“No dress rehearsal, this is our life.”
Roger passed peacefully at Hospice Simcoe on Thursday, July 18, 2019 in his 49th year after a courageous battle with cancer. He had so much more love, laughter, and tickles to give, but we are relieved that he is no longer suffering. Our family and friends were blessed immensely to have had Roger in our lives. He had an infectious smile and a generous, loving nature.
Roger is survived by his cherished wife, Tamara Tiemersma, and his daughters, Abbygayle de Brum and Elsha Tiemersma, who were his pride and joy. He will be sadly missed by his parents, Maria and Angelo de Brum, and his sister Liz de Brum, her husband Dave, and his nephew and niece, Michael and Alyssa. He was dear to his mother-in-law, Liz Tiemersma; his brother-in-law, Martin Tiemersma; his sister-in-law, Kim; and his niece and nephew, Abby and Nicolas. He is fondly remembered by his former wife, Kim Drennan, and his “Little Brother” Tyler Hunt.
A very special thank-you goes out to all of the special people who helped care for Roger (and his family) over the past months: the wonderful nurses and doctors at RVH (Cancer Centre and Palliative Care); the compassionate PSWs, nursing staff, social workers, doctors, and volunteers at Hospice Simcoe; the caring nursing staff at Bayshore and the North Muskoka LHIN; the staff at Gilda’s Club; and, all of his friends and family.
A private family service was held at Adams Funeral Home on July 19, 2019 with cremation following. There will be a private family internment.
Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Roger’s Life on Thursday, July 25th from 6-9 p.m. (Tributes/Speeches @ 7:00) at the Ferndale Banquet Hall, 24 Ferndale Industrial Drive, Barrie. No need to RSVP – please come to cherish and celebrate Roger’s life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:
Roger de Brum Family Education Fund: bit.ly/RogerdeBrum
Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka: https://gildasclubsimcoemuskoka.org/ways-to-give/
Hospice Simcoe: https://www.hospicesimcoe.ca/donating/