Joel William Debruyn
July 22, 1975 — March 25, 2019
Joel William DeBruyn was born on July 22, 1975 to loving parents Hans and Lynda DeBruyn in Rochester, NY. He was lost tragically to brain cancer at the age of 43 in Columbus, GA surrounded by his wife and his sister-in-law, Kristina Peck (Kelly) of Charlotte, NC.
He is survived by his wife, Michelle DeBruyn of Columbus, GA; his parents Hans and Lynda DeBruyn of Victor, NY; his brother Josh DeBruyn (Erin) and nephews Miles and Willem of Asheville, NC; his brother Jon DeBruyn (Tracey) and nieces Abigail and Noel of Victor, NY, and niece Kennedy Peck of Charlotte, NC. Joel was loved by many near and far. Although not an exhaustive list of his blood relatives, he had even more wonderful friends, most of whom came to his aid in the end of his eight year battle including Thomas Moore of Huntsville, AL.
What will stay with those who loved him best is his sense of humor and his exceptionally compassionate soul. Even in the end, he was making all of those around him smile. He had a talent for putting others at ease and could diffuse any tense situation. Joel's gentle heart was second to none.
A former elementary physical education teacher at McBride Elementary on the Fort Benning army base as well as several schools within the Muscogee County, he tried to instill a love of sportsmanship and good conduct over competition in his students. He loved teaching and missed it dearly when he was no longer able to work.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to American Brain Tumor Association at www.abta.org.
He is survived by his wife, Michelle DeBruyn of Columbus, GA; his parents Hans and Lynda DeBruyn of Victor, NY; his brother Josh DeBruyn (Erin) and nephews Miles and Willem of Asheville, NC; his brother Jon DeBruyn (Tracey) and nieces Abigail and Noel of Victor, NY, and niece Kennedy Peck of Charlotte, NC. Joel was loved by many near and far. Although not an exhaustive list of his blood relatives, he had even more wonderful friends, most of whom came to his aid in the end of his eight year battle including Thomas Moore of Huntsville, AL.
What will stay with those who loved him best is his sense of humor and his exceptionally compassionate soul. Even in the end, he was making all of those around him smile. He had a talent for putting others at ease and could diffuse any tense situation. Joel's gentle heart was second to none.
A former elementary physical education teacher at McBride Elementary on the Fort Benning army base as well as several schools within the Muscogee County, he tried to instill a love of sportsmanship and good conduct over competition in his students. He loved teaching and missed it dearly when he was no longer able to work.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to American Brain Tumor Association at www.abta.org.
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