Surrounded by the comfort of his large family Elzo Bruintjes passed away on June 3, 2019 at the age of 84 years.
Elzo was born on March 4, 1935 in Nieuwe Pekela, Netherlands where he grew up with his loving parents Wiltje and Jantje, brother Geert and sister Janny. In April 1954 at the age of 19 he came to Lethbridge, Alberta to work as a farmhand. That winter he came to Smithers with friends to work in a sawmill in the bush. He remained in Smithers where he joined the youth group and met Tina. He moved to Prince Rupert in 1958 to work at a dry cleaning business. Elzo and Tina were married in August 1958. They had their first son, Buddy in Prince Rupert. In 1960 they moved back to Smithers. They bought Canada Cleaners on Broadway Avenue. In Smithers they later welcomed two daughters Terry and Joanne and three sons Colin, Trevor and Daniel into their lives. Elzo continued to work hard at the dry cleaners until December 1997 when his daughter Terry took over the business that she still runs today.
Elzo was a gentle soul. He was a great example of how to enjoy and appreciate life. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, skiing and singing. He contributed significantly to his community in Saint Joseph's Parish and the Knights of Columbus.
The greatest joy in Elzo's life was seeing his family happy and being a good husband to Tina. He taught his family by his example of always being kind, turning the other cheek and smiling at life and everyone he met.
Elzo will be forever remembered by his wife of 60 years Tina, his children Buddy (Julie), Terry (Jay), Colin (Muriel), Joanne, Trevor (Corinna) and Daniel (Audrey). His presence was enjoyed by his grandchildren Matthew (Amanda), Kelsi (Travis), Kayla (Chad), Morgan (Adam), Daron, Emily (Tyler), Keeley (Lucas), Paige (Russell), Danica (Keaton), Elliot, Ava, Sophie, Reuben, Ella, Lionel and great grandchildren Owen, Jaden, Noah, Carson, Paisley, Anya, Callie, Cora, Shawn, Rose, Chloe and Cade. He was predeceased by son in law Shawn and grand children Rochelle and Cody.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Jodi Preto for her genuine concern and special care of Elzo.
A Celebration of Life was held at Saint Joseph's Church on June 10, 2019. Interment to take place at a later date in the Smithers cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a local charity of your choice such as the BV Health Foundation (bvhealthfoundation.ca) or the Bulkley Valley Community Foundation (bvcf.ca).
Condolences may be offered at www.raschraderfuneralhome.com
R.A. Schrader Funeral Home & Cremation Services