BROUWER
1931 - 2014
Clarence (Klaas) Brouwer passed into the presence of his Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday November 4 2014 at the age of 83. Clarence was pre-deceased by his wife Dirkje, son Peter, parents Simon and Grietje, and brother Jaap. Clarence was born October 12, 1931 in Magelang Java Indonesia to missionary parents. He was the second of seven children. Life in the Dutch East Indies was calm and idyllic until the Japanese invasion in 1942. That year he was interned in a POW camp and for three difficult years Clarence clung to life and his faith. His father did not survive the war and this left a painful wound. Upon returning to Holland he met the love of his life Dirkje Kooiman. They dated as Clarence completed Horticulture school and entered into the Dutch military for mandatory service. On March 31, 1954 they were united in marriage in Andijk (Netherlands) and within the month they set sail for Halifax and a new life as immigrants in Canada. Soon they welcomed Margaret followed in quick succession by Aileen, Sidney, Peter, Edward and Raymond. Clarence was involved in youth programs and leadership in the Christian Reformed Church (both First and New Life) until recent years when memory failed. Clarence held various jobs over the years in agriculture, roofing, and sheet metal mechanics. He retired from teaching at Red Deer College as a trades instructor. In retirement Clarence and Dirkje travelled extensively and did a stint in mission in the Philippines. Clarence loved to garden and his skill at creating beauty through plants and flowers was legend. Clarence will be lovingly remembered by all his children and grandchildren for his faith, kindness and wise words. We want to extend our thanks to the staff at Villa Marie for their expert and compassionate care of Clarence and Dirkje both in this final year of their lives. A Memorial Service to celebrate Clarence's life will be held at the Balmoral Bible Chapel, located at the intersection of Highway 11 (55 Street) and Rutherford Drive, Red Deer, Alberta on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the Clarence Brouwer Red Deer College memorial scholarship for worthy students. Condolences to Clarence's family may be emailed to meaningfulmemorials@yahoo.ca
MEANINGFUL MEMORIALS
Funeral Service
Red Deer 587-876-4944