Roy Bruhlman
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A Personal Reflection by son Darren Bruhlman
When I sit and reflect on my father, Roy Bruhlman, several things stand out in my mind - family, career and community.
My father always put family first, it was the most important part of his life. He was a devoted husband and a supportive father. When I close my eyes I can still hear my father’s voice - cheering from the stands, giving advice and expressing encouragement. He taught my sisters and me that success wasn’t measured in wins and losses but in hard work, dedication and always doing your best! Funny thing is - I constantly find myself repeating my father’s words when I deal with my own children.
Career was important to my dad and he encouraged us to find a career that we would love. He enjoyed going to work everyday (often at 4:30 a.m.) and working with his brother, Hank Bruhlman. Together they took the family business and expanded it into a thriving company. Over the years, Maple City Laundry and Garment Rental serviced countless families and companies throughout Southwestern Ontario. Individually, Roy had many other successful business ventures including real estate and the Parkview Tavern.
My father felt that he was blessed in life and that he should give back to the community. Sponsoring local sports teams and volunteering his time and energy was an important part of his community involvement. Roy was president of the Sertoma Club, Maple City Golf and Country Club and the Maroon Booster Club. Probably, my father’s biggest service to the community has to be the Junior Maroons. Even though my father could barley skate, he loved the game of hockey. He purchased the team in 1976 (saving it from folding) and ran it until his death in 1986.
Throughout that ten year period there were some memorable moments: defeating London in the semi-finals, finishing first in the regular season, several players moving on to the OHL, and several players receiving college scholarships. However, my father’s Junior Maroons never realized that championship season. I asked my father once why he kept the team for all those years. He turned to me and said, “Just think about all those boys who wouldn’t have had the chance to play hockey!” and then he smiled.