DEBRUIN, Carl Paul
(1953 – 2011)

It is with the greatest of heartbreak that I share news of the sudden passing of my sweet, kind, gentle and ever-smiling best friend and husband, Carl “The Bear” DeBruin on February 13, 2011 at Big White, British Columbia.

Carl Paul DeBruin was born in Maplewood, New Brunswick on May 2nd, 1953. The son of a military man, he and his parents travelled across Canada and were stationed at a variety of military bases including London, Petawawa, Edmonton, and Chilliwack. After high school graduation, Carl attended SAIT in Calgary to train as an Ironworker and in 1977 graduated as an International Red Seal Journeyman. Carl’s trade in industrial construction took him to many locales including the skyline of Los Angeles, California, the diamond mines of Northern Canada, the Tar Sands Projects of Alberta, and recently the Copper Mountain Mine Project in Princeton, BC.

In the spring of 1987 in Vedder Crossing, BC, Carl met Arlene Charlton, and the two were married on July 4th, 1992. From Chilliwack, they headed east to Kelowna in pursuit of the ever-coveted Okanagan lifestyle which they pursued with zeal.

Carl was a man who lived life to it’s fullest and those who knew him during his short 57 years knew him to be a charismatic, jovial and mischievous man. His good nature endeared him to many especially dogs, cats, children and little old ladies. Carl loved living in the Okanagan and while his work often took him away for long stretches, he always gladly returned to Kelowna to complete lengthy “honey-do” lists for Arlene and to commence time off plans with her and their friends. Carl was an avid skier, boater and golfer, and was a big fan of sailing. He was very fond of backyard BBQ’s by the pool, Bailey’s with his morning coffee, and pints of Bud with Clamato Juice and loved to end his day with a good cigar and a glass of port!

Carl is predeceased by his mother, Betty-Lou DeBruin (nee Lindsay) and is survived by his wife and best friend of 24 years, Arlene, as well as his father Walter DeBruin of Savona, BC. Carl will be lovingly remembered by innumerable aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, all laden with heavy hearts at his passing.

It’s no wonder and a testament to those who knew Carl, that he left this world with his ski boots on… ready to take on “The Cliff” at Big White.

A Margaritaville/Jimmy Buffet themed Celebration of Carl’s life will take place at the Kelowna Yacht Club, 1360 Water Street, Kelowna, BC on Saturday, March 5th, 2011 at 5:00 pm.

In honour of Carl, come wearing your favorite floral shirt and come armed with stories of times shared with him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to BC Heart & Stroke Foundation, #4 – 1551 Sutherland Ave., Kelowna, BC V1Y 9M9.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.

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