Allen DeBrouwer

A photo of Allen DeBrouwer

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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My deepest condolences to you and your family. I pray for God's strength over you all during this time of greif. Al and I had a great working relationship. He would always call me 'Black DeBrouwer', that's how close we were. I will truly miss his jokes and smart humor. Eric Daniel & Family

I worked for BAD Farm Ben and Al DeBrouwer from 2003-2014 and Al was always a very kind person to all the 14 guy who worked for him. We had our ups and downs, but at the end of the day. We got out task completed, and Al always treated up wit full respect. He will be missed. Rest In Peace Al

Ben, Patricia and family, So sorry to hear of Allen's passing. I am sorry for the heartache and the loss of your brother. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Kind regards, Carol

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Art from Jim and Mary McKinlay. (Mary is Peter’s sister) We have wonderful memories of Art during multiple bonspiels in Ridgetown years ago. Al was great fun and always made the time we shared enjoyable. He will be missed. Our prayers are with your family at this sad time. God Bless Pete and Dawn Hill

Dear Marja & family So sorry to hear of Al’s passing. Far to young to be gone. Hold tight to your many fond memories. Know that other’s are thinking of you during theses sad times.

Dear Marja & family So sorry to hear of Al’s passing. Far to young to be gone. Hold tight to your many fond memories. Know that other’s are thinking of you during theses sad times.

Sorry to hear of Als passing . Much too young . I know he will be missed . Our sympathy .

We're so sorry for your loss. Our sincere condolences to everyone in the family.

To the DeBrouwer Family, I am saddened to hear of Al’s passing. Many years have gone by since high school and my moving away from Blenheim. Looking back on our years in High School Al was always someone who was full of humour and loved to tease. Marianne, Ben, Patricia,Ken, Art , Kathy , Steve, Josette, were all family who I grew up with. I send you warm thoughts. 💕 To Marja , your friend Caroline Postons was my neighbour in the past. She would keep me up to date on the DeBrouwer Clan. Over the years it seemed some things never changed and it was great to hear the fun details. From the Eastman Family our thoughts are with ALL OF YOU! Please take care .

Dear Marja and family and Aunt Anne, It is impossible to measure the pain that you're experiencing or fully understand the difficulty of what you are walking through. We can only imagine and with that it is hard to know what to day since your loss is so great. Even though no words can truly comfort you, perhaps knowing our heartfelt sympathy on your loss may in some small way express to you the depth of our love, care and concern for you and your family. May God hold you close, comfort you gently and carry you through. With much love and prayers Herm and Connie Vanderheyden

Our deepest condolences on the loss of your husband and father. May your many fond memories sustain you during this difficult time.

Our deepest condolences to Mya and family. Al’s big smile and good humour will always be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Janet and Joe Legue

Our deepest condelances to your entire family. Although we haven't crossed paths too much since moving out of Blenheim, Al was kind enough to find my number and send a message to me when my Dad had passed. He had a huge smile that would be infectious. Thinking of you all.

It is with great sadness that I hear this news. My deepest condolences to Al’s family and friends. I have very fond memories of Al from back in high school I remember looking forward to Monday mornings home room when Al and Ken would come in and share their weekend adventures. Very fond memories Dear Lord, You alone are the Comforter. Please provide a season of comfort in the midst of deep sadness, to the hearts that are hurting. Hold them, Father. Please wrap your loving arms around them so that they know they are not alone. You are the One who brings peace. We need you, Lord. Please cover the hurt with Your faithful and peaceful presence, Jesus. In your name we pray, Amen. -

Mya, I’m so sad to hear the news of Al. Hoping you and your family are comforted by the amazing memories you have together. Thinking of you and sending my condolences.

you will not be forgotten Big Al many fond memmories.

