Sadly, we said goodbye to our beloved Bruce on Friday, May 12th 2017. He was surrounded by his family as he was peacefully taken up to be with the Lord. Since his diagnosis, Bruce’s faith and strength, as well as the prayers of many, allowed Bruce to fill his remaining time with family, travel and cherished moments.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Raffaelina Lynn, son Chris (Lindsay), daughter Amy (Brian) and son David. He will be missed by Lynn’s children: Philip (Tonia), Lucy, and Emily (Mark). Bruce will also be missed by his precious grandchildren Isabella, Brielle, Peyton, Kade and Cristian. He leaves behind his siblings Cheryl (John), Janet (Dale), Douglas (Norma), Pamela (Rick) and Shauna (Markus), mother-in-law Lucia, brothers-in-law Erminio (Linda) and Pat (Franca), sister-in-law Kerri, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Welcoming him into heaven are his parents John Clarence and Dora Jean, his biological parents Gordon and Ruth, and brother Don.

Bruce was born on April 13th, 1950 in Edmonton and grew up in Winnipeg. He went to Kelvin High School where he excelled athletically, which led to his first job as a lifeguard following his success at water polo. Bruce attended Saint John’s College and then joined the Winnipeg Police Service in 1976 spending thirty years proudly wearing badge #990. He took his career seriously and was known for his diligence and compassion.

He enjoyed the family cabin at Victoria Beach with his three children who have fond memories of their time there growing up. Music was one of his passions and as such was an early member of the St. John Brebeuf Church choir, Emmaus for 15 years. Bruce especially enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren at their many sporting and cultural activities. He was an avid sports fan enjoying both playing and watching many sports.

In 1999 he met his loving wife Lynn. They were only married for sixteen years but shared many adventures including cruises, bus tours, road trips and winter resort holidays. They built and enjoyed their cabin life at Gull Lake where they spent several summers hosting family and church gatherings. “Bruster” especially enjoyed taking his boat out on the lake with his “Lynnee”. He was also very active at Holy Rosary Church where he sang in a choir and was involved in many events and committees.

Bruce was a genuine and kind man who was loved by all. He was always around to help and give of his time but rarely would ever ask for anything in return. Family was most important to Bruce. Lynn and his grandchildren were the loves of his life and he cherished his time with them. Grandpa Bruce was known for doing puzzles, going to the park, making the best popcorn for movie nights and always being ready to play and be silly. His roles as grandpa, husband, parent and friend will be his greatest legacy.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Victoria General Hospital. Bruce ensured he called each nurse by name and appreciated their care. Dr. Badesha and Dr. Ogaranko were supportive and caring through Bruce’s time there.

Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday, May 20th at 12:00pm, officiated by Father Sam Argenziano at Holy Rosary Church, 510 River Avenue. A private family interment will be held at a later date. Honorary pallbearers are his dear friends Gordon Kaye and Robert Stermscheg.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bruce may be made to CancerCare Manitoba or Holy Rosary Church.

Always loved and forever remembered.