DEBRUYN, Martin: It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Martinus Johannes Debruyn. Martin passed away peacefully at the family farm, Ausable Line, Exeter, on Friday, September 5, 2025, at the age of 79, surrounded by his loving family.
Martin was a devoted husband, father, loving Opa, and friend. Born in Driebergen-Rijsenburg in the Netherlands, he spent his life dedicated to his family and community. Martin immigrated to Canada in 1967 with his new loving wife Maryke, to embark a new life adventure and start a family. He became a proud Canadian citizen in 1974. Martin began farming shortly after arriving in Canada and established his family homestead just outside of Exeter in 1976 where he lived with Maryke and raised his four children. Martin worked hard on building the family farm where he worked until 1994. He loved to build, so he spent the next 21 years working at Oke-Woodsmith until he retired to be a full-time Opa. Martin was always very active in the community where he was President of the Exeter Soccer Club for 18 years where he organized and coached local youth soccer.
He was known for his sharp mind, generous spirit, and unwavering integrity. He had a passion for everything involving his grandchildren and working with his hands, especially on projects that involved his kids.
Martin was predeceased by his beloved grandchild, Taylor Marie, whose memory he cherished deeply. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Maryke; his children, Marie (Ken), Henri (Annie), Sharon (Craig) and Marty (Kari); and his grandchildren Evan, Ainsley, Owen, Layla, Mason, Jesse, Jasper, Jorja, Zach and Austin. He is also survived by by extended family in both Canada and Holland. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
An Informal Celebration of Martin’s Life will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Dashwood Community Centre, 158 Centre Street, Dashwood. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations (payable directly) be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Martin’s memory.
His legacy of kindness, wisdom, and love will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
Arrangements entrusted to the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, Dashwood.
Guest Photos
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Kendra Craig
Our sincere sympathies to the entire Debruyn family. We have so many fond memories of Martin coaching my brother in soccer all the way up to the many times recently I would run into them and catch up in the aisle of the grocery store. Always a smile on his face and a kind word. He will be missed.
Tom, Kendra & Graham Arthur
Scott Bogart
Maryke, Mari, Henri, Sharon, Marty & Family,
Always enjoyed talking with Martin. My condolences to the entire family.
Scott, Lynda, Luke & Heath Bogart
Mary
Marty, Kari and the Debruyn family…Please accept my condolences on the passing of your dad. He was a lovely man.
Mary Hulley
Sue Wilson
Maryke and family, heartfelt condolences on Martin’s passing. He was a gentleman. Always friendly. Cherish your precious memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim Gingerich
Maryke and Family
We are so sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Martin. He was always a pleasure to chat with, and will be missed by all who knew him.
Jim and Ruth Gingerich
Steve Gould
Martin was a genuine sincere person and always it was always a pleasure to encounter his smiling face. My condolences to the entire family. Steve Gould.
Kate Farwell
On behalf of my parents, Ken & Hennie, and my entire family, we are so sorry to hear of Martyn’s passing. Over the years, many great conversations, smiles and laughs were had with Martyn & Maryke about soccer, a shared Dutch heritage, the kids and grandkids.
Martyn will be remembered by us fondly and our thoughts and prayers are with Maryke, Marie, Henri, Sharon, Marty and their families.
With sincere condolences on your great loss,
Ken & Hennie Farwell
Kate Farwell & Ava Thebeau
Ernest Miatello
I will always remember the conversations we enjoyed about soccer, especially around World Cup and UEFA, whenever The Orange were involved. His true love was his family as I always felt the pride and love he had for Maryke and their children. He will be dearly missed.
Ernie
Tina Riley-Ankers
I am so sorry to see Marty’s passing. It won’t be the same without his and Maryke visit to the deli to get their Noah Martin and Ham deli meat. Both him and Maryke were always so sweet and such a pleasure to talk to. It won’t be the same not seeing him come in on Tuesday’s to grocery shop and visit the deli.
May he rest in the sweetest peace. He was one of a kind
Thinking of all his family and sending prayers.
Tina Riley-Ankers
Howard and Yvonne Hendrick
Deepest condolences to Maryke and family on the passing of Martin. Cherish your many happy memories of him.
Leanne Rimmer
I am so sorry for your loss. I have many memories of him from visits to the farm for Sharon’s birthday parties.
