Fred Bergman, 94, Founded Well-Known Luggage Stores

When Fred H. Bergman started out in the retail luggage business in 1927, the concept of discount retail stores and direct wholesaler-to-consumer merchandising was still novel.

But it was a concept Bergman was convinced had a future.

During his earlier business career, Mr. Bergman operated luggage manufacturing and menswear outlets in the Seattle area. He later became the guiding force behind the well-known Bergman Luggage business here.

The longtime business and local Jewish community leader died on Saturday at his Seattle home. He was 94. A service was to be today at Bikur Cholim Cemetery.

Born in Kovol, Poland, Mr. Bergman came to the United States with his family in 1909, settling in Portland. Two years later, the family moved to Seattle's Capitol Hill. Mr. Bergman was a 1916 graduate of the old Broadway High School there.

As a young man, he worked in Alaska canneries and aboard fishing vessels operated by his father, Henry Bergman, during summer vacations.

In the 1920s, after serving two years in the Navy during World War I, he started selling clothing.

"He and his brother tried a store in Ballard and in Snohomish. But then later he just specialized in luggage," said his youngest son, Dr. Abraham Bergman of Seattle.

The original Bergman Luggage was opened in the Pioneer Square area, then later moved uptown.

"He was a very old-fashioned business man. Personal service meant a great deal to him, and he really believed in the look-in-the-eye and the handshake" method of business, Dr. Abe Bergman said of his father.

After nearly three decades in the business, he sold out to his brother-in-law, Simon Hurwitz.

In his retirement from active business in 1956, Mr. Bergman pursued several interests. Until two years ago, he regularly audited history courses at the University of Washington.

"His two passionate interests were Jewish education and working toward the establishment of a Jewish homeland in what is now Israel," said Dr. Abe Bergman.

The elder Mr. Bergman had an interest in local politics, and as a lifelong Democrat was involved in numerous campaigns, his son said.

He served as president of the Seattle Lodge of B'nai Brith and president of the Seattle District of the Zionist Organization of America. He was a founder of the Seattle Talmud Torah, which later became the Seattle Hebrew Academy.

He also served many years as secretary of Congregation Bikur Cholim. In later years he was active in Congregation Emanuel, serving as a cantor.

Mr. Bergman was a member of the American Legion and served as a captain in Seattle's Civil Defense Organization during World War II.

Besides his youngest son, he is survived by his wife of 67 years, Minnie, and by another son, Dr. Elihu Bergman of Washington, D.C. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, a great-grandchild and a sister, Margaret Calkin of Los Angeles.