Jay Chism Bergquist, 70

Jay Chism Bergquist, 70

Jay was born in Preston, Idaho, to Lee and Mary Bergquist. He was raised in this small farming community with his adopted sister Caroline and his older brother Ted. He is survived by his children: Erika, 47, Derek, 46, and Daks, 41. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Blake, 22, Dylan, 20 and Mason, 13.

Jay started college at ISU in Pocatello, Idaho, but after a year, decided it was not his cup of tea. He returned home for six months to work on a mink farm. After regrouping, he moved to Ogden, Utah, to attend Stevens Heneger Business College. There he graduated with a degree in Computer Science. While studying at Stevens Heneger, Jay worked as a stock broker at Kesko and Co. He was one of the youngest brokers in the state of Utah at that time.

Jay began work for Computer Hub in 1969 as a computer operator. After proving himself, Jay was made a partner in the company. He was able to help build Computer Hub into a successful company that has continued to grow and still operates today.

In 1970, Jay married Linda Kaye Crane. They had three children.

Boating was one of Jay's biggest passions in life. We have many fond memories of Jay sitting behind the steering wheel of his boat, listening to the Eagles and driving the beautiful calm waters of Lake Powell or Bear Lake. When Jay wasn't boating, he enjoyed camping and fishing.

Jay felt a strong pull to move to Idaho for a different environment and to be closer to his parents. They made the move to Rigby, Idaho, in 1981. Jay started a small one-man company in computer consulting. One of Jay's proudest moments was to join Apple Computer as a sales representative in 1983. Once again, Jay proved his remarkable abilities to work with technology and in 1984, Jay was promoted to the role of District Manager for Apple Computer. This promotion required him to move his family to Post Falls, Idaho.

After successfully proving himself with Apple Computer, Jay decided to branch out on his own again and created a technology consulting business called TNT Consulting. TNT grew and evolved into a Dental Computer Consulting firm with dentists from coast to coast.

Jay found great joy in becoming a grandfather. Jay loved taking the grandkids down to the river to feed the ducks or run remote-control boats. He liked to take the grandkids on what he called “Rump a Dump Art Tour.” Basically, a piggyback ride around the living room looking at different pictures. The grandkids remember elaborate Easter egg hunts in the forest in front of the house, Jay's great pancake breakfasts and his world-famous Grinch impression.

Jay entered the Good Samaritan Ranch in November of 2011 and graduated in January 2012. Jay gave his life to Jesus. He was determined that his life going forward would be in service to Jesus and Good Samaritan Rehabilitation. He walked away from computer consulting and followed his heart to become the Ranch Relapse Prevention teacher.

Jay adored his new purpose. He felt a strong commitment to all of the men and women he came into contact with and felt such joy at their progress and graduation.

Jay loved to teach about the universe. We bet it looks pretty small now looking down. He truly became a new man in Jesus.

Bell Tower Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.