Obituaries

Walter de Bruin

September 3, 1932 – August 24, 2020

With heartfelt sadness, the family of Walter de Bruin wishes to announce his passing in Savona, BC on August 24, 2020. Walter passed peacefully while sitting on his patio overlooking the lake and his well loved flowers.

Born on September 3, 1932 in Friesland, Netherlands, Walter came to Canada with his family in 1950. He joined the army at a very young age and served for 25 years before retiring.

Walter married Betty Lindsay de Bruin and they shared a wonderful life together. On May 2, 1953, their only son Carl Paul de Bruin was born while living in Maplewood, NB.

While in the army, they travelled across Canada and were stationed in a variety of military bases including London, Petawawa, Edmonton, and Chilliwack. In 1969, Walter became an instructor for the Canadian Airborne Regiment. It was one of his most enjoyable times while serving in the army. He loved to parachute and many great stories were told by him about this and were always gratefully enjoyed. And yes…if you did not jump, you were pushed. One of his well told stories was the construction of the Jackell Bridge in May 1971 in the Yukon with the 3Field Squadron.

Walter retired from the army in 1974 and resided in Chilliwack with his common law wife Betty Baxter and her three children (Ruth Callahan, James Baxter & Robin Baxter.) Walter raised Betty’s children as his own. Betty also loved Carl as one of her own and constantly baked him his favourite cookies. Walter taught the children to fish, hunt, and to respect nature.

The family moved to Manning Park, BC and there they enjoyed life as a family. Carl especially because there was a ski hill there. While there, Walter was employed by the BC Highways Department as a heavy duty mechanic.

Walter was a loving man and held a special place in his heart for everyone he met. He was a lover of nature and enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and road trips to enjoy beautiful scenery. If you were ever granted the pleasure of sitting with Walter and sharing stories, you would realize he accomplished many great tasks in his life and was a very intelligent gentleman.

Walter was survived by his sisters Aaltje Sharpe and Annie Smart Hewko, his adopted children, Ruth Callahan (Steve), Robin Baxter (Michelle), sister in law Mavis de Bruin, very special niece Pat Markey, and many other nieces and nephews.

Walter was predeceased by his parents Sjuk and Elizabeth de Bruin, brother Geert de Bruin, son Carl Paul de Bruin, wife Betty Lindsay de Bruin, common law wife Betty Baxter, James Baxter, son of Betty Baxter, brothers in law Ken Smart and Gordon Sharpe.

The family would like to send many thanks to Pam Munroe and Donna Leboeuf for their special care and great friendship. And to Pete ( like Walter would always say), fish on buddy!

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