Pieter Broodryk

Pieter Broodryk set off on his greatest journey Jan. 14, 2009, hand in hand with his Lord and Savior.

Always the eager one in everything he did, he left much too early, at the age of 51.

Adventure was always in his blood, and the wide open spaces of his native South Africa were never enough for this great man. In 1991, he left for America with his only love and soul mate of 30 years, Alta, daughter Marne, son Pieter.

Even though he was proud of his roots, he became one of the fiercest and most supportive patriotic citizens of the United States.

Pieter was a brilliant career man and worked for several companies, including Washington Mutual, Sumitomo Bank and Wells Fargo.

His career took him and his family all over the United States, to places like Buffalo, New York, Calabasas, California and, finally, Sammamish.

Pieter loved children of all ages, and was the perfect grandfather to every child he met.

With his jolly demeanor and generous spirit, he was the ideal Santa, not only during the Christmas season, but throughout the year.

One of his favorite activities was seeking out and opening his own Christmas presents, perhaps in the middle of July or as soon as he could find them. Pieter enjoyed every aspect of life.

An avid fisherman, Pieter would spend hours on his boat catching fish with his family and friends, even if the weather or the sea refused to cooperate.

Pieter will always be remembered as a gentle giant who left footprints on our hearts.

He was a man who took enormous strides; entering the lives of others and changing them for good.