February 16, 1932 - December 6, 2024
In loving memory ~
We are sad to announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, opa, brother, uncle and friend. Bram was born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. He was predeceased by his lovely wife, our Mom (Ann DeWitt) in 2010. The eldest of eight children, Bram was also predeceased by his parents, and six of his siblings. He is survived and will be sadly missed by his children Ellen (Ian), Chris (Sharon), Marianne and Peter, three grandsons Andrew (Sonja), Jacob and Trevor, and two great grandsons Michael and Connor. He also leaves to mourn his youngest brother Andrew (Jeannie) in New Zealand; many nieces, nephews and three sisters-in-law in the Netherlands, Portugal, and New Zealand; his extended family, the DeWitts, who he always held fond memories of; and his special friend Anna.
Bram was 22 years old when he emigrated by himself from the Netherlands. He landed in Montreal with $40 in his pocket. It took another week before he arrived at his final destination which was Courtenay. It was on that very first night that he arrived in Courtenay that he met his future bride, our Mom. Two years later, in April of 1956, he took his bride back to the Netherlands for their honeymoon. Dad and Mom had a fantastic marriage. They loved to travel and went on many trips, and later enjoyed living on Parksville Beach. He held numerous jobs working as a tree planter, milkman, furniture/appliance salesman at Woolco and Fletchers. Dad and Mom opened a small appliance store in Harbour Park the day that the mall opened. Eventually they built Van's Furniture Gallery on Bowen Road where Scan Designs is now located.
Our Dad was a very loving devoted family man. He was supportive, generous, a gentleman and a Christian. With him his glass was always full. Despite the fact that he was legally blind after a small stroke, and also had limited hearing he would often say how blessed he was. Surrounded by his family, our Dad/Grandpa went peacefully to be with the Lord. The family would like to thank Dr. Swanson, the amazing nurses in Palliative care, and the staff and residents at Kiwanis for their love and care, with special mention to Shelley his care aid. At Bram's request there will be no service.
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