Hallo Maja, kinderen en familie, allereerst gecondoleerd met het verlies van Allen. Wij weten gewoon niet wat we moeten zeggen en hebben hier geen woorden voor...wat een verschrikkelijk bericht en groot verlies! Ook al zijn jullie ver weg, jullie gezin heeft toch altijd een speciale plek in ons hart. Zo voelt dat nu eenmaal. We wensen jullie samen heel veel sterkte en kracht toe om dit grote verlies te kunnen dragen. Heel veel liefs, Familie Rovers (Mariaheide) ❤️

Our heartfelt condolences to you all at this time. Al was a great man and we have very fond memories of the time we shared on lagoon road ❤️

We wish to send our love and prayers to The DeBrouwer family. It is so sad to hear of such a young vibrant man passed. Keep all those good memories in your hearts, We lost our son to an anurism July 13 2020 at 52. Love and Prayers Ron and Jan Graves

DeBrouwer Family Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time, it was always nice to see Al's smiling face when he came into the liquor store, in Erieau, to get his Woodbridge. He would always say the girls are coming home, Our deepest sympathy, Wendy and Brenda.

Our heartfelt condolences to the DeBrouwer family at this difficult time.

Sending heartfelt condolences to you all. As a friend of Anne’s I can only imagine how devastating the loss of a child must be for you. God bless you all.

Marja and Family Al was a warm and sincere, good hearted person who was so much fun to be around. He enriched the lives of everyone he met. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Nancy and Paul Horak

Dear Marja and all the DeBrouwer family. Please accept my deepest condolences in the loss of a husband father and friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time. Cherish your memories. My sympathies Joyce Morrison

We are so sorry. Al was one of a kind. Thinking of you all in this difficult time.

Dear DeBrouwer family, my heartfelt thoughts go out to all of you in this time of sorrow. My sincerest condolences. ~ Dawn Ann Oliphant

Raina & Family, we are so deeply saddened by your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and we hope all of your wonderful memories will bring you comfort in the days ahead. Colleen & Ronnie

Al, You are going to be really missed. Your kind heart, sense of humor and love and support of your family will always be remembered. ❤️ My friend Jenn

The news of Al's passing has been tragic and saddening. Your family is in our thoughts and in our hearts. Al's passion for dogs has nearly inspired us to get one of our own. Thank you for the memories. John, Judy Klomp, & family London Ontario

Deepest sympathies to Marja and family, his close brother Ben, Melissa, and Anne. Al was fortunate to be part of a great family and I know he will be deeply missed. Lots of great memories and good laughs helping Al on the farms. Our prayers are with you. Ron Driessen

Marja, Charlotte, Raina, Evan and the entire Debrouwer Family Please accept our most heartfelt condolences upon hearing of the sad news of Al's passing. Please know you are surrounded by the love of our community. We will keep you in our thoughts during this time. Deb, Alyssa and Kendra Vandenhende, Dylan Dietrich and Brian Campbell

Marja and Family, Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences are with you during this difficult time.

We offer our sincere condolences and prayers to all of the DeBrouwer family during this sad time. Al will be missed by many.

Deepest sympathy to all the family during this difficult time. It was wonderful to talk to Allen last week, sharing many funny and crazy stories. Although we are busy branching our own lives its so important to remember all those in our roots. Allen was a strong redwood in the forest of life.

Marja and family - there are simply no words at a time like this for such a young, vibrant family man. You and Al built an incredible life together with so many amazing memories. Cherish those wonderful memories and they will get you thru difficult days. Those we love don't go away, They walk beside us of everyday, Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. You are surrounded by the love of so many.

My condolences to Marja and the children Charlotte,Raina and Evan. And to Allen’s mother Annie. So said to hear about losing a husband and son. My hart is with you .

My childhood memories of attending St. Mary's School with Al make me smile ear to ear. His humour and his kind heart clearly impacted many throughout his lifetime. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Darlene (Uher) Trottier

Marja, Charlotte, Raina & Evan. Our sincere sympathy at this time in your lives. No words can soothe your pain away but we hope the love around you will help you through as you mourn your husband and dad. Take care of each other. Belinda, Russell, Taylor, Regan & Keely Pardo

Sincere Condolences Marja and families May your memories comfort all of you at this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Marja. So sorry to hear of Al's passing. My thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Marj.

