Former assemblyman Bergevin dies

Friday, Feb. 20, 1998 | 2:02 a.m.

RENO -- Former Douglas County Assemblyman Louis Bergevin, considered an expert in taxation, water and ranching issues, died Thursday in a Reno hospital.

He was 75.

Sen. Lawrence Jacobsen, R-Minden, a longtime friend of Bergevin's, said he had been in ill health for several months. Bergevin apparently fell at his home and hit his head on a table. He was flown to Washoe Medical Center in Reno, where he died.

"He was one of the best Assemblymen we ever had," Jacobsen said. "It (the death) shocked everyone. Although he had been in bad health for several months, he was up and around and had attended a water meeting recently in Lyon County."

Assemblyman John Marvel, R-Battle Mountain, said Bergevin "was one of the greatest legislators I ever worked with. He was an excellent tax man."

Marvel said Bergevin was known for his candor.

"You always knew where he stood. He always told the truth. He was up-front and very sincere."

Bergevin served in the Assembly from 1979 to 1991 when he retired. During those sessions, he served on the taxation committee several times. He was minority floor leader for the Republicans in the 1987 and 1989 sessions.

Prior to that, he was a member of the state Board of Education from 1961 to 1970. He had served on the Douglas County School Board before that.

Bergevin managed extensive ranch holdings in Douglas County and California and was a past president of the Nevada Cattleman's Association and was named Cattleman of the Year in 1971.

Born June 22, 1911 in Gardnerville, Bergevin attended local schools and the University of Nevada in Reno. He served in the Army Air Force from 1941 to 1946 in World War II.

Survivors include his wife Luetta; a son, Lee Bergevin of Reno; and a daughter, Jeanne Russell of Carson City.