Simon Joseph Bruin was born in Warmenhuizen, Holland, on March 14, 1934 to Martinus Bruin and Brigitta Ligthart. He was the fourth of nine children. He is survived by his children Martin (Rhea) and Mary-Ann (Ron) Van Dam; his brothers Herman (Trix), Wim (Nel) and Jan (Lia); as well as his sisters-in-law Tini, Nel, Lenie, Ina and brother-in-law Siem. He is predeceased by his brothers Martin, Nick, The and Peter; his sister Riet and his sister-in-law Ria. He leaves behind his loving granddaughters Grace, Claire, Ruby and Jorja Van Dam and many nieces and nephews.
Simon immigrated to Canada in his early twenties and found a job at Long Manufacturing in Oakville. He married Mary Moreau and had his two children Martin and Mary-Ann before the marriage ended. He raised his children; worked and saved, and bought a number of rental properties. At the age of fifty, after being laid off from his factory job, Simon was encouraged by a long-time friend to buy a pig farm. He worked extremely hard at this, through good and bad years, finally retiring at the age of sixty-one. He decided to spend his golden years as a “snowbird” during the winter months, in Florida. He enjoyed this time in the heat and spent time walking, biking, swimming and socializing with neighbours on the shuffleboard courts. He often helped others with gardening, yard work and house maintenance as well as spending many hours volunteering as a dog walker at an animal shelter. Simon always looked forward to Christmas visits from his granddaughters.
After experiencing some health setbacks, Simon was unable to return to Florida. He moved into a retirement home in Woodstock, Ontario where he continued to be relatively active, taking daily walks. He spent many hours playing pool with Mary-Ann and with his granddaughters who would pop in during lunch breaks or after school.
After suffering a final illness for a few months in the hospital, Simon, sadly, passed away at the age of 88. He will be dearly missed.
It was Simon’s wish to have family and a few friends gather for a private service and interment. Should you wish, donations in his memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice, through the James A. Rutherford Funeral Home. 804 Ontario Street, Stratford, ON. 519-271-5062.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Simon Joseph Bruin Wednesday July 13th 2022..
Rutherford Cremation and Funeral Services
Death notice for the town of: STRATFORD, Province: Ontario