ROBERT ANDREW (BRUISER) VAN VELZEN Born May 29, 1960, passed away on Monday June 20, 2011 surrounded by his loving family. Loved deeply by his wife, Jannie and his daughters Cassandra and Samantha. Beloved son of John and Josephine of Ballantrae. Much loved brother of Audrey Jamieson (John) and Andrew van Velzen. Awesome, fun-loving, warrior uncle of Sarah and Ryan (Jamieson), Erika and Julia (Sjolin), Gordon and Ian (Ross), Max (Ramos Swanston), and Stephanie (Ramos Loaiza). He is remembered with love by in-laws Marion and Jim Swanston, Karen and Randy, Anne and Wayne, and Cathy and Roy. As an entrepreneur, Rob was a visionary and lone wolf - always ahead of the curve. As a leader, Rob was a man who inspired loyalty and a desire to achieve and succeed. As a friend, Rob loved nothing more than to hang out with his buddies (including his big boy, Rudy), in the man cave over sports and cigars. As a philanthropist, Rob was committed to his community, volunteered his time and talent on many boards, and was passionate about care for seniors. As a husband and father he made the world a vibrantly colourful place to live. When he loved you, you knew it was to the moon and back. A celebration of Rob's life will be held on Thursday June 23, 2011 at Le Parc Conference and Banquet Centre in Vaughan (Dufferin and Langstaff location one block west of Dufferin), 20 North Rivermede Rd. Concord. Visitation will be held from 9 - 11am and from 1 3pm. Funeral service will follow from 3:30 - 4:30pm. Please join family and friends for a reception immediately following the service from 4:30 - 6:30pm. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Highland Funeral Home, Markham Chapel, 905-887-8600. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rob's memory to The Unionville Home Society (Unionvilla) would be appreciated. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with Rob's family at
www.highlandfuneralhome.ca.
Published by The Globe and Mail from Jun. 22 to Jun. 23, 2011.