A Nippon plant worker’s memorial drew a huge crowd. Other families are finding comfort through community support.
LONGVIEW, Wash. — More than 650 people packed Journey Adventist Church on Sunday to celebrate the life of Gilberto “Gilbert” Bernal, one of 11 workers killed in last week’s Nippon Dynawave disaster, as families across Longview continue to grieve and await answers about the cause of the accident.
The Sunday church crowd was so large that organizers opened an overflow room for attendees. Friends, family members and church leaders spent nearly two hours sharing stories about Bernal’s life, describing a man who mentored children, helped families through difficult times and made people feel welcome.
“I’ve known him for over 20 years,” Pastor Dan Hughes said. “I knew how much he had touched me. I know how much he touched our church family. I didn’t know how much he touched the whole community.”
Speakers recalled Bernal’s willingness to serve others, such as driving children to sports practices. Hughes said Bernal often volunteered his time to help maintain the church, including replacing lights around the property.
Bernal, 52, was among the workers killed Tuesday when a massive chemical storage tank imploded at the Nippon Dynawave paper mill in Longview. The disaster has become one of the deadliest industrial incidents in modern Washington state history.
The celebration of life was one of several gatherings held in the days following the disaster as the community rallied around affected families. Longview residents held prayer services, vigils, fundraisers and memorial events while recovery crews worked to locate and identify the victims.
The family of another victim, 51-year-old John Forsberg, released a statement Sunday thanking the Longview and Cowlitz County communities for their support.
“We want to thank the communities of Longview and Cowlitz County for the incredible support they have shown our family during this extraordinarily difficult time,” the family said. “The kindness, prayers, messages, financial support, and encouragement from so many people have meant more to us than words can express.”
Forsberg’s family said their focus remains on supporting his children, Zach and Margot, as they navigate the sudden loss of their father.
“As we continue to navigate this tragedy, we are asking for privacy as we focus on helping Zach and Margot through the sudden loss of their father,” the statement said.
The family added that they are closely following the ongoing investigation and, like many in the community, hope to learn more about what caused the disaster.
“Our hearts are also with the other families who lost loved ones, as well as those who were injured, displaced, or otherwise affected by this event,” the statement said.
At Bernal’s memorial, many speakers expressed a similar sentiment, emphasizing the close ties that connect Longview’s mill workers, churches and families.
“I think that’s just the power he found within himself, from within God,” Hughes said.
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