Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 12:00 a.m.
Harry Brummelhuis
1934 – 2024
He was born on the family farm Boswinkel in Holland on March 16, 1934. Dad’s journey from Holland to Canada in 1956 was an adventure in itself. He took the ship “The Grote Beer” to Montreal and eventually made his way across Canada by train. He started as a hired hand for Jules & Lucien Claeys farm in Vauxhall and eventually bought the farm and farmed there for over 40 years.
He was born on the family farm Boswinkel in Holland on March 16, 1934. Dad’s journey from Holland to Canada in 1956 was an adventure in itself. He took the ship “The Grote Beer” to Montreal and eventually made his way across Canada by train. He started as a hired hand for Jules & Lucien Claeys farm in Vauxhall and eventually bought the farm and farmed there for over 40 years.
His motto, “It could be worse,” epitomized his optimistic outlook on life.
Dad wasn’t just an optimist; he was also a realist who believed in hard work and perseverance. He was tough as nails. Dad was a great neighbour and never said “No” to helping anyone. His kindness and willingness to lend a hand were hallmarks of his character.
Dad volunteered for many organizations. He was a member of the Vauxhall Agriculture Society for over 60 years. He loved attending the conventions with the local members. Dad enthusiastically belonged to the Knight’s of Columbus and the Fourth Degree. He was a board director for Equs and the Soft Wheat Association for many years. Dad was also proud to call himself a Liberal amongst the sea of blue. And with his optimistic viewpoint, always thought there would be a chance of a Liberal win in our area.
He was an extraordinary man who always encouraged us and believed that children could achieve anything they set their minds to. He was a farmer who loved his work passionately and continued farming well into his 80s. Even in his later years, Dad would put in 12-hour shifts during beet harvest, finding joy and purpose in every moment.
Dad was easygoing, and people rarely saw him angry. His calm demeanour and positive attitude were a source of strength for all of us.
Dad loved people and adventure. He traveled to places like Brazil, China, and Africa. Dad and Mom had their own adventures in Egypt, Cuba, Holland, Croatia, Portugal, Qatar, New Zealand, South Africa and Galapagos. He had a unique ability to connect with everyone he met, regardless of their status in life.
Harry will be missed by family members: Annie, Matilda and Frank, Corrie, Henk, and Diny, and many nieces and nephews that he loved visiting in Canada and Holland, as well as by his friend of 70 plus years, Gerry.
He will be especially missed by his wife of 64 years, Siny, along with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; Ingrid, Cynthia, Bev, Debbie & Ed, Anthony & Tara, Bruce & Debbie, Amy & Dustin, Jesse & Jenny, Mitchell & Carissa, Mack & Makayla, Carmen & Nick, Jessica & Garrison, Malia, Tanner, Grayson & Maddie, Kiano, Raevyne, Marcus, Mason, Brynlee, Miya, Casey, Taryn, Tatum, Rylie, Sloane, Cooper, Stella and Hailey.
We will miss you, Dad, Opa, more than words can express. Your legacy will live on in our hearts and in the many lives you touched. Rest in peace.
We have many people involved in Mom and Dad’s lives that we need to thank for being part of their lives. We especially want to thank our angel, Lisa, who was added to our family 7 years ago. She has been a blessing to Mom and Dad’s lives as well as our entire family. We lovingly call her the favourite child.
We also would like to thank our entire team of Home Care Givers while Mom and Dad lived in Vauxhall. Each of them brought something special to their lives. A special thank you to the wonderful staff at Linden View. Also, thank you to Carla from the Palliative Team. We can’t thank the staff at the Taber Hospital enough that gave Dad and us so much comfort. We would also like to thank Bailey Balog NP, Home Care Nurses and Dr. Majiet for their caring support.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Canadian Cancer Society (cancer.ca), Diabetes Canada (diabetes.ca), Alzheimer Society (Alzheimer.ca) or a charity of your choice.
A Prayer Vigil will be held at ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 328 2 Avenue, Vauxhall, AB, on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 7:00 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC CHURCH on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. Both the Prayer Vigil and Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Harry’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Following the Funeral Service, Harry will be laid to rest in the Vauxhall Cemetery.
