Aug 29, 1929 - Jan 11, 2018
Bram was born on August 29, 1929 to Abraham and Jans Griffioen (Stoof) in Wilnis, the Netherlands.
Bram came to Canada just before his 20th birthday in July 1949 and immediately began working to support his family. He spent the first few summers hoeing sugar beets in southern Alberta and logging in the Rockies in winter among other jobs. In 1956, he travelled to visit his fiance, Pearl Barwegen and her family, who had recently moved to Telkwa. Bram began working at the TF&M mill in September, and he and Pearl were married on November 29, 1956 in a heavy snowstorm.
Bram spent the next 38 years working for the mill and continued to do so when they were bought out by West Fraser Timber. He became a carpenter in the late 1970s and remained in that position until retiring in 1994, then becoming the mill's tour guide that fall. He and Pearl continued to live on the hill in Telkwa until 2016 where he spent his retirement riding his motorcycle, doing photography, and working on all sorts of projects in his shop.
Bram passed away in the early hours of January 11, 2018. He was predeceased by his son Percy Griffioen (2016), mother Jans (2006), step-father Gezinus (1991), father Abraham (1929), and brother John Brouwer (2016).
He is survived by Pearl (Barwegen) Griffioen, his wife of 61 years, son Eugene Griffioen of London, ON (Matthew, Spencer, Hunter, and Haley), daughter-in-law Michelle Griffioen of Abbotsford, BC (Jayden, Sydney, Kylie, and Ally), and Keith (Jennifer) Griffioen of Lethbridge, AB (Daniel and Sophie), as well as siblings Henk (Alice) Brouwer, Cor (Ina) Brouwer, Bert (Agnes) Brouwer, Pete (Marianne) Brouwer, and Gerda (Hugo) Stoof, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service was held on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 in the Smithers Christian Reformed Church, with Pastor Ken Vander Horst officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations appreciated to the Smithers Salvation Army's Soup Kitchen program.
Condolences may be made at www.raschraderfuneralhome.com.
R.A. Schrader Funeral Home