1946 - 2023
June 14, 2023, at the age of 76, with his beloved wife and daughters at his side.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Heidi (Biel) TeBrake; and daughters Rachel (Brent) Bokma and Alisha (Jason) Dreyer. He will be greatly missed by six grandchildren, of whom he was most proud: Sean, Lucas, Madison and Erin Bokma and Aiden and Colin Dreyer. He is reunited with his seven siblings who have predeceased him: Henk (Alice) TeBrake; Bill (Alice) TeBrake; Hans (Joey) TeBrake; Ena (Len) Hordyk; Alice (Hans) VanderStoep; Jim (Joyce) TeBrake; and Geesje (Bart) VanZandwijk. He is survived by six in-laws.
Born in the Netherlands, John immigrated to Canada with his family in 1955. He later met and married Heidi, whom he married in 1975. Following a first career in banking with the Canada Permanent Trust, he was the Executive Director/CEO of Niagara Peninsula Children’s Centre (now the Niagara Children’s Centre) until his retirement in 2003. John and his family settled in Fonthill, where John was an active member of the community, serving on community and church boards; working for World Renew projects supporting rebuilding efforts after a Tsunami in Indonesia and significant earthquake in Haiti. He was a much-loved respite companion for people with Dementia.
John’s grandchildren brought him much pride and joy.
The family wishes to thank the kind and compassionate staff at Niagara Health – Welland Site, who provided excellent care to John through many admissions over the years.
Visitation will be held at PELHAM FUNERAL HOME, Sunday, June 18, 2023 from 5- 8pm. A private interment will be planned for Monday, June 19, 2023, followed by a memorial service at 2pm at Bethany Christian Reformed Church in Fenwick.
Those wishing to do so are invited to make memorial donations to the Niagara Children’s Centre Foundation, World Renew, or a charity of your choosing.
Condolences may be shared at www.pelhamfuneralhome.ca
