Cornelis Wilhem Brink

Cornelis Wilhem Brink, also known as Willy, was a seeker. His various passions and interests brought him into contact with many different communities where he was appreciated for his kindness and engaging manner.

Raised in the Netherlands, his early wanderlust brought him through Europe and the Middle East to Israel, where he met his wife Anat, with whom he spent more than 30 years. Together they immigrated to Toronto and raised three children in a multilingual and multigenerational home. Amidst a backdrop of classical music, opera, literature, film, and art, he shared his love of the outdoors through camping, cross-country skiing, and mountain hiking, and his love of travel through multiple family trips to Europe, the Caribbean, and the east and west coasts.

After early retirement from civil engineering, his seeking began in earnest with training in alternative healing and shamanic studies. After travelling North America by campervan, he settled in Nelson, BC. He expressed his spirit in movement through an abiding passion for Core Connexion dance. He sought spiritual guidance first as a devotee of Amma, and then later through his long-lasting and deep connection to the Three Mountain Foundation, which prompted a move to Kamloops. Their spiritual teachings gave him great comfort and meaning, a connection he shared deeply with his beloved Donna. These teachings also helped him in his long-standing struggle with depression, prompting him to explore healing childhood trauma and giving his life lasting meaning.

In his twilight years, Cornelis brought sparkle to Comox and the Berwick retirement community, engaging fellow residents and staff in fascinating conversation, holding piano recitals, joining choirs, attending concerts, and coordinating music appreciation sessions and trips to see Live from the Met Opera screenings.

Cornelis died suddenly, but ultimately peacefully, surrounded by family. He will be greatly missed by Donna, his children Nicky, Ariel, and Elan, his sister Arti, his grandchildren Andrew and Clara, and the multitudes of people whose lives he touched through his interests and spiritual journey.

It would give us great comfort to hear your stories and memories of Cornelis/Willy. There will be a celebration of life in Comox at a later date.