Peter J. M. BLOEMEN

1930 - 2023

PETER J.M. BLOEMEN October 17, 1930 - December 23, 2023 Peter passed away peacefully, at home, in Oakville, Ontario. He will fondly be remembered as a kind, intelligent and modest man with a 'glass three-quarters full' attitude towards life. He was a consummate gentleman sprinkled with a healthy dose of good humour and mischievousness. Dorine, his confidant of 66 years, and Peter were inseparable as they lived a very full family life supported by their Catholic faith. Peter was predeceased by his brothers Jan, Hein and Huub. He is survived by his four children, Peter-Paul (Karin Lawton), Maarten (Carol nee Havens), Véronique and Marilotte (Greg Stefaniw); grandchildren, Henry (Jessie de Boer), Geneva, Nicolaas, Darcy, Brent, Logan, Charlie and Christian; and great-granddaughter, Elaina; several cousins and many nieces and nephews in The Netherlands. Peter was born in Tilburg, The Netherlands to Dr. Jan Bloemen and Conny Loeff. He completed his education at Nyenrode Business University and demonstrated his desire to explore by starting his career with the ABN Bank, in Karachi, Pakistan in 1951. He met young expats there, bought a motorcycle, and also hiked the Hunza Valley in the Himalayan foothills. The bank then transferred him to Osaka where he became proficient in the Japanese language and was inspired by Japanese art and culture, especially netsukes. During his home leave in 1956, Peter met Dorine van de Weijer from the Utrecht area, was married and started their adventure as a couple in Jedda, Saudi Arabia then Beirut, Lebanon. The next destination was back to Japan for Peter, as the general manager of the Kobe and Osaka offices. By 1968, Peter and Dorine had four children and it seemed time to settle down and return to the Western Hemisphere. The family moved to Toronto in 1969, that was a great choice! Peter established for the Dutch Brenninkmeijer family, a direct investment platform in North America - Trucena Investments. He built an investment team and strong relationships with many business leaders. Peter did well with his combination of business skills, charisma, and a trustworthy, direct, empathetic approach. He was a founding member of the Canadian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (CVCA) in the early 1970's. Peter contributed to many public, private and international corporations as a board member of which many were in the financial and insurance industries. He was also on the board of Appleby College. Philanthropically, he contributed to several arts, cultural, healthcare and community organizations. Peter played many sports over his lifetime, he excelled at field hockey (he apparently was a quick, shifty winger from what we heard) and later tennis, skiing, sailing, cycling, golf, hunting and fishing with family and friends. Peter was generous and loyal with a sweet disposition endearing him to so many. He enjoyed a cigar, glass of wine, laugh, good game of bridge and his art including visits to galleries and museums. Peter had great respect for all peoples; having the ability to adjust and fit into any social environment and any age group, having lived and worked in many cultures. Upon their retirement, Peter and Dorine travelled and lived in Europe for part of the year. They loved making new friends and reconnecting with the many they knew around the world. However, Peter and Dorine were happiest together among their immediate family at home, the log cabin cottage and on trips together. We are a very fortunate group with loving and supportive parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. Peter adored Dorine and their mutual affection was demonstrated daily until the end. The Bloemen Family is very grateful for the loving care provided by Florida D., and all the staff at Amica Bronte Harbour including Sydney E. The funeral mass will be held at St. Andrew's Catholic Church, 47 Reynolds St., Oakville on Wednesday, January 3 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception at the Oakville Club. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or Patty's Place - Acclaim Health Dementia Care Centre.