Five Brothers and a War

Leendert’s Funeral

Funeral homes were not in common use in Holland. The tradition was to have the body of the deceased lie in the house of that person, and have friends and relatives drop by. In such a situation, the main drapes in the room were always closed, leading people walking down a street to wonder who had died if they saw drawn drapes in a house. When Leendert died, his body rested in the dining room. The table had been removed and a black drape screen had been set up to create a private area where people could pay their respects. The living room was used as a reception area, where the family could accept condolences—by the dozen, for several days. As Leendert’s Bruynzeel co-workers came, they would each tell stories they heard from Leendert, typically dealing with the stunts the sons had pulled off. The boys were amazed that Leendert took such pleasure in telling stories about their antics, when he seemed to be so upset at the time. Marie had not wanted flowers to be brought to the home, as was specifically written on the death notice. Among certain Protestants, death cannot be “beautified” with flowers. The Bruynzeel people who worked for Leendert carried his body to the gravesite and formed an honor guard as the casket was lowered. Kees, in his military uniform came to attention and saluted, in keeping with army tradition. Leen and Bertus were both in Indonesia and were unable to attend. Piet was married, and Jan engaged, so it was up to Kees to escort and accompany his mother. As the service concluded, Wim Bruynzeel, Leendert’s boss (as well as Leen’s and Piet’s) noticed Kees and his actions in helping Marie. He pulled Kees aside and told him that if he could get out of the military, he would hire him. Within a matter of weeks, Kees had separated from the army and began working at Bruynzeel.

van Pelt

Five Brothers and a War

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