Obituary of Norman (Bruce) Paynter

December 25, 1958 - Calgary, Alberta

May 22, 2022 - Sundre, Alberta

Norman (Bruce) Paynter of Sundre, AB passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 22, 2022 at the age of 63 years from a heart attack.

Born in Calgary, AB on December 25, 1958, Bruce was the best Christmas present our family could have ever wished for. He was a kind, gentle and ever-giving human being.

At the young age of fifteen, Bruce graduated with honors as a full-fledged carpenter from the Lord Shaughnessy Technical High School in Calgary. Working always as an independent carpenter, his love was finishing carpentry, though he excelled at all aspects of the trade. He was on every build on some level for various family members over a period of many years. There was nothing he loved more than to give a helping hand to any and all of his extended family. From a very young age, Bruce forged his own path. He lived a simple life, working hard and playing hard. Interestingly, swearing was never part of his vocabulary though it would have been easy enough to fall into considering the many “rough around the edges” construction workers he rubbed elbows with on the work sites.

A jack of all trades, Bruce loved tinkering and could pretty much figure out how to fix or re-build anything that ran – from small engines to cars, trucks, and bikes – dirt bikes, in particular, were a favorite. His carpentry work led him to Cochrane, where he lived for several years before finally settling into a small house in Sundre, AB. The property came with a double garage which he promptly turned into a woodworking shop, filling it up with every tool known to man. It was his ‘happy place’.

A Christmas or birthday present from Bruce was always treasured, as it would be something he had lovingly handmade. He was truly an artist in his own right.

Bruce is survived by his parents, Everett and Jessie Paynter of Calgary, AB; his brothers, Randy (Laurie) and Graham (Liz) of Calgary, AB, Rod of Powell River, B.C., Keith of Canmore, AB, and his sister Janice Raven (John) of Gabriola, B.C.; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Bruce was predeceased by his nephew Nathan Paynter and his cousin Gerry Thue.

A Funeral Service will be held at McInnis & Holloway Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB on Friday, May 27, 2022, at 3:30 p.m. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Bruce’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

It was Bruce’s wish that perhaps a donation to the Habitat for Humanity nearest you, would be a meaningful way to pay tribute to his life.  

In living memory of Bruce Paynter, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

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