Our dear Bruce passed away peacefully at home at age 95. He is survived by his loving wife Jose; daughter Judith; sister Bev, 5 grandchildren and 3 great grand-children. Predeceased by his first wife, Anne (2000) and son Graydon (2014).
Born and raised in Bury, Quebec, Bruce served as a RCAF Flt. Lt. in WWII. After the war, he met Anne in Alberta and moved to Vancouver where he trained as a heavy duty mechanic. Working for B.C. Equipment Co., they lived in Prince George where the children were born and then Williams Lake where he managed the company’s branch office. Bruce spent many happy years travelling B.C.’s remote roads servicing and selling heavy equipment primarily for the logging industry. Moving to Victoria in 1969, Bruce sold Real Estate with Graydon, until his retirement at age 72. He spent several years caring for Anne when she became wheelchair bound before her passing. A proud Rotarian for 43 years and an elder of the United Church, he was very active in the community and cared deeply about helping others. Joy entered his life again at age 81 when he married Jose. They enjoyed 15 years of travel and fun exploring the backroads of B.C. and also travelling to Hawaii and Europe. Two years ago, declining health largely confined Bruce to home. He was blessed to have Jose at his side surrounding him with love.
A heartfelt thank you to Bruce’s caregivers: Amelia, Amy, Aron, Janis and Emma for your loving care that allowed Bruce to remain at home.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Cadboro Bay United Church on Thursday, December 15th at 1 P.M. with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Operation Smile Canada, Bruce’s favourite charity.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Blair & Lisa Holtner
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patrick walker We were both sorry to read about the passing of Bruce. He was a wonderful man that we admired and considered a friend for years. His family was like a foster family to my mother (Pat) Melva Walker in Manitoba when she was growing up. When I was growing up in Prince George Bruce and family were friends to my parents and my siblings, Joan and Bob. Once Sonya and I were married and Bruce and Ann were in Williams Lake we would stop and visit them on our was to Quesnel to Visit my sister and family. When Bruce and Ann moved to Victoria we visited but probably not often enough. When Sonya and I decided to sell one of our homes Bruce was our realtor and he said “When I sell your house I am going to retire”, which he did. When Bruce met and married Jose we were so happy that he had found love again, in later life. He was a true gentleman. We consider it a gift to have known him for many years. May he rest in peace.
Pat and Sonya Walker, from Arizona
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Thora ILLING I remember Bruce Hooker as a lovely man and a Christian gentleman. He acted as realtor for me in an estate sale many years ago. I was impressed by Bruce’s courtesy and hard work. I lived some distance from the sale house but after a snowfall Bruce went to the house to clear the driveway. I know it wasn’t easy and he was no longer young, but that is the kind of man he was. I still think of him with respect and affection.
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Colleen Botting I was sorry to hear of the passing of Bruce this morning in the TC paper. We worked together at Coast Capital Savings Cr. Union for a number of years at Broadmead and I have fond memories of our years together. He was a true gentleman who always had a kind word and a fondness for life. He truly touched my life and he will be missed.
Judith, Bob and family, we offer heartfelt condolences to you in the loss of your father, father in law, grandfather. Hoping you find peace and strength during this difficult time.