Astrid de Bruijn
Dear Aunt Marijke, children and grandchildren,
We are sorry to hear that Uncle Martin has passed away. Please accept our deepest condolences.
When our children would ask their “Opa Jan” about his brother, in Canada, the story about his big hands would always be told.
We were lucky to visit him and Aunt Marijke with our children a couple of years ago. Now our children know the story opa told them was true. We cherish our memories and the warm welcome you gave us.
We wish you all the best and maybe somewhere someday we will meet again.
Love Astrid, Lodewijk, Puk, Noor and Maartje.
Jeff Annie and family
I was so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. He was always such a kind and decent man. The same values truly lives on in all of you. Please know that my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. You have my deepest condol…
Shelly Toornstra
Sending thoughts and prayers to you all. I was so shocked and saddened when I heard the news. I will cherish all the conversions we had over the years. He was very proud of his family and I will miss hearing how everyone is doing
Shelly Toornstra
Bill Dobbie
Sending heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. May cherished memories bring you comfort and peace.
Bill Dobbie & Southern Ontario Street Rod Inc
Alan & Denean Renning
We were saddened to hear of Martin’s passing. Our thoughts are with Martin’s family during this sad time. Alan & Denean Renning
Melonie Miller
Our condolences to the DeBruyn family.
Barry & Melonie Miller
Lee & Rochelle Gibbings & family
Thinking of you all during this sad time.
Rod & Tammy Parker
Deepest condolences to the Debruyn family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Rod & Tammy Parker
Morley and Bonnie Obre
To the Debruyn family
We are so sorry for your loss of Martin.
We would always see him and Maryke at the grandkids sports games.
Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Morley and Bonnie Obre
Justin O'Rourke
Dear Maryke, Marie, Henry, Marty and Sharon and Family, We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Martin. He was such a kind and vibrant person. I owe him a debt of gratitude for coaching me in soccer for all those years. He will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Justin O’Rourke and the O’Rourke Family
nancy brand
dear maryke and family my deepest sympathy in the passing of martin nancy brand
CHRISTINE MCARTHUR
I was so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. He was always such a kind and decent man. The same values truly lives on in all of you. Please know that my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. You have my deepest condolences.
Christine (Schade) McArthur and family
Jason McFalls
DeBruyn Family,
I have so many memories of Martin over the last almost 50 years as a coach, a mentor and as a friend. His passing will be felt by so many but especially by all the members of your beautiful family.
Jason McFalls
Xavier and Ruthanne Boogemans
Maryke , Marty , Kari and Families
We were so very sorry to hear of Martin’s passing and Thinking of You All
Xavier and Ruthanne
Jim & Linda Dietrich
Sincere sympathy to Maryke & Family, so sorry for your loss.
Jim & Linda Dietrich.
Mark Heimrich
Maryke, Marty & Kari & Family, & all Martin’s Family & Friends;
Our sincere condolences in your loss. We remember Martin fondly from the arena life and the community. He was always smiling and friendly. He was certainly his grandkids biggest fan. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Mark & Julie Heimrich, Sarah, Scott & Spencer.
Patti and Steve Geoffrey
Dear Marty , Kari and family
We are deeply saddened by the loss of your beloved father and Opa.
Please know we are thinking of you during this sorrowful time and extend our sincerest condolences to you and your entire family
Patti and Steve Geoffrey
Diane Kaak
Maryke and Family
Our sympathy in the loss of your loved one
Joe and Diane Kaak
Marilyn Pritchard
My deepest sympathies to all of Martin’s family. Cherish your wonderful memories at this difficult time.
Sincerely
Marilyn Pritchard and Family
Anton en Brigitte Brouwer
Lieve Marijke, kinderen en kleinkinderen, vanuit Nederland zijn we in gedachten bij jullie en steken morgen een kaars aan voor Mart. Lieve groeten, Brigitte, Anton en onze kinderen en kleinkinderen
Adriaan Brand
My sincere condolences to the whole family on the passing of Martin . May you find comfort in the many memories you all have collectively of his life here on this earth with you . Adriaan Brand
Clasina De Bont
Our deepest condolences with the loss of your husband,father and Opa. Thoughts and prayers are with you. I will cherish the time I spent with you last week. Bert and Clasina
Sue Riley
Deepest condolences to the Debruyn family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Sue Riley