Pastor and chaplain Peter W. De Bruyne is described as a compassionate, humble, and selfless man with a pastoral heart who blessed all who knew him. He saw the brokenness and suffering around him and stepped into it, walking alongside and loving people through difficult journeys. De Bruyne, 93, died May 11.
The third of six children, De Bruyne was born in the Netherlands village of Vrouwenpolder. After his mother’s death when he was 12, his father remarried, and two more sons were added to the family. At 22 in 1955, De Bruyne immigrated alone to Calgary, Alta. He married Anne Heerema in 1958 before moving to Grand Rapids, Mich., where he studied and graduated from Calvin Theological Seminary. Ordained in 1963, he pastored Sonlight CRC, Regina, Sask.; Ottewell CRC, Edmonton, Alta.; Victoria (B.C.) CRC; CrossPoint CRC, Brampton, Ont.; and Mountainview CRC, Grimsby, Ont. He then became chaplain to the retirement community of Shalom Manor in Grimsby.
De Bruyne enjoyed reading, camping, playing games, music, painting, traveling, curling, beach combing, and spending time with his family. He had a great sense of humour and loved to laugh.
He was predeceased by his wife, Anna, in 2023, and is survived by their four children; 12 grandchildren; and 36 great-grandchildren.
About the Author
Alissa Vernon is the news editor for The Banner.