Obituary of Henry Murray van de Brand
It is with great sadness the family would like to announce the sudden passing of Henry Murray van de Brand, age 55, of Penobquis, NB in a tragic motor vehicle accident on August 19, 2022.
Henry was born in Sussex, NB on August 7, 1967.
Largely self-taught, and entrepreneurial in spirit, Henry was a very intelligent, articulate, and well-read individual with a broad range of interests including business, farming, and technology. Henry will be remembered as a fierce champion of the underdog, generously and freely giving to those less fortunate than him. Henry was tremendously loyal, selfless, and willing to help friends and family at any time, no matter what needed to be done, asking for very little in return. Henry had a special bond with our mother, Martina. He cherished the family farm in Penobsquis where he was raised, returning from Moncton on the passing of Pop to support and attentively care for Mom full-time over the past year and a half.
Full of ideas, curious, industrious, and very innovative, Henry loved to tinker around the family farm with several projects on the go. Mechanically inclined, Henry was competent with a variety of farm machinery and particularly adept at automotive repair. Amongst his hobbies, Henry loved to travel and was an excellent driver who enjoyed frequent countryside road trips throughout the Maritimes with family. Spending time and engaging with friends at Tim Horton’s was another favorite hobby. Henry had been an avid dirt bike rider, very talented and capable, riding through local trails and forest roads with his family and close friends. Henry was knowledgeable in motorcycle repair from changing tires to fixing engines. Henry also had a keen interest in the stock markets.
Henry was a graduate of Sussex Regional High School.
Henry will be sadly missed by his loving mother, Martina of Penobsquis and his nine brothers and sisters: Fred (Judy) of Penobsquis, Tony (Wanda) of Salisbury, Anne-Marie (Blake) of Halifax, Peter (Albina) of Penobsquis, Jimmy (Donna) of Plumweseep, William of Chilliwack, BC, Edwin (Laura) of Urney, Bernadette (Kevin) of Moncton, and Matthew Jr. of Penobsquis, nephews and nieces, Dennis, Melanie (Brandon), Tammy (Andy), Ryan (Emily), Lisa (Justin), Ty (Kaley), Trevor (Melanie), Dustin (Rebekah), Brianna (Will), Ethan and Zachery, all of New Brunswick, Jonathan (Emily) of Ontario, Chase (Erin), Sammy (Kim) and Jessica, all of Alberta, Vanessa and Andrew of British Columbia and Abby of New Zealand. He also leaves behind many relatives in Holland and Ottawa.
Henry is predeceased by our father, Matthew Geradus van de Brand in 2021; infant brother, Matthew; and sister-in-law, Norma.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, NB. A private family visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, followed by a graveside service immediately thereafter, at the Pioneer Cemetery in Penobsquis.
The family would be very grateful for donations in Henry’s memory to the Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick or to the memorial of the donor’s choice. Online condolences and donations may be made at WallaceFuneralHome.com
To our dear son, brother and friend, Henry, you were taken from us far too soon, but you will forever be in our hearts and minds, may you rest in eternal peace.
The family of the late Henry van de Brand wish to sincerely thank everyone for their cards, beautiful meals, phone calls and many memorials during our recent loss. A special thank you to family friend, Dena Stevens.
