Obituary of Brother Al Verstraaten

VERSTRAATEN, Adrian, Aloysius, John " Brother Al" died peacefully at St. Joseph's Hospice on Friday, July 12, 2024, at the age of 92. Brother Al is survived by nieces and nephews in the Netherlands. He is predeceased by his parents Adrian and Ann Verstraaten and siblings: Joanna, Cornelia, Cornelius, John and Peter. He was a much loved member of his Canadian family, the Leduc’s, especially by his soulmate in life, Dorothy.

Born in the Netherlands Apr. 6th, 1932, he became a religious brother with the Society of St. Louis in 1949. Brother Al completed his training as a brother and at Teacher's College in 1952. He then taught elementary school in Den Helder until he emigrated to Canada to serve in the Diocese of London in 1955. Once in Canada he attended London Teachers College in 1957 and then taught for 4 years in St. Thomas and Alymer.

Brother Al moved to Sarnia in 1961 and taught at St. Patrick's High School for 31 years, where he started wilderness canoe trips with students, which continues to this day. During his years of teaching and after retirement (1992), his spare time was spent working for needy children and youth.  He started the Magfrat Foundation. He brought Big Brothers and Big Sisters to Sarnia/Lambton. He was very active in St. Vincent de Paul Society and managed summer camps for kids from 1964 to 1981. Brother Al was a valued member of Scouting from 1972 thru 1999. He was an active member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church as well as the Knights of Columbus and involved in Development and Peace.

Brother Al was a true Christian servant through God to all people, especially children and youth. He will be greatly missed by the many students and people whose lives he touched; an exemplary role model; always caring, kind, smiling, and ready to be of service, where and whenever there was a need.

There are not enough words to thank the Hospice staff, volunteers and doctors for the excellent care AL received, and special thanks to Tom St. Amand for his steadfast support and friendship. The final months of his journey were happy, comfortable and worry free, and we - his family, are forever grateful. Al, you will never be forgotten for your kindness.

Visitation at the McKenzie and Blundy Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 431 N. Christina St., Sarnia on Thursday, July 18th from 9 - 11 am.  Mass of Christian Burial will be following visitation - 1130 a.m. at St. Thomas d'Aquin Church celebrated by Father Brian Jane. Interment to follow to Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 106 East St., Sarnia N7T 3R1 or Big Sisters/Big Brothers of Sarnia Lambton, 10 Lorne Crescent, Sarnia, N7S 1H8. Messages of condolence & memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com