Marja, I am so sorry to hear of Al’s abrupt illness and passing. I can't imagine what you and the kids are going through. Stay close to each other and share your memories...it will help whether this storm. Go gently and know we are praying for you. With love, Rev. Teresa and Ruth

I am so sorry to learn of Allen’s passing. My prayers are with your family at this time.

Our deepest sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Our deepest sympathies to Marja and family and all the DeBrouwers. Al was one of kind. He will be missed by so many. Pete and Sue Van Mol

Please accept our sincere sympathies. We hope you’re able to find peace through the good memories you had with Al. Kelly Wright, Gary Oliver, Jared, Blayne, & Kary

Mya, Charlotte, Raina, and Evan, I was shocked to hear of the passing of Al. While I only met Al a few times he always had a smile on his face and was quick to start up a conversation with everyone present. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this challenging time. God must have a special assignment for Al to take on for taking him so soon from us. John Gubbels

Marja, Rains, Char and Evan. I am so sorry for your loss. Allen will forever be watching over his wonderful family and will be so proud. I send you all my deepest condolences and big hugs. Allen always made me feel like family and that I will never forget. May he rest in paradise.

Marja, Charlotte, Raina, and Evan, we are so sorry to hear about Al’s passing. We love you. You are all in our prayers. May God’s blessings and grace surround you at this time and always. Tante Gerda and Ome Toon.

We are so sorry for your loss, thinking of you today and the days to follow. Take it one day at a time. Love Susan, Daniel and Sean xo

Maria: We were so sad to hear this news and will always remember celebrating New Year’s Eve with you and Al many moons ago at the Ridgetown Curling Club. I will never forget that big smile and how he always looked at you with such love in his eyes. May all these wonderful tributes bring comfort to you and your children. Kim and Fern Caron

Dear Marja, Charlotte, Raina, and Evan, What a wonderful man Al was! and the obituary tells so much about the love you shared. We send our condolences, love, and prayers. May holding each other tight and recounting fond memories bring you peace of heart... kindly, the Hansens- Mark, Kathy, Jared, Garnet, Jacob and Grace

It was always a pleasure to see Al. He was always kind and welcoming. I admire the life he built for himself and his family. Condolences to Mya and family.

Marja, Charlotte, Raina, Evan & extended families. Our deepest condolences on Al's passing. We have alot of great memories from BDMHA days. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Carolyn, Russ, Cole, Kendra Johnston

Our deepest condolences to all the family. Gone to soon, but never forgotten Jennifer and Ken

I am so sorry to learn of your loss. The tribute confirms that love doesn't die. That will be there forever.

Our sincere condolences Marja and family in your loss of Allen. We will remember his never ending smile that he shared with everyone he met.. Roger & Carol Kellam

Mya and Family: There are no words that can truly convey the shock and sorrow we felt upon hearing the news of your dear husband and father, Allen, and we cannot imagine the profoundness of your sorrow. We truly wish we had the words to comfort you, Mya, but mere words seem so futile during this time of mourning. Please know that we are holding you and your family in our hearts, thoughts and prayers at this time of deep sorrow. "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."

We are so sorry to hear of Al's passing -- far too soon. Our deepest condolences to Mya and the entire deBrouwer family. May you find comfort in your memories of life with such a wonderful husband, father, family man and friend. He will be missed, but never forgotten. Paul, Jane and John Tedesco

Dear Marja, Evan, Charlotte and Raina. We are deeply sorry for this incredible loss. May your many wonderful memories help to bring some comfort during this difficult time. Al was just one of those guys that as soon as you saw him you just couldn’t help but smile. We have such fond memories of the times spent with you guys. One of my many memories was when we secretly ordered him a grilled cheese at the Erie Beach when he was so looking forward to the famous perch dinner. There may have been some cursing from him. He had such a mischievous side it was fun to pull one over on him. Thinking of you all and sending the biggest hugs. Love from your Dover family, Greg, Cindy, Travis, Braeden and Alicia Walker.

