It is with great love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Beau Van Drunen. Beau unexpectedly departed this life in Sioux Lookout on September 26, 2025 at the age of 22.
Born May 13, 2003, to Myrna and Greg Van Drunen in Fort Frances, Ont. Beau was the much-wanted baby brother who completed our family alongside his two sisters. He grew up in Emo, Ont., where his kind spirit, and love of adventure touched everyone around him.
Beau will be greatly missed by his parents Greg and Myrna Van Drunen; siblings Alyssa (Christopher) and Brooke (Everett); nephews Barrett and Nixon and niece Tegan; grandparents Christine and Gordon Busch and Laverne and Ken Desserre.
Beau is also survived and missed by his aunts and uncles Sondra (Marvin) Caul, Debbie Desserre, Ken (Teresa) Desserre, Colleen (Dennis) Barnard, Bev VanDrunen, Peter (Wendy) VanDrunen, Ally (Tony) Dupuis, Jackie (Matt) Gushulak, Jamie (Melissa) Busch; as well as numerous cousins and close friends.
Beau was predeceased by his grandfather Tom Van Drunen; cousin Tyson Caul; great-grandparents Thelma and Morell Laycox, Wilfred and Arrvilla Desserre, Alfred Flenstad, Christine Steele, and Aunty Joyce Munro.
Beau was known for his genuine and good heart, his unwavering dedication to family and friends, and his deep love of the outdoors. From a young age he was his dad’s little buddy, spending countless hours hunting & fishing. As he grew older, Beau shared that passion with his friends. Finding joy in spending days on the lake, snowmachining, driving trucks and getting into mischief. His mom, Myrna, was one of his greatest supports, always cheering him on with pride in the man he was becoming.
Becoming an uncle was one of his proudest joys – he had a deep love for his nephews Barrett and Nixon and niece Tegan. Family was everything to Beau and he gave that love back in countless ways, whether through laughter, help, or simply being present.
Beau had an incredible way of keeping friendships. He had friendships that spanned every chapter of his life; from childhood pals to high school buddies to coworkers. Each of them knew Beau as someone who always had time for you and always brought a good time with him. He was a dependable worker and eager to learn. He found pride in running equipment; specifically the dozer and loved guiding at fishing camps – a job that gave him the perfect excuse to spend more time on the water doing what he loved most.
Though Beau’s life was far too short, the impact he made is immeasurable. He will be remembered for his warmth, his laughter, his stories, and the way he gave himself so freely to others. His family and friends will hold him in their hearts forever.
A funeral service was held at the Emo Christian Reformed Church, in Emo, Ontario, on Monday, October 6 at 11:00 a.m.
