Erwin Bergquist

OXNARD, CALIF.—After a long battle with mesothelioma, Erwin Bergquist passed away here on Aug. 27 at age 76.

Bergquist was born Sept. 10, 1932 in Sherman Oaks, Calif., and served in the Navy before starting his career in the flooring industry in 1955.

He began as a flooring installer at Paterson Floor Coverings in Los Angeles, where he worked along side his future partner, Bill Paterson. In 1967, the two purchased the company from Paterson’s father, George, and, in that year, won a statewide contract to install flooring in portable classrooms up and down California. With the expansion of the business, Paterson went north to supervise affairs while Bergquist remained in Los Angeles.

Over time, Bergquist and Paterson developed the business, with an annual sales volume of approximately $10 million at its height. Paterson Floor Covering was the best labor shop in Los Angeles, said colleague Stan Bilchik, president of Stan Bilchik Carpet Co. “He was the nicest, kindest man in the world.”

Bergquist was well liked by his peers in the industry. “Erwin possessed a tremendous business sense, great judgement and fantastic people skills,” said Paterson.

“If you called for help at four in the morning, he’d be there. He was always there for everyone,” said Mira Becker, cofounder of Alexander Becker and a friend for 40 years.

Paterson Floor Covering was only part of Bergquist’s involvement in the industry. He was a charter member of the FCICA, and he served as its chairman from 1983 to 1984. As an installer, he was a member of the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades, Local 1247, and was a management contract negotiator as an owner. He also served on the Lee’s Carpet Technical Council.

In addition to possessing strong business skills, Engquist was creative. “He was a real innovator in the floor covering indutry, especially in the area of installation problem-solving,” Paterson.

On June 2, 1970, the U.S. Patent Office granted him a patent, No. 3,514,914, for the carpet cap strip, used to seal unfinished edging. Together, Paterson and Bergquist applied for several patents, said Steve Paterson, Bill’s son and current president of Paterson Floor Covering. “They were always inventing together.”

Bergquist was preceded in death by his wife Janelle, and is survived by his children Lynelle, Julie and Eric, his sisters Nancy Gerisher and Dorothy Burns and several grandchildren.

Memorial contributions can be made to Young Life Gold Coast, 123 W Padre St., Santa Barbara, Calif. 93105 and People to People Ministries, 1225 E Rosemeade Pkwy, Cararollton, Tex. 75007.