Obituary of Pieter Broersma

BROERSMA, Pieter Pieter Broersma passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on February 20, 2017 at the age of 91 at the Chatham-Kent Hospice. Pieter was born May 2nd, 1925 in the city of Groningen, The Netherlands. He loved to tell the stories of his childhood adventures that led him to join the Merchant Marines at the age of 13. There he was fortunate to be taken under the care of an old sea captain who taught him the love of the world and of the English language. It was with this knowledge of English that proved useful in the coming years of WW2 where Pieter fought bravely with the Dutch Resistance, the Dutch Army and alongside the Allied Forces. Following the harrowing years of the war, Pieter left his homeland to serve for years in the Dutch East Indies. He later immigrated to Canada and met up with his best friend Bert Hummelen. It was on a double date with Bert that he met the love of his life, Aly Holthof. Pieter and Aly married in 1955 and in 2016 celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. They were further blessed with 4 children, 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Pieter is predeceased by his parents, and very much loved sister Klaasje Broersma- Bakker. Pieter is survived by his loving wife and best friend Aly, son Brian (Simone) Broersma, daughter Sharon (Art) Timmerman, son Steven (Noha) Broersma and daughter Monique (Kirk) Tatsu. Grandchildren; Corey, Michelle, Megan, Amy, Nicholas, Alexander, Emily, Madeline and Kolton. Great-grandchildren; Sophie, Lily and Jack. Also survived by brother-in-laws, George Holthof, Richard Holthof and sister-in-law Theresa (Bill) Dunkley along with many loved nieces, nephews and their families. He was a member of First Christian Reformed Church in Chatham. He loved hockey (especially the Montreal Canadians), and was a collector of beautiful rocks, sea shells and butterflies. Pieter leaves behind a fantastic legacy of love, bravery, faith, loyalty and endurance. Special thanks to the CKHA Rehab staff, Dr Sharngoe, Dr. Burgess and the compassionate staff and volunteers at the CK Hospice for their heartfelt care. Family to receive friends on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service of Pieter’s life will be held on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at First Christian Reformed Church, 25 Tweedsmuir Ave East, Chatham with Rev. David Tatsu officiating. Interment in Pardoville Cemetery to follow. Donations in memory of Pieter may be made to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. McKinlay Funeral Home 459 St. Clair Street Chatham, Ontario 519 351 2040