Guestbook (16)
Share a memory or send a tribute in memory of Harry.
In learning of Harry’s passing, I think of who he was, and it puts a big old smile on my face. Indeed he was tough as nails, and yet, I also felt his love for life exude in the way he shared his love for his family, friends & adventurous outlook on life! Upon visiting his home, I always felt welcome & enjoyed hearing his stories. Cynthia, has also shared some personal stories of her adventures with her dad; they never failed to make me laugh. The people whose hearts he touched are better for having Harry in their lives. And yes, his presence on this earthly planet will be missed by many.
Dear Brummelhuis Family, our deepest condolences on the loss of your Dad (Opa). I was able to watch the service online today and it was so beautiful! The Eulogy from 3 of the grandchildren was especially touching. I laughed and I cried, such wonderful memories of such an amazing man. My parents will be especially happy to see Harry when he crosses the pearly gates, it will be a fantastic reunion! I am very thankful that our family has such a good relationship with your wonderful family! I will never forget Harry, he certainly had a most positive optimistic attitude to life, which is something we should all strive for. Love and Hugs from Marla and Ron Forth and family.
Dear Sinie and family, Our deepest sympathies and condolences. We are sad to hear of Harry's passing. His generosity and compassion left a positive impact on my father's life, always speaking highly of Harry. And rightfully so! Our thoughts are with you. Jans Kaput, Joke & Renate, NL
nice man
Saddened to hear of Harry's passing. Yes 90 is a good life....and I will always remember the joking exchanges that Harry and I always had at the Southern Ag Societies Region meetings and AAAS Conferences. He was a happy spirit. My condolences to the Brummelhuis family....
Lieve Tante Sinie,we willen je condoleren met het enorme verlies van je lieve man Harry, Ook de kinderen kleinkinderen en achterkleinkinderen gecondoleerd en we wensen jullie heel veel sterkte toe de komende tijd. We hopen dat jullie kunnen terugkijken op vele herinneringen die jullie samen gemaakt hebben en wij zijn ook blij dat we in 2017 nog bij jullie zijn geweest en jullie allemaal gezien hebben. Heel veel sterkte samen. Johan en Ine Yvonne en Martin. Wolthuis - scholten reimer.
Our deepest condolences to Tante Siny and family. During the many times Oom Harry visited Holland we got to know him as a very positive and open-minded pleasant person. Please know our thoughtsare with you all. Gerard en Gonny
Dear Brummelhuis Family, So sorry for the loss of your Dad (Opa) He was an amazing person in life and he left a lasting impact on those who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be missed and remembered. He raised a beautiful family. Your in our thoughts and prayers stay strong and keep your memories close to your hearts. God Bless Our Heartfelt Sympathies to you all Hugs Anne and Rick
Our sincere condolences to Tante Siny and family. We’re glad to have known the vibrant personality Harry was. We still remember how he stood at Ome Jan's funeral. Everybody was shivering in thick coats, while he stood in just a shirt. Tough as nails indeed. We will remember him with a smile. Jacqueline & Edwin Huijskes Velp, NL
Our deepest condolences to Siny and the whole family on the passing of Harry. Such a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our Sincere Condolences to the Brummelhuis Families on your loss. Please know we are thinking of you, all.
Dear Siny and Family On behalf of the Family of the late Adam & Irma Kallen, please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your dear Husband, and Father, and Grandfather, Harry. Our parents spent many happy times together with Harry and yourself. May you all find comfort in the promised hope of the resurrection, when you will see him again, in perfect health.
Beste familie, gecondoleerd met het overlijden van Oom Harry, Lieve groeten gert en Maria kleisse brummelaar, borne
Although we have only met infrequently, Bev’s Dad treated us as part of the family. He had such a warm personality you couldn’t help smiling.
We express our deepest sympathies and our condolences to the Brummelhuis family. May Our thoughts and prayers be a comfort for the family. Harry was as fun, hard working “Teddy Bear” who will be missed by all his family, friends & all who knew him.
Our deepest condolences to Siny and the whole Brummelhuis family on the passing of Harry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.