Begemann, Frits Albert
It is with profound sadness the family announces the passing of Frits Begemann on Sunday, September 12, 2021 in Waterloo, Ontario at the age of 93. Beloved husband of Wilhelmina Begemann (1930-2018) for 60 years. Loving father of Karen Begemann (Graeme) and Chris Begemann (Elly). Cherished “Opa” of Eric, Lindsay and Christopher. Dear uncle of Judith Andreassen and Stephan Orzechowski. Lifelong friend of Ann and Rimmer Tjalsma since high school. Predeceased by his siblings Harro (Ineke) and Marga (Wim).
Frits was very sociable and had a gift for making lasting friendships. He loved people, sharing stories and enjoying a good laugh. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, always keenly interested and supportive of individual dreams and pursuits. Family camping trips were a highlight of every summer vacation, travelling across Canada and the USA. After the children were grown; Wilhelmina and Frits travelled in their motorhome with their two beloved wheaten terriers taking time to enjoy the scenery through photography and water colour painting. Both were also passionate about music and theatre, and took in classical concerts, music festivals and plays on their travels.
Frits immigrated to Canada in 1952. He devoted over 65 years to serving the Dutch Community in Ontario principally as Executive Director of the Netherlands Luncheon Club (NLC). The NLC was started in 1954 as a social club and more importantly as a networking group to provide much needed business contacts to the Dutch Community and as a catalyst for promoting Dutch Canadian relations. He was considered the backbone of the club, coordinating well over 300 events. His contributions were officially recognized by the Dutch Government in 2014 where he was awarded the ‘Ridder in de Orde van Oranje-Nassau’ (Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau), similar to the Order of Canada. He will be sorely missed.
He was also one of twenty founding members of the DUCA Credit Union in 1954 which made it possible for new immigrants to secure loans.
With his wife, Wilhelmina, he assembled a unique collection of Inuit art for over 50 years in which key works of art have been exhibited publicly over the years. He contributed to the appreciation of Inuit Art in Canada in countless other ways.
He will be remembered for his generous heart, positive outlook on life, and a drive to make any community he touched a better place to live for all.
A heartfelt thank you to all the staff and residents at Clair Hills Retirement Community for the fellowship, compassionate care and kindness shown to Frits.
Private cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held in spring of 2022. Arrangements are entrusted to the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-749-8467.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Ontario would be appreciated by the family.
Visit www.henrywalser.com for Frits’ memorial and to post comments and condolences.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Frits Albert Begemann Sunday September 12th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Kitchener, Province: Ontario