January 30,1957-August 7 2010
Passed away suddenly at age 53 with his wife at his side following a brief illness in Victoria. Bruce was predeceased by his father, Douglas Robert Grimes. He is survived and deeply missed by his wife, Debbie (nee Hay); mother, Elizabeth; brothers, Michael (Ruth, children, Caroline, James and Sara), Doug (Kelly, children Owen and Georgia); sister, Wendy Krovats (Jim, children, Julia and Nathan); mother-in-law Kareen Hay; brothers-in-law, Phil (Deanna, children, Erin (Russ) and Michael), David (Lisa, children, Christopher and Julie) and Darren (children, Brett Brock and Brandon); extended family and many loving friends.
Bruce was born in Ottawa, raised in Winnipeg and graduated from Dakota Collegiate (1975), University of Manitoba (B. Comm,1979) and Queen’s University (MBA 1987). Bruce was a skilled hockey player growing up, loved to downhill ski (on straight GS boards only!) and was a long time member of the Winnipeg Rowing Club. It was at the WRC in the summer of 1983 that he met Deb and began a partnership that would last 27 years. Bruce developed a love of travel early on, spending 2 years “bumming around Europe”. This love was shared by Deb and they enjoyed their many travels together. They adopted a series of pets over the years who were in need of another home.
Alternately crabby and charming his big laugh and passion for Coors Light will be missed by all who knew him. Bruce never met anyone he couldn’t find something in common to talk about and had a habit of befriending complete strangers. “Boopie” enjoyed spending time with friends and family, especially young ones, his nieces, nephews and his God-daughter, Laura Goodwin.
In 2003 Bruce and Deb moved to Victoria. He maintained ties to Winnipeg via regular summer trips back to the simple cottage that he and Deb built themselves on Channel Island, Lake of the Woods. Their most recent trip in July 2010 gave him the chance to connect with family and friends one last time. Bruce had a varied career excelling at many things, including Great West Life in Winnipeg, in Victoria with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business and most recently with Access Panel Solutions.
The family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to the Cancer Care and Victoria General Hospital Emergency doctors and staff for their care and concern for Bruce.
A celebration of Bruce’s life will be held in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson and Vancouver Streets, Victoria Tuesday, August 17th 2010 from 2-5 pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to a charity of your choice.
22 Responses
Dear Debb and Grimes family
We just learned of Bruce’s tragic passing. Growing up in St Vital the Grime’s familly were our neighbours and good friends. I was 13 years senior to Bruce and remember the four Grimes kids growing up. When work took me to Switzerland we hosted Bruce for a few days on his European tour. I still remember our walk in the Jura with our cocker spaniel Melody who lay in every mud puddle we passed. We needed to dip her into a cow trough before the drive home. Our thoughts are with you all. With our love,
Gary and Darlene Crook
Dear Deb and Grimes Family,
I had grown up with Bruce from Grade 1 at Norberry. I too remember those basement parties in junior high — fun! Reconnected with Bruce at the “Deja Vu” (St. Vital) Reunion in Victoria in April 2010 after many years — we had a great chat. Bruce was a terrific person with a great sense of humour. I can’t believe he’s gone.
My thoughts are with you, Deb; this must be incredibly hard. Hope to see you at the Winnipeg service. Take care.
Joyce (Furey) Joyal