VAN GARDEREN, Breunis. It is with great sadness that we announce that Breunis (Bruce) Van Garderen has gone home to be with the Lord at age 64. Bruce was born in Veenendaal, The Netherlands on January 28, 1950. He died on April 5, 2014 at Langley Hospice surrounded by his loving family. Bruce was diagnosed with cancer in January. After a brave fight he was called home to be with his Lord and Saviour and is now safe in the arms of Jesus. He is predeceased by his mother Neeltje (1985) and his father Pieter (2006). He is survived by his loving wife Ridi, his children Peter (Amanda), Elsabee (Jeff) and Sebastiaan (Amie) along with his grandchildren, whom he adored; Alexa, Kristian, Mattheus, Shaylynne, Wyatt, Tobiah and Esme. He is also survived by his two brothers and two sisters in Holland and many nieces and nephews. In 1967 he met Ridi, the love of his life. They married in 1970. Bruce, Ridi and their three small children emigrated from Veenendaal to Canada in 1981, settling in the Cloverdale/Langley area. In Canada he worked as a comptroller, then owned and operated two import businesses before pursuing his true passion and talent as a full-time gardener. Bruce was well known and much loved in his community, mainly through the friendships he established in his work with the Maples Discovery Co-op Gardens in Langley as well as the Grace Community Church in Surrey and later Christian Life Assembly in Langley. In recognition of his all-natural gardening advocacy and leadership he was named Langley's 2010 Environmental Hero. Bruce was very active in the community and served as a mentor to many. He touched countless lives through his positive attitude and by making a conscious, daily effort to serve as a reflection of God's love for all people. He is dearly missed. A public celebration of his life will be held at Christian Life Assembly (21277 56th Ave, Langley) on Wednesday, April 16 starting at 7pm.
"I am with you always"-
Matthew 28:20