Obituary of BRUCE – George Dowers

January 25, 1934 – August 1, 2010 George Dowers Bruce, passed away at the McKenzie Towne Care Centre in Calgary on Sunday, August 1, 2010 at the age of 76 years, after a lengthy illness. His family is relieved that he is free of his pain, and is finally at peace. He leaves to mourn his loving wife and tireless caregiver, Ethel; daughter Sandra and grandson Tyler of Calgary; son Stephen (Lori); and grandsons, Cody and Tanner, of New Port Richey, Florida. George grew up in Toronto, ON where his life revolved around hockey, hockey and more hockey, a love that never died, even when it was time to retire from the “Oldtimers” league. George and Ethel were married in Toronto but soon settled in Oakville where he worked for Bell Canada, before striking out on his own. He opened his own business, Comet Pools on Kerr Street, which later became Comet Pools and Sports, located in Hopedale Mall for nearly thirty years. George and Ethel remained in Oakville until 2009, when they moved to Calgary to be with daughter Sandra, and where George was finally forced to convert to the Calgary Flames as his team of choice (he still snuck out a Leafs t-shirt every once in a while). Although his health was declining, and he had very minimal eyesight and hearing, he never missed a broadcast of his two loves, Hockey Night in Canada and Monday Night RAW. A diagnosis of Lewy Body dementia can mean a slow and progressive decline, both physically and cognitively, a process not only difficult for the individual living with it, but for loved ones as well. No matter how much of the person we knew as George slowly disappeared from us, he always managed to keep his quick wit and dry humour. Our family has been blessed to have had access to some very special people who helped with George’s care over the years. Professionals, volunteers, family and friends have been there for us during some very challenging times. We would like to thank the Acclaim Health Day Program in Oakville; Club 36 Day Program in Calgary; our wonderful Home Care team including Alum, George’s special “girlfriend” from WE CARE, who would come every morning and make him clean and shiny to go to his day program; the staff at the Rockyview General Hospital, particularly Unit 59, who cared for George during his last stay at “the hotel” (as he referred to it) and, finally, to the AWESOME staff at McKenzie Towne Care Centre. You each treated “Mr. George” with the respect and dignity he deserved. That has meant so much to us, during this long and painful journey. Thank you to you all! Through many changes, George always remained in “dad” mode, forgetting that his children were grown up adults with kids of their own. Sandra would say good-bye after a visit at the hospital, as he was heading off for his afternoon siesta and his response would be “Now don’t be coming home late and waking your mother with all that noise you make!” (a common theme in the house during the teenage years). Steve would always get the same comment at the end of each phone call, to be “good”. Well, tonight George/Dad, we are sadly quiet, but you are at rest. Enjoy your sleep and wherever your new journey takes you, don’t forget to say Hi to Elvis! We will love and miss you always. You were a proud and loving husband, father and friend. A private family memorial service will take place at a later date in Oakville, ON. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in the memory of George towards research and a cure for Alzheimer Disease and related dementias. Please donate your time or your funds to an Alzheimer Society in your community. You will truly be making a difference! In living memory of George Bruce, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.