Bob Bronkema, known as Beebe to the Bronkema family, died peacefully in his home in Lynden surrounded by family at the age of 93. He was born on Feb. 19, 1930, to Katie (Hamming) and George Bronkema. He was the youngest of seven children.
Bob graduated from Lynden High School in 1949 and soon after joined the army. Shortly after the military, he married the love of his life, Dorothy (Friesen) Bronkema. They were married Oct. 1, 1955, and had 67 wonderful years together. They were blessed with five children.
After working a few jobs, Bob spent most of his working years at Darigold in Lynden, from which he retired in 1992.
After retirement and always needing to keep busy, Bob began making and selling miracle lures to local sporting goods stores as well as having numerous other projects going at all times.
Bob loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter. Some of the families’ fondest memories were of fishing trips in Canada and hunting trips in Eastern Washington.
Bob was one of the most personable people you would ever meet. He could carry on a conversation with nearly anyone he met and loved to reminisce and tell stories. His laugh was infectious, and he brought joy to the many people who knew him.
Although Bob had many good friends, family was first. Trips and holidays were always centered around family. Bob is survived by his wife Dorothy and their five children: Terry (Kathy) Bronkema, Glenice (Willie) Richardson, Pam (Joe) Szili, Daphne Bronkema, and Lyle (Tami) Bronkema as well as 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held on Aug. 26 at 2 p.m. at Advent Christian Church in Sumas. Please share your stories about Bob (Beebe) at the Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services website, gilliesfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice https://whatcomhospice.org/donate-online/ or your favorite charity.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
