Born April 14, 1926 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Rein Brongers died on April 27, 2010 in Vancouver, B.C. Rein is survived by his beloved wife Lore, his son Jan (and daughter-in-law Ellen), his daughter Carina and his granddaughter Justine, all of whom reside in his adopted city, Vancouver.

As a young Dutch anglophile, Rein left his native Holland in 1952 to work as a civil engineer-first in New Zealand and then Canada where he settled in 1957. After falling in love with this country, he then fell in love with his dearest Lore, a university librarian whom he married in 1964.  Amazingly, she managed to make her profession seem so interesting that Rein decided to switch careers, becoming the Head of the Science Division at the University of British Columbia Library in 1967.  He retired in 1989 to general acclaim from his colleagues for a job well done.  Now finally able to truly enjoy the pleasures of life, Rein was faithfully accompanied by Lore who stood steadfastly by his side until the very end.  Lore’s unwavering devotion to Rein, particularly when his health began to fail, is something for which his children will be eternally grateful.

When asked to describe him succinctly, Rein’s friends and relatives would almost invariably employ the word “gentleman”, in both its literal and figurative sense.  He was a great conversationalist and always loved a good debate with his close friends.  His biggest joy, however, was classical music and his family takes comfort knowing that he left this world contentedly while listening to Mozart and surrounded by the three most beautiful and important women in his life.

The Brongers family expresses its sincere thanks to the caring staff of the Arbutus Care Centre for their dedication and compassion for Rein during his final six months.

If you wish to honour Rein, please spend a few minutes listening to your favourite piece of music and being grateful for something.