Obituary of Franciscus Broeke

With heavy hearts and loving memories, our family announces the passing of our beloved husband, father and opa, Franciscus (Frans/Frank) Joseph Broeke, on Saturday, October 29, 2011 at the age of 73 years. Frans was born and grew up in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, the third youngest of six sisters and two brothers. In 1960, he decided to explore the world and ended up in Calgary, AB, where he fell in love with both the mountains and the lovely Maria de Jong (also of The Netherlands). They met at a dance at the Dutch Canadian Club and were later married on April 21, 1962. "A year later they welcomed a son, Roger into the family and later, the birth of daughter Carolynn completed their family." Years later, when he became an Opa, he embraced this new role to the fullest. Always joking with his grandchildren and involved in their lives, he was their biggest fan, cheering them on at hockey arenas, figure skating rinks, badminton courts and running races. Frank retired from Alberta Government Telephones in 1987, after 26 years of service, as a marketing methods manager. He was very active and could usually be found on the golf course, the soccer (voetbal) field, playing billiards, going for long walks or singing with the Dutch choir "Het Schorre Kikkertje". He was a talented artist and woodworker, and loved working in the yard and on household projects. Frans and Maria enjoyed traveling, visiting with friends, and spending time with their children and grandchildren. Frans also volunteered within the community as a 'White Hatter' at the airport and the last several years delivered for 'Meals on Wheels'. Over the past year, Frans endured a difficult struggle with ALS (Lou Gherig's Disease), with great strength, hope and dignity, to which he finally succumbed. Lovingly remembered by his wife of 49 years, Maria; his son, Roger Broeke (Elizabeth); his daughter, Carolynn Broeke (Robert) and his three grandchildren, Scott, Nolan and Nicole Broeke as well as numerous relatives in The Netherlands, Italy and New Zealand. A Celebration of Life was held on Friday, November 4, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Living Spirit United Church, 629-49th Avenue SW, Calgary. Forward condolences through www.hffs.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the A.L.S. Society of Alberta & Northwest Territories (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), Suite 250, 4723 – 1 Street S.W., Calgary, AB T2G 4Y8, www.alsab.ca . A special thank you to Jane Rivest of the ALS Society. Thank you to all the doctors, nurses and staff at the ALS Clinic, Foothills Medical Centre and Unit 39, Peter Lougheed Centre. HERITAGE FUNERAL SERVICES “Calgary Crematorium Chapel” Telephone: (403) 299-0111