Huite "Bert" Brunia

With great sadness, we announce that we have lost our beloved husband, father, son, brother, opa and great-opa, uncle and friend. Huite “Bert” Brunia, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at the age of 76. He was born June 16, 1949 in Zwolle, The Netherlands, to Sijke (Doorenbos) and Simon Brunia. He immigrated to Canada April 28, 1968, on the Maasdam.

Bert leaves behind the love of his life, wife of 54 years, Hannah, and his children: Michelle Brunia (Phillip Strickland) – grandchildren Connor, Quentin (Vienna) Pronk and great grandchild Pearl, Kiannah, and Blair; Andrea (Patrick) Thomson – grandchildren Gabrielle (Lyndon) Byrd and great grandchildren Margot and Josie, Liam (Stacy) Thomson and great-grandchild Emelia-Mae, and Ethan; David Brunia (Berber De Vries) – grandchildren Braden, Caris and Taeo; Sarah (Scott) Vanderspek – grandchildren Zachary, Evan, Samantha, Emma and Nigel; Melanie (Frank) Neels – grandchildren Rushia, Taleah, Miah and Miles; Kristin (Blair) Appleby – grandchildren Max and Ty. He also leaves behind his brother Sjouke (Ineke) Brunia and sister Jitske (Ricus) Grondsma and many nieces and nephews. Bert was predeceased by his parents Sijke and Simon Brunia, Hannah’s parents Tannetje and Jan Jansen.

He had a great childhood in Holland, full of adventures, with his sister and brother. Sjouke and him would have tractor races, which they called “The World Championship.” Not sure who was the reigning champion, but if they could have a rematch, I’m sure they would. He learned the hard way growing up. Barbed wire fences are sharp, the top of a barn roof is quite high for a 5 year-old, and pop-a-wheelies gone wrong may eventually result in a shortened tailbone. And apparently there is nothing like a disgusting, stinky, slimy rotten potato, especially when it connects with an unsuspecting target.

On April 28, 1968, Bert travelled by boat for 10 days and landed in Montreal. Little did he know that his roommate on the boat would be a friend and fellow partner-in-crime for the next 57 years. He and Harry Van Hemert travelled by train to Alberta and arrived in Medicine Hat. As part of the Young Farmers organization, they had jobs in the dairy industry and eventually ended up harvesting sugar beets. They were both paid $150 a month but because Harry went to church on Sundays, Bert had to work an extra day…for the same pay. Thinking that this was completely not right, and he wanted a day off, he started going to church with Harry. God works in mysterious ways.

The boys purchased a Chevy together for $750, and in December of 1968, they travelled for 4 days through the mountains to Chilliwack. The tires were bald, but the radio worked. There are many stories in-between, but a contest with two others about who could take the most girls out in two weeks led him to the love of his life. He went to the Mohawk gas station and not too long after the contest had started, it ended for him. He met the beautiful Hannah Jansen and it was game over. Six months later he proposed and they were married on October 13, 1971.

It says on Obituary guidelines to include a short summary of Bert’s career, but as noted previously, the only thing he shirked on was his tailbone. He and Harry had a construction company called Harbour Homes, and from there he went to Bert’s Drywall, stucco and plumbing. In 1978, Bert and Hannah started building vacuums in their basement, and Easy-Flo was born. Years later, when Hannah wanted a trampoline for their kids, Bert decided he could build one cheaper (Dutch, right?) and Super-Fun was established. And because both vacuums and security systems use low-wattage electrical, it just seemed natural to start Contact Security. In 2003, Bert imported his first four Friesians (yes, horses) and at the end of his horse career he had bred a total of 108 horses, with 4 crown mares, 7 star stallions and 16 star mares and still more to be judged. His legacy will live on for a long time.

He loved his wife, loved his children, his family, friends and was loved by many. He loved working, had made amazing connections and had fabulous conversations with so many, especially Saturdays at the shop. He worked until he couldn’t work anymore. He loved riding his motorcycles and would have loved to go at least one more time. He enjoyed chilling in Maui with his best friend and fishing on the banks of the Fraser.

Mom, thank you, from each and everyone of us, for the care you gave him. You loved on him so strong, and we know you would have done it longer.

Condolences will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Woodlawn Funeral Home (45865 Hocking Avene) from 7:00-8:30 pm. The funeral service will be held at Heritage Reformed Church of Chilliwack (46336 First Avenue) at 10:00am on December 30, 2025,

with interment at Chilliwack Cemeteries (10010 Hillcrest Dr.) at 11:30am, and reception to follow at Heritage Reformed Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bert’s honor to Parkinson’s Association or the MS Society.

For those that wish to join the service via live stream please use the following link.

https://www.sermonaudio.com/webcasts/chilliwackhrc