Brusse, Adriaan
Adrianus (Adriaan) Laurentius Brusse
September 11, 1937 – May 29, 2026
It is with sadness, but also with gratitude for a life well lived, that we announce the passing of Adrianus (Adriaan) Laurentius Brusse on May 29, 2026, at the age of 88.
Born in Apeldoorn, The Netherlands, Adriaan, and his twin brother George immigrated to Canada in 1963 with optimism, determination, and excitement for a new beginning. Through hard work and perseverance, he built a life centred on family, adventure, and community.
A mechanical engineer by profession, Adriaan spent much of his career with Hamilton Gear & Machine Company, where he was respected for his knowledge, dedication, and strong work ethic.
Adriaan was predeceased by his parents, Johannes and Hendrika Brusse, and by his siblings Johannes, Hannie, George and Margreet.
He leaves behind his wife, Naomi Brusse (née Charlton), and his children Bart (Lisa), Pamela (Jill), Lucie (Jason), and Kris (Shannon).
He was a proud Opa to Kayman (Leslie), Jacqueline, Jeff (Jenna), Jack, Daniel, Finn, and McKinley, all of whom brought him tremendous joy.
Even after building a life in Canada, Adriaan remained deeply connected to his Dutch roots. He worked hard to maintain close ties with family in the Netherlands and took great pride in keeping cousins and relatives connected across generations.
Adriaan made it a priority to keep his family together and created traditions that will live on for generations. For decades, Sunday hikes along the Bruce Trail became a cherished family tradition. There will be no more walks in the woods with Adriaan/ Dad/ Opa leading the way, excitedly pointing out mushrooms, wild leeks, fiddleheads, berries, unusual trees, or wood ducks. These simple pleasures brought him immense joy, and the memories of sharing them with family will remain treasured gifts long after the trails have been walked.
Summers were spent camping in Ontario’s provincial parks, creating memories around campfires, on hiking trails, and beside countless lakes.
Adriaan loved the outdoors. An avid fisherman, he found peace on the water and rarely missed an opportunity to cast a line or to stop alongside a lake or river to ask a fellow angler, “Catching anything?”. He also enjoyed the friendly competition of a good euchre game and was always ready to gather around the card table with family and friends.
With a larger-than-life personality, Adriaan had a gift for making people feel welcome. His warmth, humour, charisma, and unmistakable presence brought life to any room. He leaves behind countless stories, laughs, and memories that will continue to be shared for years to come.
Adriaan remained a strong and independent man throughout his life. Following gallbladder surgery earlier this year, his health declined unexpectedly over the past few months. While his family is heartbroken by his loss, they take comfort in knowing he is now reunited with his parents, siblings, and others who went before him. Remembering the words he often shared:
“Life is for the living.”
His legacy lives on in the traditions he created, the values he instilled, and the love he gave so freely to his family.
In keeping with Adriaan’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at his home:
5072 Canborough Road,
Wellandport, OntarioGuests are welcome to drop in, share memories, and celebrate a life well lived.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bruce Trail Conservancy in Adriaan’s memory.
