Service:
Private
Visitation:
Friday April 2, 2021
2:00 – 4:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Visitation times need to be booked.
Please call 519-676-9200 for an assigned
time. Face coverings must be worn in the
Funeral Home.
In Loving Memory of Allen DeBrouwer
(September 27, 1965 – March 29, 2021)
Allen DeBrouwer passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Monday, March 29, 2021 at age 55. Born and raised in Blenheim, Ontario, Al made a life for his family in the farmhouse he grew up in on Lagoon Road.
Al was the loyal and loving husband of Marja and immensely proud father of Charlotte (David), Raina (Jason) and Evan. He was a treasured son of Anne DeBrouwer and the late Peter DeBrouwer (2020). Al was loved by his siblings Ben (Patricia), Marianne (Brant), and Melissa (Stephen). He was also fiercely loved by his father and mother-in-law, Leonard and Christine Gubbels, as well as brother and sisters-in-law Annie (Ken), Leonie (Mike), Peter (Tracy), Christine (Marco). He will be sadly missed by his many nieces and nephews.
Dad was an accomplished farmer, a profession he was extremely proud of. He often stated that he was lucky to have never had a job in his life. He considered farming a lifestyle and a privilege. While he made his living on pigs, tobacco, green beans and other field crops, he occasionally dabbled in other agricultural pursuits. Over the years, chickens, sheep, horses, and cattle all made appearances in his pasture. In dad’s most recent venture, Sinclair Line Kennels, his livestock grew to include several German Shepherd dogs. He was an enterprising businessman until the very end, dispensing instructions and strategizing on the marketing of the pups. In fact, he would be rather disappointed if we didn’t use this opportunity to advertise three upcoming litters…
Dad was a man of practicality and had little patience for inefficiencies. He worked hard on the farm and expected those around him to do the same. Not to say dad wasn’t a benevolent boss – he often rewarded us kids and the field workers with donuts and coffee over breaks on the tobacco farm. Dad was also known for his humour. He had a knack for telling it like it is and earning lots of laughs along the way. He kept those around him laughing until the very end, a true testament to his unfailing wit.
Dad was an engaged and devoted father. He played with us as kids and advised us (unsolicited and otherwise) as adults. He took his job as a parent seriously, paying focused attention to the health and harmony of our family. When, as kids, we inevitably pushed back at our parents’ reprimands, dad would use his tried-and-true refrain: “I’m on your side”. And he was.
Evan’s hockey was a great source of pride and enjoyment for dad. He was ever the realist in all things, including Evan’s professional prospects, but never missed a game or a call from Evan to discuss the night’s game play. He was invested in all his children’s pursuits – although his limited knowledge of nursing and marketing made Evan’s hockey a prime target for his coaching.
Dad loved mom fiercely and unabashedly. She’ll sorely miss his good-natured banter and winks across the room. They recently built their dream home in Sinclair’s Bush, a place we will all continue to gather and exchange fond memories of dad.
Dad, you were the most loving, wise, and kind man we’ve known. Your big smile and ready generosity will be missed. Thank you for granting us a profoundly beautiful life. We will live our lives in honour of your memory.
We want to thank our friends and family members for the support and well wishes we’ve received over the past couple of weeks. Dad was able to spend this time surrounded by those he loved, exactly the way he wanted it. We will forever be grateful for this.
Visitations will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday, April 2 from 2pm-4pm and 7pm-9pm, by appointment only. Those who were not able to visit Al over the past two weeks are requested to call to book a visitation slot (519-676-9200). Please do not send flowers. Instead, we hope that you will consider donating to the Weston DeBrouwer Memorial Fund. Weston was Al’s much-loved nephew and godson who passed away in 2004. The proceeds of Weston’s fund provide local youth with leadership coaching and sporting opportunities. Cheques made out to the fund or cash can be dropped off at the funeral home.
A private interment will be held in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim on Saturday, April 3. There will be no funeral. Instead, a celebration of Al’s life will be held this summer. The date will be announced at a later time.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Allen DeBrouwer September 27 1965 March 29 2021..

blenheim community funeral home

Death notice for the town of: Blenheim, Province: Ontario

death notice Allen DeBrouwer September 27 1965 March 29 2021

mortuary notice Allen DeBrouwer September 27 1965 March 29 2021