It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of our dear friend, Bruce Van Garderen, on April 5th, surrounded by his family. A celebration of life was held for Bruce on Wednesday, April 16th at 7pm at Christian Life Assembly Church (21277 56th Ave, Langley).

 

Bruce was a fixture at the Maples and he touched the lives of many. His spirit will live on at the Gardens and through those who were lucky enough to have met him. We will continue to build on the foundation that he helped to lay at the Maples.

 

To show appreciation for all of the love and work Bruce put into the Gardens, a bench was purchased for him to enjoy when he felt like he had enough strength to visit the Maples. We will now put this bench out in the gardens for all to use and it will serve as a reminder of Bruce and his love for life, people, gardening, and nature.

 

The Maples Discovery Garden Co-op Board of Directors

Bruce's Discovery Garden at Langley Meadows

Bruce Van Garderen has had an impact on countless Langley Meadows students over the years as children visited Maple Gardens to spend time outdoors and learn about gardens and the natural world. With Bruce's passing earlier this year, the Langley Meadows community lost a great educator and advocate for gardening, plants and nature which is why it was decided to name the newly constructed garden at Langley Meadows Bruce's Discovery Garden, after this special man. Langley teacher Lori Villeneuve, formerly at Langley Meadows, related a story in which a young student was handed a worm by Bruce. The student response was "shouldn't we be wearing gloves?", to which Bruce replied, "but then how will we feel the worm?". Since that time nearly every student that has attended Langley Meadows has held a worm and gardened without gloves to 'feel' the dirt.

Attending the dedication was Bruce's wife Maria Van Garderen along with their children and grandchildren. Mrs Van Garderen was joined by son Peter Van Garderen, daughter Elsabee Lyon and her husband Jeff Lyon and their children Alexa, Kristian and Wyatt, a current Langley Meadows student. The family was invited to witness the unveiling of Bruce's Discovery Garden and attend the presentation to the Langley Meadows students but the Van Garderen family surprised everyone with an unexpected donation and card of thanks. The Van Garderen family donation is to help purchase gardening tools or other supplies as needed. Bruce's Discovery Garden has certainly enriched the Langley Meadows community and serves well as a memorial to Bruce Van Garderen and the positive impact he has on many young children in the area.