taking pictures with his feet on the earth, like the rest of us? Absoulutely not! He scrambled to the nearest tall tree to get the viewpoint he wanted. We had some great photos that day, and a special one of Dan in that tree that to me captures Dan's spirit.

We love you, Delta Dan!

Susan Nettleship

It was only a month ago that Captain Dan attended our own "Cast Off" party...as always with a big smile and best wishes. He was "as good as they get"!... and always a good story to tell too! We met him, the intrepid adventurer, in Port Hardy this last July...after his famous date with the rock. After our own long passage from Kodiak, we were delighted to meet up with another adventurer which lead to a number of dinners and late evenings which included a lot of laughing. We will always think of Dan with a smile and will toast him when we cross the equator...and to all intrepid sailors!

Fair Winds _/), Suzan Nettleship and Michael Bell, s/v MaaMalni

Maurice "Mike" Cloutier

So very sorry to hear about Dan's passing. My condolences to all the family and friends. Dan and I flew many trips for Delta Airline out of Salt Lake City, as well as mountain bike rides and hikes. It was always a pleasure to have Dan on board. He invariably added a lot of humor and camaraderie and support to any event. “Good Man!”, pretty well sums it up.

Maurice "Mike" Cloutier ~ Delta Retired

The Spizman Family

While we did not know Captain Dan, we know Amy and Mike Bergin, Dan's brother and sister-in-law very well. They are two of the most wonderful, kind-hearted sincere people you could ever meet. All of us in Atlanta who are extended and adoring friends of your family send our deepest condolences during this tragic loss. Dan obviously lived a heroic life doing what he passionately loved the most. While we never knew him, you could simply see the way he loved life. To the entire Bergin family - you are all in our prayers during this difficult time and we send our deepest sorrow to you. May Dan's blessed memory bring you comfort as time passes.

The Spizman Family

Susan Stevenson

It is difficult to accept Dan's passing, perhaps looking at how fragile life is. Dan has been my husband's best friend over the last eight years. We live in Salt Lake and Dan always checked in with us when he was in town over the recent years while he was off on sailing adventures. It was always fun catching up with him. His warmth, giddiness, sense of humor and generosity was always present and enjoyed. Dan watched as we had children and was always so sweet with the kids. The kids got so excited when they heard that Dan was coming over. Our youngest, Graeme, asked about Dan the day before his accident and said "I want to see Dan." Whenever Dan came over Graeme would immediately go into overdrive and start doing lots of jumps and generally just showing his boy stuff to Dan, more so with Dan than when other guests came over. Dan simply brought out Graeme's yang energy and it was really fun to watch. Just something about Dan. Aside from all of his accomplishments, Dan was always willing to help anyone in need, whether by lending and ear, teaching/coaching someone to ski, or using his house as a landing pad. He gave back with whatever he had to offer. I will always remember his warm and generous spirit. Thanks Dan. Love, Susan

Susan Johannes

I met Dan several years ago. He was visitor to my home. I don't think I've ever known anyone so enthusiastic and ready to share his knowledge. He was fun and spontaneous.
He will be missed very much by all who loved him.

Susan Johannes

M Liljen

I had the opportunity to sail with Dan from Astoria, Oregon to Seattle aboard PAPA I last year. In the short time I knew Dan he left an everlasting impression on me, and it was an experience I will never forget. He helped me live my life, and complete a dream.

Captain Dan you will be missed.

The Moores

Here are a couple picture from our family album. Dan was our daughter's ski coach at the National Ability Center in Park City. We were very sad to hear the news. From, AJ's family, The Moores

Osha Reader

I was saddened to hear yesterday of our friend Dan's passing. He was an intense explorer of the inner and outer worlds and I was honored to work with him at Intensives over many years. Godspeed to you in your passage, Dan, and my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May you be blessed with his presence in your hearts always.

With love,

Osha Reader

Puget Sound Kiteboarding Association

The Puget Sound Kiteboarding Association wants to extend to you, the family of Dan Bergin, our deepest sympathies for your recent tragic loss. We would like you to know that our community of several hundred individuals has Dan and you in our thoughts and prayers.

With deepest sympathies,

PSKite.org

Robert Dow

Dan was a good friend and this loss is difficult to accept. We met when I moved to Utah eight years ago and immediately became close. I've never met anyone like him and am proud to have known him as my friend. Not long after we met we climbed Mt Shasta together and in a small cabin on the lower flank of the mountain before we went up there was a discussion about meditation and he said, "Show me how, let's do it right now!". He took off like a rocket and continued to pursue his inner work with the same zeal and focus that he applied to mountain climbing, and everything else in his life. We did Enlightenment Intensives, went to the Zen Center and chanted with Tibetan monks. I was always amazed at his capacity, openness, and tenacity not to give up until he got "it". On Mt Shasta the next day these qualities were evident. The wind was so strong that he couldn't carry his snowboard sticking up out of the pack like a sail and attached it to a cord that dragged it behind him. Other people heading up that day thought it was kind of nuts and I didn't understand why he needed a snowboard to climb a mountain. But that was Dan, always a few steps ahead with a plan for more adventure. The wind flattened our tents around us during the night at base camp and in the morning everyone elected to head down except him. He was focused and intent, said the weather would be clear and calm by early afternoon and took off with the snowboard dragging behind him. He was the only person to summit that day and when checking in with our radios he described how clear and beautiful it was at the top, marveling at the fact of being there alone, a rare thing on such a heavily climbed mountain. I headed back down to the car and it wasn't long before Dan came sliding along. Being early summer the snow was still there and he had boarded from the very top to the car. His face was red from the elements, he had a grin like a Cheshire cat and I was in awe.

