It is with heavy hearts and great sadness, we announce that on January 23, 2021 our dad Lloyd Norman DeBruin passed away in Swan River at the age of 83 years.
Lloyd was born in Birch River, Manitoba on April 23, 1937 and was the 8th of 14 children to Viola and Anthony (Tony) DeBruin. Dad also attended school in Birch River in the early years of his life, then moved to Swan River where he met his soul mate and the love of his life Florence Reich. Mom and dad were married in Swan River on June 10th, 1961.
Mom and dad lived in Swan River until they moved to Thompson, MB in 1965. While in Thompson dad worked with Patty Harrison as a mechanic in the mine. Dad shared many stories about their time in the north. In 1972 they moved back to Birch River to return to the farm. Farming was dad’s life. He and mom worked side by side during their time together. He was one of the hardest working people you could ever meet and instilled that in all of us girls.
On May 30th, 1998 dad lost his right hand and soul mate when mom was taken from us suddenly in a tragic accident. Dad was lost without her, and buried himself in his work on the farm. In 2006 dad endured another huge hit with the loss of his best friend and brother Gordon, again carried on with work from sunrise to sunset.
Dad always loved to tease people. This included his children, grandchildren, and sister in-law. You could always see his eyes light up when the little ones came in the house.
We will always remember that funny little smirk on dad’s face when you weren’t sure if he was serious or joking.
Dad was a devoted and dedicated husband, father, grandfather. He was always there when needed and truly enjoyed his family and close friends.
You will be sadly missed more than words can say. Thank you, Dad, for all you gave
Dad is survived by his 4 loving daughters: Debbie (Al) Mortimer, Cindy (Ken) Braymore, Karen (Mark) Cleaver and Jennifer; 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; brother Chester; and sisters Esther, Alice, Diane, and Shirley.
He was predeceased by his loving wife Florence; parents Viola and Anthony; brothers Gordon, Warren, Ken, Allan and Arnold; and by sisters Evelyn, Opal and Ida.
In keeping with Lloyds wishes, a private service
will be held and Lloyd will be laid to rest
in the Crandell Cemetery, Birch River, Manitoba.
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to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Lloyd DeBruin, please visit our floral store.