Van Bree, Frank

(submitted by Frank Van Bree)

Frank Van Bree arrived in Canada from Noord Brabant, Holland, in 1950 with his parents, Martin and Josephine, and eleven brothers and sisters. The family was sponsored by Martin’s brother Chris.

Frank and his siblings worked at any work they could find to help pay for the family farm. Frank worked for a season on the pipeline in Napanee, Ontario. In 1956 he was employed driving bus and taxi at Brescia College in London; in 1958 he drove a bulldozer for Sherman Williams of Warwick. The Van Bree family owned one car, a Model A Ford.

In 1959 Frank married Elsie Hoevenaars. They rented Lot 19, Con. 5 NER, Warwick Twp. Frank hauled cans of milk to the New Dundee milk factory and Elsie worked at the Watford Wireworks and in tobacco. They had four children: Mary Ann (1960–), Mark (1961–), Josie (1964–), and Teresa (1967–).

In 1960 Frank purchased his first gravel truck. By 1964 he was starting farm tiling. In 1965 the Frank Van Bree family purchased a farm at Birnam and Frank Van Bree Farm Drainage was established. In 1967 Frank’s brother Paul joined him and together they became Van Bree Drainage and Bulldozing Ltd. Paul and Frank ran the company for six years while Elsie was in charge of the office.

With doctor’s advice to slow down, Frank and Paul went their separate ways. Paul kept the company name and Frank established a new company entitled Birnam Excavating Ltd. Liquid manure pits were big business. Then he eased into swamp and quicksand drainage. His son Mark joined the team in 1977.

In 1979 Frank decided to run for Warwick Township Council. He was elected and served for 12 years. Mark gradually took over the company and in 2008 the company is solely owned and operated by Mark and Teresa Van Bree. They employ about 35 people.

1983 saw Frank take the position of Drainage Superintendent for Adelaide Twp.

Mary Ann married Ted Houck; Mark married Teresa Van Raay; Josie married Jim Sisler; and Teresa married Rob Kaelin. Mark and family live at Birnam; Josie and family live in Arkona.

Chapter 24 of 25 - Van Bree, Frank

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