We Remember

BRAAM, Wilhelmus “Bill”

November 28, 1923 — November 2, 2019

Wilhelmus “Bill” Braam passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on Saturday, November 2, 2019, in Kelowna, British Columbia. Survived by his three sons and their families: Mark & Maureen, and their children Nicole (Tyson) and Michael of Vancouver; Ron & Ela and their son Logan of Burnaby; Francis & Marlene, and their children Spencer, Ethan and Ryan of Kelowna.  He also leaves behind his great-granddaughter Emma and his siblings, brother Theo, and sister Wilhelmien. He was predeceased by his grandson Christopher, his brother Karel, and his sisters Truus, Annie, Let, and Hermien.

Bill was a happy person that always cared about others.  He worked very hard to build a life for his family in Canada.  He was also one of the toughest people we all knew.  No matter what burden he endured, he barely offered a complaint, and soldiered on.

Bill was born November 28, 1923 in Gendringen, the Netherlands (Holland).  He immigrated to Canada in 1953, spending a year on a farm in Saskatchewan before settling in Kelowna, where he married Everdina (“Dini”).

Together they bought an orchard, built a house, and ran the orchard while Bill continued to work at the local sawmill and elsewhere.

Bill loved his children and grandchildren, he took great pride in everything that they did, and often spoke of the legacy he was leaving behind, even if sometimes it seemed he was focused on his orchard.  So great was his drive, stamina, and passion for his orchard, that he worked it until he was 88.  Even in his early retirement one could see that he missed being outside working with his hands.

We will all miss our friend, father, grandfather, and brother, but we know with certainty that we are better for having known him, and the many positive and generous ways that he has influenced our lives.  Goodbye Dad/Grandpa/Bill …

An informal gathering to remember Bill’s life will be held Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 11:00 am, in the Springfield Funeral Home Reception Centre, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to BC Children’s Hospital, 938 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4.  BC Children’s Hospital became important for Bill with the loss of his grandson Christopher.

You were treasured and will always be in our hearts.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

Service
Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 11:00 am

Location
Springfield Funeral Home Reception Centre

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BC Children’s Hospital Link: www.bcchildrens.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for BRAAM, Wilhelmus “Bill” is scheduled for Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 11:00 am. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home Reception Centre

2020 Springfield Rd. Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Martin Gevers says:
    November 8, 2019 at 3:17 pm

    To all of the Braam Family: I hope you remember me boys. I was your best baby-sitter when you still lived in the basement while the house was being finished. That was a lengthy project because the orchard, your dad’s full-time job and the hayfield mattered too. When you were too young to help with that, I operated the mechanical hay rake while your dad pulled it with the tractor. A few years later, my dad grew potatoes on your dad’s field. He was a kind man. I remember him turning around on the tractor seat about a dozen times asking me, “Do you like doing this Marty?” and I would say, “Yes”. Working until later in life is something I will share with your dad, and I hope I can do that until 88 like Bill Braam did! I have hard through the grape vine that all three of his sons who I remember very well, are all doing very well. I would love to have a coffee or a beer or something more healthy with each of you some time to celebrate the life of your dad. He was so determined for so long to keep being productive. I can relate to that and I know I got that from my dad’s genes. I think you are probably all the same. Your dad and your mom gave you a great set of genes to work with! Bill Braam, you are loved and appreciated and will be missed.

    Reply

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