I received so much from having Dan in my life. He was the best man at my wedding and will always be the best man I ever knew. I am just so sad, and, as grief is praise, I laud you well my friend. I saw you, you lived a good life, and you were beautiful.

Love,

Robert

Steven Morrison

From your brothers of VAQ 141 Shadowhawks. It was a privilege and honor to serve our country with you in the United States Navy.
This past summer we were all reunited for our 20 year reunion and you were able to attend just finishing your voyage back from Venezuela. Bringing Papa 2 to her home in the great northwest.
You will always be in our thoughts. Your honor will always be preserved as a Plankonwer of VAQ 141. Rest Easy Brother!!!

Day is done,
Gone the sun,
From the lakes,
From the hills,
From the sky.
All is well,
Safely rest,
God is nigh.

Larry Schultz

Some of my happiest moments sailing have been with Dan. In the last few years I took two trips with him to Vancouver and was planning to help him deliver a boat (Ithaka) down the East Coast starting November 10th. I have my own brother Daniel who is a bit of an adventurer so the time with your Dan was almost second nature. Dan attended his squadron reunion and also met his girlfriend "Moe" Farley on the last trip we took to Vancouver in June. Here are a couple pictures from that trip. I will miss him greatly.

Larry Schultz

Gabriela Bergin

I still cannot believe this has happened. We'll miss you very much Dan. He was such a great brother in law. Very sociable and funny.

Thank you Dan for been so nice to me. I will always remember you, I will be praying for you.
Love

Gaby

Meagan Randall

The heart wrenching news started to unravel for me on Saturday. I had heard the news of the wind sailor on Lake Washington last week. I Opened the paper on Saturday morning to see that they had released the name of the person involved. I gasped. No. It couldn’t be THE Dan Bergin. This article said he was of Seattle, Dan was technically out of Park City. Not the same guy. I’m certain of it. I went over in my head that I should give him a call and when he answered, we’d laugh and I’d be relieved that he was okay. I went to my son’s soccer game on Sunday and brought up the story. “Not the same guy” I was told. “This guy was a pilot.” My heart hit the floor. Dan was a pilot. The tears started flowing. No! No! No!
I googled the article when I returned home. I’ve cried off and on since. I just saw him at the boat show. He came up to my booth, gave me a great big hug, smiled his perfect happy smile. Shorts, flip flops, cockle shells around his neck. The quintessential Capt. Dan.
The quote on his home page is one I have cut out and put on my bulletin board. He seemed to truly live his life authentically. More so than I’ve seen of others.
He was encouraging a trip aboard Papa II to Alaska with my two boys. He talked about what he would show them. Life experience. Nature.
I will miss you so.
I won’t forget you.
You brought something to my life and made it richer. Thank you.

Meagan Randall
Seacoast Marine Finance
206.784.7773

Raymond Tolen

These photos were taken from the squadron reunion at

Whidbey Island this last June by me. We had a great
time getting back together after all these years. I will
always remember the good times we had.

Brock Palmer

Each time I think I have accepted Dan’s passing via the concepts of “no loss ever” and “death is not the end”, some thought or feeling rises up and I am overwhelmed with emotional

saddness. Regardless of one’s Divinity and the reality of Dan’s love and presence being in my heart, I am forced to face my humanness, Dan’s humanness, the fraility of life. I thought of Dan as being indestructible; I suppose most of us think of ourselves and the ones we love as being indestructible. The reality of impermanence in spite of the Reality of an ongoing, never ending continuation of love is befuddling to the mind. I’m not ready to say goodbye to you Dan. I will be with you, in contact with you for now. It cannot be otherwise. with love, Brock

Scott Appleman

I was at work today when I received an email from Katrina Garske. I could tell by the tone I was about to be informed of some terrible news. I wanted to stop and rewind the email to obtain a different outcome but I could not. My worst fears were realized; a good friend was gone. I first met Dan at Snowbird when he approached me with the idea of hosting a NAASF (North American Airlines Ski Federation) ski week at Snowbird. That was 2001. Since then, I got to know Dan better. We skied (he snowboarded, too) at Snowbird and at Jackson Hole together and he kept telling me about his sailing adventures which enthralled me. I grew up sailing Fireballs on Long Island Sound and wanted to return to the ocean and do some long-distance sailing. I followed his most recent journey from Venezuela to Seattle online and reveled in his lyrical musings of life on the water. We crossed paths in the Salt Lake airport on October 4th; I was headed to Ft. Lauderdale to attend a ski show and he was off to Seattle to refit Papa II. We briefly discussed his plans to visit the Galapagos the following year, I had just returned. I so wanted to sail with Dan and visit ports both near and far. A more kindred spirit I know not.

