Bart Oegema

Oegema, Bart Thomas

January 20th, 1957 to November 9th, 2020

President/ Owner Oegema, Nicholson & Associates Insurance Brokers Ltd.

It is with deep deep sadness that we announce the passing of Bart Thomas Oegema who died suddenly of a massive heart attack in his office chair, pen in hand, in the brokerage that he built.

Loyal and loving husband of approaching 42 years of marriage to Lori (nee Butler). Passionate and larger than life Daddy to Jennifer (Jamie Carriveau) and Lesley-Anne (Bob Bent). Loving and bothersome Papa to Bianca, Lucy, Bennet and Wyatt, and bonus Papa to Josie, Tommy and Rory, and rock to his entire family. Pre-deceased by his parents, John and Gonny Oegema and brothers John and Rick.

Bart will be sadly missed by his surviving siblings, Ellen (John Hessels) and Peter.

Bart leaves behind an extensive extended family: Pat and Elaine Butler, Leslie and Peter MacPhee, Francine and Benoit Seguin, Patrick and Sandra Butler, Charlene and Norm Brunet, and his many nieces, nephews and their families, who all loved him more like a son and brother, than a son or brother in law.

Bart created a legacy with Oegema, Nicholson & Associates built on trust, integrity and solid relationships. Oegema Insurance was founded in 1961, by his father John Oegema Sr. As a young man, Bart had an entrepreneurial spirit and was always forward thinking. He joined the brokerage in 1978 and acquired Nicholson Insurance in 1980 thus creating Oegema, Nicholson & Associates. The brokerage grew from a small location on Merivale Road, to a larger one on Woodroffe Avenue. Here devoted ONA team members, who are still loyal “ONA’ers” to this day, helped grow the firm to its now 6 locations throughout the Ottawa and surrounding areas. As they regarded Bart, not as a boss, but a true friend always brightening up their days with his smile and laughable jokes, some more than others!

Bart’s passion was felt throughout the Insurance Industry, by peers, competitors and his many loyal clients for more than 40 years, who after meeting with Bart, felt they had a friend for life. His steadfast knowledge, genuineness and dedication will be deeply missed.

Bart lived big, dreamt big and loved hard. His enthusiasm was contagious and obvious through his arms conveying points in the air.

Bart being the simple and humble man he was, would never boast about any of his successes or achievements, and throughout his short life there were many. He loved waking up each morning at home with Lori, drinking coffee from his favourite mug with the newspaper beside him.  He loved going to work, and looked forward to it each day, later returning home to be greeted with another famous meal prepared by Lori with his favourite bottle of red wine sitting next to him. However it was on the weekends that his next passion and build was created: the cottage.

Here, Bart worked endlessly, his strong work ethic exuberating daily in each new task’s completion. Whether it was the actual cottage itself created for him, Lori and the girls, the Guesthouse created for his grandchildren or the Garage that was to be just for him that is sadly left incomplete, for now. He simply never stopped until the day he passed.

Bart would disapprove not only because the office is being closed in his honor, but that Lori and the girls planned services to be held during work hours.

Visitation will be held at the Garden Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes, 3440 Richmond Rd, Ottawa (between Bayshore and Baseline) on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 from 2-5 p.m.  Due to the current  pandemic, registration is required and can be done online at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com/BartOegema or by calling 613-722-6559.  A private family service will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at 11 a.m.  For those wishing, a live stream option to view the funeral service will be available at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com/BartOegema

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the Loaves and Fishes Fund of Ottawa Carleton at www.loavesandfishesfund.com