Dear Marja and family, as well as Ken, Annie and family... I am so so sorry for your loss! Larry and I often spoke of great memories over the years of our visits with you, Al, Ken and Annie, and most of them included a tonne of laughs as usual. My heart breaks for you all and unfortunately we now have this in common too (even the same month). I know that there are no words that can help much right now other than- "know you are in my thoughts and prayers" and so much more than that too! I know that time will never heal all wounds but with time clouds do lift and the sun will begin to shine again for you and the family. Take care and see you soon. " In time, may the memories of Al bring you more tears of joy than of sorrow" <3 xo

My heartfelt sympathies to Mya and your whole family. While I never met Al, I could tell through Mya, that he was the love of her life and she his. The remembrance above brought me to tears - what a loving testament to Al's life. My deepest condolences.

Marja, Charlotte, Raina and Evan, our most deepest and sincere condolences to you and all the DeBrouwer family on the loss of Al. Praying the sadness and emptiness in your hearts is lifted and replaced with all the wonderful memories you hold so dear. Thinking of you all at this most difficult time.

To the Debrouwer family, our deepest condolences on the passing of Allen. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

To the Debrouwer family , our deepest condolences to you for the passing of Allen. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Sending our deepest sympathies Marja, Charlotte, Raina, Evan, and Family. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Charlotte, Our hearts break with yours with the loss of your father. Please know that we love you and are here for you. We offer our deepest sympathies to you and your family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Sending our condolences to Marja, Charlotte, Raina, Evan, friends and everyone who cherished him. His passion for life was undeniable and he will be missed.

Sending our deepest condolences to Marja, Charlotte, Raina, Evan and to all of Al's family and friends. We are so sorry for your loss.

My deepest sympathies to you Mya, and to your family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Marja, Charlotte, Raina and Evan, we are so sorry for your tremendous loss. Al was a great man who lived large, laughed loud and loved deep! He was so proud of all of you. May all your great family memories help you through. He will be missed by so many. We are proud to call him our friend. RIP Al.

Thinking of you all during this very difficult time. Our deepest condolences.

Thinking of you during this very difficult time. Our deepest condolences.

Allen was always honourable ! Very Sorry !!

Dear Marja, Charlotte, Raina, and Evan, I am so deeply sorry for your tremendous loss. My heart breaks for all of you. Your dad was a great man. I thoroughly enjoyed working for him (and Marja) as a teenager. He was kind, always had a good joke and a smile on his face. I hope reading these kind messages, fond memories, and words of sympathy from your friends and family will bring you some comfort. Thinking of you all.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I wish you all strength to get through this very difficult time.

We were so very shocked and sad to hear of Al’s passing. His spirit is well captured in the loving obituary. We remember Al as a warm, witty, kind and joyful soul. Our deepest condolences to your entire family. Hugs, Rob, Ruth, Jack and Will Kilgour

My deepest condolences to the family of Al.

We are so sad to hear about the loss of Allen. You have our Deepest Sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Debrouwer family.

Very sorry to hear for your loss. My sincere condolences to Raina and her family during this very sad time.

We send our deepest sympathies to the entire DeBrouwer Clan. He was taken far too soon.

Marja and family please except my heartfelt condolences. Many fond memories.

Dear Anne and the entire DeBrouwer family. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Al will be remembered by so many . Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time .

To the whole DeBrouwer family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Mike/Linda Lanz

To the whole DeBrouwer family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at the difficult time. Mike/Linda Lanz

We are so sorry to hear of Al’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to all of the family. Al will be missed dearly. We will always remember the fond memories of the “ hockey days”. He was always fun to be around. Our hearts go out to you at this difficult time.

We are sincerely sorry to hear of Al’s passing. May your memories comfort you in times of sadness.

