Leigh H. Berglund of Sag Harbor, known to many as “Whopper,” died in his sleep on February 14. He was 57.
Mr. Berglund grew up in Southampton and Bridgehampton. After high school, he graduated from VoTech school in Colorado and was self-employed as a welder and diesel mechanic for many years. At the time of his death, he was semi-retired.
He had been an avid fisherman and boat captain of “The Whopper.” Survivors said he loved catching giant tuna and sharks and was most happy when he was fishing out on the bay or the ocean. He also enjoyed flying electric planes with a group of his friends. He loved his adventures and telling stories about them, his survivors said, adding that Mr. Berglund was known as an extremely kind, polite and loving man with a heart of gold who was willing and ready to help whomever he could. They also said he was an easygoing and uncomplicated man who loved and gave great affection to his wife, Eva. He had many friends for whom he cared deeply and who, in turn, supported and cared for him too.
He was the last surviving male of his family. His father, Leigh H. Berglund, died in May 2013; his older brother, Nils, died in December 2013; and his mother, Gertrude Okerstrom, died in 1993. He is survived by his wife, Eva, whom he had been with since 1999.
Memorial services were held on February 22 at the O’Connell Funeral Home in Southampton, followed by a reception in Water Mill.