It has been many years since I have had the pleasure of visiting with Bruce, but the kindness in his eyes and softness in his voice are burnt into my memory. He was the pinnacle of the term "gentle soul" and always had a sense of peace and understanding in his words. May your memories live on through all of us and your smile never be forgotten.

Rest in Peace Uncle Bruce.

Much love and admiration,

Joel Paynter

In the ten years that I had my garden center, John and Bruce were always at my side for the behind the scene times when inclement, ever changeable Canmore weather sent challenges our way at every turn. They were my dynamic duo.

Bruce never failed to show up from Sundre to help put the 100'x40' plastic on our largest greenhouse on time for a Mother's Day opening.

That's when we began to believe that there was no such thing as a day without wind. I remember myself, Bruce, and John being almost airborne while trying to hold the plastic down long enough to get it secured before it blew away taking us with it.

We had it down to a fine science, but that didn't mean it wasn't a hairy, frenetic experience every time. It was us against the elements and we loved the challenges. Bruce was with us many a time through whiteouts and sudden snowfalls that left three and four-foot heavy wet dumps on the 100 or so trees and shrubs in the garden center lot. I wish I had a picture of Bruce out there, our Grampa Ernie's old felt hat pulled firmly down on his head, hunched down keeping the massive wet snowflakes from melting down his neck, gently, calmly, sometimes humming to himself while brushing the snow off of each and every bush and tree with a fan rake to save the branches from being damaged.

We were the three amigos loving the camaraderie of those moments in time to the fullest.

Nothing like a good dose of adversity to solidify a friendship.

Rest in peace my friend.

My dear brother, Bruce.

I shall miss your welcoming smile, dry wit and straight conversation. You lived your life in an honest and straight forward way, working hard to your high standards, always ready to help others and humbly accepting help in return. You always wished us all the best and we for you.

Farewell, brother. You shall remain in my thoughts and prayers.

I was pretty lucky as a child because I had the opportunity to live with Bruce. He taught me many things and so patiently. He loved passing on his knowledge about woodworking, how to sharpen A chainsaw though and anything else that he could help you with. Bruce had a very kind heart he cannot bear to watch me use that chainsaw that he taught me how to sharpen. He could just not bear the thought of me getting injured. As a child I resent that but as an adult I know it was from a place of love. I always loved hearing his stories about motorbiking his crazy childhood and him working in Las Vegas. Bruce always had a nice way about him. He would never tell you that you were wrong Bruce would simply add a different perspective. I found his way of doing this would more often change my mind Then not. I can honestly say that Bruce made me a better person. KC and I had made plans to meet up with him this summer. So he could meet our newest addition to the family. I was also looking forward to catching up with him. I guess that meeting will have to wait. I’ll see you again hopefully not too soon. Love you forever your nephew Jesse Raven.

Our deepest condolences to the family. We will miss Bruce greatly. We are already missing the 9:00 am morning call everyday. We love Bruce.

My uncle Bruce is the uncle every young person deserves. He was my own celebrity guest when he rolled up in his red van to our home in Canmore, to family gatherings, and especially on Gabriola. His love was felt on a paternal level and I remember always feeling comfort and joy in his presence. After 24 years of not seeing him, I was fortunate enough to go have lunch with him one last time. It was a perfect farewell for me to feel that same comfort and joy again, because now I can hold onto that and use Bruce`s memory to bring me comfort and joy whenever I need it.

I was lucky to have visited uncle Bruce just a few months ago in Sundre and spent some time catching up with him. Over the years I was able to see him several times and have many good chats. He was always so interested to hear about my work and my life and it was nice to see him smile and laugh. He was always incredibly kind and generous. One time when he heard I had a record player and he was so happy to send me off with some of his old vinyl that was sitting around so that it could be enjoyed again. I always appreciated his generosity and the time we were able to spend visiting. Uncle Bruce will be greatly missed by all of his family.

Emma

Uncle Bruce was the gentlest person I’ve ever known. He was kind in actions and words and always made me smile when we saw each other. Although we lost touch several over the years I will always remember the several dances, hugs and conversations we shared as I grew up and we started to find interesting things in common. He will be remembered always by me as I picture his curls and soft smile.

The first word that comes to mind when thinking of Uncle Bruce is 'gentle'. He was a gentle, kind, soft spoken soul. I always loved seeing his red van pull up outside of our house when we hosted family gatherings; I knew Uncle Bruce had arrived and I would soon be receiving a warm hug and smile. He would often call me on my birthday, offering well wishes and to remind me that he was thinking about his niece. I got to spend more time with uncle Bruce when he took on the renovation of our basement. I was fifteen at the time, and desperate for a space where my friends and I could hangout uninterrupted. He stayed with us while he transformed our basement into a teenager's dream TV-watching-chip-eating zone. I am so grateful for that time we spent together.

Rest in peace Uncle Bruce, I will think of you often.

Much love,

Becca