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Marco DeBruin

4/10/2023

18 Comments

 
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August 18, 1950 – April 10, 2023
 
Passed peacefully at home after a 22-month struggle with cancer.  He often said “I never got COVID but I’m collateral damage”.
 
Marco was brought to Canada from The Netherlands by his parents Margo (2019) and Cornelius (2020) arriving on July 1, 1954.  Survived by sisters Sylvia and Audrey.  Leaving a huge hole in the hearts and lives of his wife of 49 years Donna, daughter Catherine (Isaque Saraiva) and son Brian.
 
He had an ongoing thirst for knowledge and love of nature.  Member of rare Charitable Research Reserve, Waterloo Region Nature and proudly served with the Highland Fusiliers of Canada retiring with the rank of Sergeant.
 
Thank you to CMH Medical Day Care, Para Med Palliative Care Team for their professional and compassionate support.
 
As per his wishes family and friends will gather to share memories on Saturday, April 22 from 1 – 4 p.m. at Saint Luke’s U.C. 1620 Franklin Blvd. Cambridge.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to a charity of your choice.
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Messages and condolences may be left at www.tricitycremations.com. Please visit Marco's obituary notice on Facebook.
18 Comments
Christine Holtzhauer
4/17/2023 07:21:16 pm

Marco was the bestman at our wedding. Both Rick and Marco served with the HFof C. Marco and Rick were best friends. Marco had a great sense of humor.
RIP Marco
Christine Holtzhauer

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David Gascoigne link
4/18/2023 10:10:38 am

Marco was a great friend and a person who commanded the respect and admiration of many. He was as much loved in Cuba as he was in Canada and his friends there will miss his visits. May his memory be a blessing.

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Wayne & Lynda Buck
4/18/2023 10:30:32 am

We loved Marco’s dry wit and his enthusiasm for nature. He was uplifting to be around. His humour was infectious. He is missed.

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Jenna Quinn
4/18/2023 10:30:48 am

Marco will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by everyone at Waterloo Region Nature. He was a committed volunteer and active club member for over 20 years, supporting the protection and enjoyment of nature spaces in our community most notably as a board member (2002-2006) and long-time steward of Montgomery Tract, among many other volunteer contributions. Marco received a pin recognizing 10+ years of volunteer service to WRN in 2018. He was a skilled birder and always generous with his time and knowledge. We offer our sincere condolences to Donna and all family and friends missing Marco.

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Rev. Debra P. McGill
4/18/2023 03:55:12 pm

On top of his wonderful smile, Marco was supportive, loyal and a wonderful teacher. I learned much from him and his love for his family was apparent in everything he said and did. Well done my good and faithful servant, well done.

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Mary Ann Vanden Elzen
4/19/2023 01:03:15 pm

Marco was a strong and dedicated champion of nature and a very active member of Waterloo Region Nature. Amongst many other contributions, he led outings with enthusiasm, knowledge and humour. I particularly remember his outings walking the Speed River trail between Preston and Hespeler, often ending at a coffee shop or restaurant to socialize. Such good memories of Marco!

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Janet Ozaruk
4/19/2023 07:55:27 pm

My condolences to Donna and family. It was always a pleasure to walk and bird alongside Marco on WRN outings. He was such a lively and natural story-teller. Take care.

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Norene Miller
4/19/2023 10:29:54 pm

Cathy and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and love are with you at this sad time.

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Harold Russell
4/20/2023 12:15:00 pm

Much respect for the memory of Marco DeBruin, an enjoyable companion on nature hikes and as a fellow former member of the RHFC..

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Sarah Finamore
4/20/2023 06:34:30 pm

So sorry for your loss, I remember Donna, Marco’s visits to Woodland he was always helping you help out the school, hugs, thoughts, prayers to you and your family. He will be missed❤️🤗🙏

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Catherine Catton
4/21/2023 07:15:26 pm

Cathy, Donna and family,
Sincere condolences on Marco’s recent passing. I am so very sorry for your heart
breaking loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.

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Cathy DeBruin
4/30/2023 07:53:23 pm

Thank you for your message, Cathy. We have so many wonderful memories of dad. He met the challenges of his diagnosis with determination, courage and his unique sense of humour. It was a very challenging journey for him and mom was with him every step of the way. We are very thankful for the care he received and the amazing palliative team that was able to keep him comfortable and at home as he wished. Though his passing has left a big hole in our lives ...we are reminded of him in the signs of spring, the beauty of the sunsets, the singing of the birds and the eagles as they soar overhead. We were very fortunate to have the time we did together.

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Alan Davis
4/21/2023 07:25:09 pm

We met shortly after his arrival to Canada. Tait St.,St. Andrew s, Southwood. All schools together. The Fusiliers. And our band.He jumped around playing bass. A great friend. Thank you Marco for all the fun we had . Although adulthood drifted us apart I have considered you a best friend. Go in peace.

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Sylvia Archibald
4/24/2023 09:24:05 pm

Thanks for your memories of Marco. The "guys" had a special bond for sure with the band, etc. You were all very welcome in our home on Fifth Avenue. Marco will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

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Neil E. Taylor
4/22/2023 06:25:00 pm

I was so lucky to have met and known Marco. The many times spent together enjoying nature were always rewarding. We each took a bit of a risk when I invited him to accompany me for his first visit to Cuba. Marco was enthusiastic about everything. When I introduced him to Ricel Polan, a Cuban friend, they bonded quickly. Donna and Marco visited the same area of Cuba many times. Marco became a father figure to Ricel, but more importantly, he taught Ricel lasting birding skills. Ricel has recorded and photographed 2 new species for his country. What a legacy left by Marco DeBruin! Finally, in the months since Marco's prognosis, I have witnessed profiles in courage in Marco and Donna that I shall never forget.

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Evelina Howlett
4/25/2023 08:36:47 pm

Donna. I'm sorry I missed the obituary in the times or I would have come to St Lukes. I want to send my deepest condolences to you and your family and Marco's sisters. Thoughts and prayers from myself and the whole Van Geutselaar Clan

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Elaine La Ronde
4/28/2023 01:44:20 pm

Marco was such a lovely man. It was always a joy to have a chat with him at our WRN meetings! He will be missed by so many.

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Denise E Matthews
5/3/2023 04:11:36 pm

No words, just sincere sorrow at the loss of Marco and heartfelt condolences to Donna and the family.

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