Bram passed away at home with his family by his side, two days following his 70th birthday. He was born in Veendam, Netherlands, to Frederik and Harmanna Bosman, who immigrated to Canada when Bram was an infant. Bram was predeceased by his loving parents and his mother-in-law, Betty Jewell.
Bram was the loving husband and best friend of Carol for 46 years. Proud father of Christopher (Barbara) and Emily (Kyle) and cherished Opa to Nolan, Cove and Briar. Brother of Hank (Gail), Tessa and Annette. Dear brother-in-law of Lorna Hoar (Steve), and uncle of Nicholas, Jennifer (James), Samantha, Matthew (Teanna), and Jamie (Samantha).
Bram valued his career and work in his many different roles within the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR). Among other assignments, Bram managed a team responsible for Crown land management and land use planning. He worked in several offices, including Cornwall, Midhurst, Maple and Aurora as well as a secondment to Queens Park. Bram’s gentle nature and sage advice was welcomed not only by his colleagues, but by his family and friends. Bram took early retirement and enjoyed many happy hours curling and golfing with his OMNR friends.
Annual family holidays were cherished and included trips to eastern and western Canada, Florida, skiing in Quebec, camping in Ontario and vacationing at the Jewell cottage. Bram and Carol enjoyed a special long road trip across Canada and the northern US from the west to the east. There were many trips to Thunder Bay when Christopher and later Emily attended Lakehead University where memories were made along the Lake Superior shoreline. Bram and Carol enjoyed cottaging at Big Gull Lake and Palmerston Lake with good friends. They travelled to England, Scotland, Ireland and spent several holidays in Cuba.
Bram had an adventurous spirit and embraced life to the fullest. He had a deep passion and love of nature and the outdoors, which he instilled in Christopher and Emily. Bram and Christopher shared a love of camping together. They hiked the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island and more recently, Mount Assiniboine trails in the Great Divide of the Canadian Rockies. Bram walked the entire Camino de Santiago trail, which was a highlight of his outdoor adventures. Emily and her Dad shared several canoe trips together in Ontario. Time spent with his grandchildren, immersing them in the outdoors, especially on the home property in Oro - Medonte, gave Bram so much joy. He also delighted in producing maple syrup from trees on his property; family and friends were the recipients of his annual production.
Bram had a lifelong interest in sports (and was a true Toronto Maple Leafs fan), playing hockey and baseball in his adult years. When time permitted, he hunted and fished. Bram was a motorcyclist from the time he was sixteen years old, and experienced many long-distance trips across Canada and the USA with his good friend Victor (Butch). Bram was a member of the Southern Cruisers riding group out of Orillia. He was also an avid winter sports enthusiast, enjoying downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and curling (as a member of the Coldwater Curling Club). In addition to these activities, Bram had a keen interest in history and geography. He was an avid reader and music aficionado.
Bram developed rich friendships through his volunteer involvement with several organizations through the years. He was known for his kindness and generosity, taking an active role in the community wherever he lived. Bram was a long-time member of Grace United Church, serving on the Board of Directors and as a board member of Camp Simpresca. Bram was a beaver leader and served on the board of Kempenfelt District Boy Scouts.
Bram’s positive outlook inspired others, even in the face of adversity this past year of his cancer journey. The family wishes to acknowledge the outstanding care and support of Dr. Jacky Lai, and are also grateful to the staff at the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre and to the dedicated Bayshore nurses.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Grace United Church, 350 Grove Street East in Barrie on Saturday November 26th with visitation at 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow in the Grace Church Memorial Hall. A Livestream will be made available at the Grace United Church YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/c/GraceUnitedChurchBarrie
If desired, a donation to the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre, Grace United Church memorial fund or your favourite charity in Bram’s name would be appreciated. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.steckleygooderham.com