My sincere condolences to Marja and the deBrouwer families during this very sad time. 💖

Maja and family, We have no words that will even come close to offering comfort on the loss of your husband, father , son, son in law, brother, brother in law, uncle. Keeping you close in our hearts till we can see you to do in person, hugs to you all. Dave and Marg Brooks

Our thoughts and prayers are with all the DeBrouwer Family, so sorry for your loss of dear Al, such a beautiful tribute to such a great man, Al will truly be missed by so many Hugs to all of you ❤️ Joe and Joanne Van Bree and Family

To the Debrower Family, sending my deepest condolence. He was a neighbor of the Burk family. Very sorry to hear this sad news.

Sending my most sincere condolences to Mya and family on behalf of the Lawrence Kinlin School of Business. Your husband and father sounds like an absolutely wonderful man with many gifts and dedication towards his family and our thoughts are with you during this incredibly sad time for your family.

so sorry to hear the news of Allens passing. He will be missed by many, Hopefully the fond and precious memories will help ease the pain over time. Sincere condolences.

I am sorry for your loss. I had recently run int Al at Canadian Tire and had been chatting about Evan and his hockey and how tough it was for him no to get to the games due to the border closure. He will be missed by all, a great guy he was. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Sorry for your loss. His memories will always be with you. Sending prayers your way.

RIP Allen. Our sincerest condolences to Marija,Charlotte,Raina, Evan & the whole family.Such a GREAT family whom we entrusted babysitting our youngest many years ago, who became friends with Al as a young preteen/ teenager,then adult, and has such fond memories of Al(& of course Charlotte).....Prayers & much love to you All.Allen will surely be missed, "A Friend to ALL", gone way too soon. Lots of Love & Hugs, Ronny & Kelly VanHeesch & Family xo

Maria and family, please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. May your memories help you through this difficult time. Rest In Peace Al. ❤️

What a beautiful tribute. Al could always be counted on for a smile, a laugh or sharing an adventurous story. It is so heartbreaking that someone who was loved by so many has been taken far too young. Sending our love and sympathy to all of you. Carmon, John, Austin, Carter and Everett

Dear deBrower Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. We had the pleasure of spending some time with Allen and his family during a cottage visit (with Marianne and Brant many years ago .) I remember his positive and gregarious nature. With deepest sympathy, Christine Preisenhammer and family

Sending sincere sympathy to everyone. Hold your memories close at this difficult time. RIP Al, we will miss seeing him drive past our home with dogs in the back of his truck.

Dear Ann & family We are so sorry to hear of Al's passing. Where lives pass, memories live forever. With blessings, love, prayers and sympathy to you and your family, Bonnie & David Nicholson

We remember Allen from Melissa and Steve's wedding. Big smile, big voice, big heart. Wonderful man. Our condolences to his entire family. Ann & George.

It is very clear how loved Al was. Dennis enjoyed golfing with Al. We enjoy the childhood stories. The DeBrouwer family is forever in our heart. Much love to all in your mourning & loving Al.

Marja and family-Al was a great friend growing up and part of our family. He showed so much interest in my girl's lives and offered so much guidance and support. His love, his laughter, his advice and his presence will be missed by all of us. He always believed in family and that is something we will treasure forever. Sending our love to all- Johanna & Steve, Alexa, Jordyn, Chloe and Everly xo

This is a devastating loss. I always admired and respected Al’s ability to tell it like it is. He will be missed by many. My condolences to his wife, children and extended family.

Sending love to Marja and family, and to all of the DeBrouwer families. My condolences to you all. God bless you all. Rest in peace my dear friend.

Al was the best at jokes and always made Ryan and I laugh. He was too young and will be greatly missed. Our condolences, Ryan, Kristen, Alyssa and Mason

Our condolence to Ann & Marja Charlotte Raina Evan & Ben Marianne Mellisa & fam. We will miss his sense of humour .Rest In Peace Allen . From Ollie & Rikie.

To Marja and the extended DeBrouwer Family Our deepest sympathies. We have fond memories of Al’s humour and practical approach from organizing Janice and Scott’s Stag & Doe to the morning coffee gatherings with the Troy Valley and DeBrouwer Farms guys. Condolences, John and Kathy Uher

To the whole DeBrouwer Family: So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.