Christopher ‘Chris’
William Leonard Bruinink
November 13, 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce that after a long, courageous battle with colon cancer, Christopher William Leonard Bruinink, with his family by his side, peacefully passed away in his home in Mount Brydges, Ontario on Monday, November 13, 2023. Chris was born in London, Ontario on April 6, 1972 to his loving parents Willemn Bruinink and Janny Bruinink (née Sanders). Chris is survived and will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Christy Bruinink (née Klingenberg), and their children Miranda Bruinink-Powell (Ryan), Jordan (Avery), Carson and Nicole. His most special fur baby, Sofie, will miss him dearly. His siblings will miss all of the amazing gatherings and adventures they had with him, Tanya Payne (Mike), Angie Pellatt (Adam), Nathan Klingenberg and Kim Hutchinson (Jeff), along with his father-in-law Gerrit Klingenberg (Usana), and mother-in-law, Jo Klingenberg. He was deeply loved by all of his nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Chris had a multitude of people in his personal life and work life at the London Fire Department that he called his friend, which was very evident in his daily life. He loved the outdoors, especially his yearly fishing trip up north with the boys, or overnight hiking in Algonquin Park. He was a loving, devoted and passionate husband, Dad, son, uncle, friend and firefighter, and always made his family the first priority each and every day. He was all about rejecting the negative, embracing the positive, and most importantly finding joy and peaceful resolutions in everything he did.
Chris is predeceased by his Opa, Casey Sanders; Oma, Ann Sanders; Opa, Willem Bruinink; Oma, Dirkje Bruinink; and his step-Grandma, Auntie Madeline.
In October 1998, Captain Chris Bruinink started his career in the fire service as a volunteer firefighter on St. Joseph Island and joined Toronto Fire Service in November 1999. On January 29, 2001, Chris fulfilled his dream of becoming a firefighter for London Fire Department.
Chris always focused on people and had a passion for ensuring the health and safety of personnel and always willing to assist when needed. Chris was recently promoted to Captain, was co-chair of the Joint Health and Safety Committee for many years, was a backup communications (9-1-1) operator, served a term as a member of the LPFFA executive, was an integral member of the Hazmat Team, and was always willing to take on any other projects or committee work when asked.
Chris was recently awarded the 25-year exemplary service medal for his dedication. His unwavering commitment, loyalty, and passion for his work alongside his professionalism, integrity and strong work ethic has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the London Fire Department and the community that he served. His positive attitude was contagious, and offered a smile and a hello for everyone.
Chris was an invaluable asset to the London Fire Department, incredible mentor, and role model to many. He was instrumental in many workplace health and safety initiatives and went above and beyond in everything he did. Chris faced many challenges and overcame obstacles as he adapted to the ever changing landscape of the fire service throughout his career, always with a focus on people.
We would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Blakely and team at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland; Dr. Breadner at London Regional Cancer Program; and to our amazing home care nurse Stephanie, who was our rock and ray of sunshine during our most difficult times.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Forest City Community Church, 3725 Bostwick Road, London, where a full honours funeral will be conducted on Thursday, November 23, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. A livestream of service will be available for those unable to attend in person. To join the Facebook Livestream for Chris Bruinink’s Funeral Service, visit the link below and a live video will commence at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Thursday, November 23rd, 2023.
The reception will take place afterwards at the Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 501, 7097 Kilbourne Road, London, ON N6P 1K5.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the London Health Sciences Foundation – Cancer Program or FNIH – Edmond J. Safra Family Lodge in Bethesda, Maryland.