Memorable Manitobans: Hjalmar August Bergman (1881-1948)
Hjalmar August Bergman
Lawyer, judge.
Born at Gardar, North Dakota on 22 August 1881, of Icelandic parents, he received a BA degree from Luther College (Decorah, Iowa) at the age of 18 then, three years later, he graduated from the University of North Dakota Law School, winning a prize for highest standing in his class. He practiced law for a time in North Dakota then moved to Winnipeg in 1905, became a naturalized citizen, and was called to the Manitoba Bar. He was made a King's Counsel in 1920. He was appointed to the Manitoba Court of Appeal in March 1944.
He served as President of the Manitoba Bar Association (1929-1931) and also President (1943-1944) and Bencher (1931-1944) of the Law Society of Manitoba. In 1947 he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Manitoba for his long and distinguished service, as a member of the Board of Governors since 1932, Vice-Chairman (1934-1944), and Chairman (1944-1946).
He died at his Winnipeg home, 221 Ethelbert Street, on 20 January 1948 and was buried in the Brookside Cemetery.
"Mr. Justice Bergman dies Tuesday at 65," Winnipeg Free Press, 20 January 1948.
"A distinguished career closes," Winnipeg Free Press, 21 January 1948, page 15.
Page revised: 25 December 2019