Bruce was born in Creston, BC, to Daisy and Melton Beam. Bruce is survived by his loving wife Eleanor of 60 years, brother Bob (Barb) and sons Bud (Sandy) and Herb. Grandchildren, Codi, Josh and great granddaughter Emma. Sister-in-law Irene Holbrook and Brother-in-law Brian Malley and many nieces and nephews.
Bruce grew up in Creston and learned to hunt and fish with his father who hunted for a living. That was the time when every Canadian woman had to have a fur coat, especially a muskrat fur coat. Bruce would use the skills learned from his father and was always a successful hunter and fisherman.
Bruce joined the Navy when he was 17 and served for 10 years. After a business career he retired and spent 15 years volunteering at the cancer Lodge on Richmond Road portering patients to and from the Cancer Clinic. At one point Bruce bought a Commercial Green House from Dang Bark and carried on growing Traditional Chinses vegetables. Bruce made many friends in the Victoria Chinese community that are still valued friends today. During the years Bruce and Eleanor travelled extensively making many long-term friends along the way in England, Australia, Hong Kong, Europe and Tiawan. Several winters were spent in Palm Springs with Brian and Sharon Malley (Eleanor’s Sister and Brother-in-law). Being true Canadians, they travelled across the country to St. Johns Newfoundland. Enjoying the food, people and culture of Newfoundland along with ‘Screech’ and ‘kissing the cod.’
Sincere thanks to the staff at Veterans Memorial Lodge at Broadmead for the exceptional care he received while there. Also thanks to Irene for her dedication in visiting Bruce regularly with treats of fresh fruit and the paper.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 2:00pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Surinderpal kaur and Parmjit Singh
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Lorraine McKee Dearest Eleanor, My heart goes out to you as you prepare these final rituals for your soulmate and lifetime partner. It wasn’t that long ago that you took me to visit Bruce and we all went out for a Chinese food dinner at your favorite place. Bruce was so relaxed and happy to be among friends, still the same quiet, considerate man with a quick wit and wonderful smile. We shared so many good times together when Rick was still with us. Bruce was a forever friend. Sending Love and Hugs,knowing your memories will sustain you, Lorraine
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Joanne Sigurdson My dearest Ellie
Please feel my arms around you with the biggest hug!! No words will ease your pain but please know Bruce was a good man. But when he met you he became a great man!!!
Thank you for being my substitute mom after my mom passed away. You were dealing with so much of your own stuff but never forgot me.
Love Joanne and Leon (prairie chicken)
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Julie Zhou Dear Eleanor,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Bruce. He was such a kind, generous, helpful, and humble person. He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed.
Wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
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Mike Chow Dear Eleanor
We were so sad to hear the news that Bruce had passed. Sharon and I extend our deepest condolences to you and your family. I have had the fortunate opportunity to have known Bruce and you since 1970 when I was just eight years old. Bruce would regularly perform air duct cleaning service work at my grandparent’s greenhouse. Bruce was a very warm caring person, thoughtful, considerate, kind, always with a smile, and would lend a helping hand whenever it was needed. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Eleanor, may your loving memories of Bruce bring you comfort as you move forward. Sending you our love, thoughts and prayers. Hoping to see you soon.
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Charlyne Ashford Eleanor, I am so very sorry for your loss. I understand completely how devastated you must feel. Take time for yourself and do what you need to do, grieving in the way that helps you.
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Brad So sad to hear about dear Bruce. He will be greatly missed. I always enjoyed his quick wit, and laugh to this day recalling some of his quips. Sending loads of love and support to all from South Africa.
Dear Auntie Eleanor, we’re very very sad that Bruce Uncle leaving the Earth.
He was such loving big BEAR.
We always enjoyed his Hugs.
When I came from India 1978 Parmjit wanted me meet his loving parents.
We came to your house was Welcomed us with open heart and Love.
Just wanted to let you know we always love you and bless to have you in our life forever. Thank you so much
Love, SURINER and PARMJIT SINGH (Pummi)