Fair thee well my friend!

Scott Appleman

Annie Coombs

We shared many hours over the years, and I always admired his abundant passion for life, living full-blown on the edge at any given time, fearlessly questing and ceaselessly questioning. His captain's log for Papa II was always a delight to track. How perfect that his pushing the envelope should lead him on to the Next One! I'm sure Dan is exploring and exploding the limits of wherever he is now!!!

My sincere condolences to Dan's family, friends, and loved ones. His vibrant joie de vivre and infectious grin will most definitely be missed. We should save a cushion for him at the next EI.

Sent with Love,
Annie Combs

Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Daniel Bergin "would teach others how to live to the fullest."


Daniel Bergin, 1960-2007: He had a passion for adventure
By BRAD WONG
P-I REPORTER

When he was not flying jets for Delta Air Lines, climbing mountains or skiing the slopes, outdoor enthusiast Daniel Bergin could often be found sailing on Puget Sound.

The 6-foot Navy veteran also could have kept his stellar skills and passion for adventure to himself. Instead, he shared both with others.

Family and friends on Friday mourned the 46-year- old's drowning death, a day after Seattle police reported that he was kite boarding on Lake Washington during high winds and was found in the water.

His girlfriend, Seattle resident Maureen Farley, said she kissed him goodbye before he went to the lake. The two looked up at the gusting wind.

"I said, 'Have a great day, and I'll see you for dinner,' " the 37-year-old Farley recalled, adding that he had the most "beautiful blue eyes."

Known as "Captain Dan," Bergin excelled at reaching goals only few could imagine. He climbed Mount Rainier five times, sailed internationally and made 300 landings on aircraft carriers as a Navy pilot.

He also went around the world with the Navy and taught sailing at the Shilshole Bay Marina. "He was big-hearted. He wanted to share his dream and bring others into experiencing something," Farley said.

"He would teach others how to live to the fullest."

A resident of Park City, Utah, Bergin was temporarily living in Seattle as part of an around-the-world sailing trip. This year, he had sailed his boat, a 53-foot ketch named PAPA II, from Venezuela to Seattle.

He named the boat after his father, a former Navy officer who taught him to sail, and was preparing to continue the trip next year. He wanted to visit places such as Mexico and the Galapagos Islands.

Greg Norwine, chief executive of Windworks Sailing Center in Seattle, became friends with Bergin in 2001 and hired him to teach adult students.

"He is probably one of the most enthusiastic sailors that I've known in a long time," Norwine said.

"He pursued his dream by putting his career (as a commercial jet pilot) on hold and sailing around the world."

Bergin was born Nov. 18, 1960, in Rochester, N.Y. His love for the water started when he was a boy, and he enjoyed sailing on lakes in Upstate New York.

After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1982, he moved to the Northwest and was stationed on Whidbey Island as an EA-6B pilot. There, he loved dining on clams and crabs.

For a time, he lived in Maple Valley and taught skiing at Crystal Mountain. Later, he moved to Utah.

His humor is apparent on his personal Web site. On his sailing trips, he often took relatives, friends and clients. On a photo near his French-made boat he wrote: "Just bring your toothbrush and a smile!!!"

And Farley recalled one saying on his site that she will remember forever: "I will guide you safely to have the best experience of your life."

Bergin is also survived by his mother, Virginia MacKenzie, of South Carolina, brothers Mike Bergin of Georgia and Tim Bergin of Florida, and sister Patty Bedard of New York.

P-I reporter Brad Wong can be reached at 206-448-8137 or bradwong@seattlepi.com.

Tony Chor

I just got some horrible news. In the big windstorm we had yesterday, a kiteboarder died on Lake Washington; the victim was Dan Bergin, skipper of Papa, the boat I sailed on last September. Apparently, it was a freak accident, but I don't have more details. I'm in a bit of shock. I just saw Dan a few weeks ago at the Seattle Boats Afloat Show. He told me about his new boat, and we were trying to find a good time to go see it.

I really respect Dan and the way he lived his life. He was an Annapolis graduate who served our country flying EA-6B Prowlers off of carriers, flew for Delta Airlines, and then left all of that to pursue his passions of skiing and sailing. He really enjoyed life and people; he was fun and irreverent most of the time, serious and professional when needed. It's fitting that he was doing something he truly loved until the very end. In the talk he gave about long distance cruising at the Boats Afloat Show he reminded everyone to actively pursue their dreams. He did. It was a good reminder for us all.

I'm glad we met and am sad I didn't know him better. I will try to live a little more like Dan every day. Rest easy, Captain Dan.