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
Deb & Family; My sincere and heartfelt condolences on Bruce’s passing. Having worked with Bruce at Great-West Life in Winnipeg many years ago, we could always count on his sense of humor, unique insights, love for life and fun-loving attitude to keep things light around the office. It shouldn’t have been his time yet. It was too soon. He will be missed…
With sympathy;
Scott Johnstone
We send our deepest sympathies.
BC Cancer Agency Staff, Vancouver Island Centre
Liz, Deb & family. Like everyone else we were saddened by the news of Bruce’s passing. Remembering the summer visits and adventures long ago and thinking of you all.
Love
Ken & Sylvianne
Wow! Too young. Shocked and saddened. Like Ian, I remember Bruce fondly from Norberry, hockey and great times in the basement before heading out to the next party.
I feel priveleged to have known Bruce as a close buddy growing up in St. Vital and my deepest sympathies to Deb and the family.
I hope to get to the service.
Murray Williamson
My deepest sympathies. I worked with Bruce at Rescom. We are all going to miss him.
Andy
My deepest sympathies to the Grimes family I am proud to remember Bruce as my best friend growing up in Winnipeg on Bronstone Boulevard the times we shared as adolescents to teenagers from Norberry elementary through to high school at Dakota. Hockey and great times at the lake, he will be sadly missed.
Ian Thompson
Deb & Family Im very sorry to hear of your loss and Im sad to hear of the passing of Bruce. He will be missed. My Condolences. Jon & Rovie
Our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time.
Shirley Roberts & family
My prayers are with you. May God bless and Hold you through this difficult loss. Stay in the light and remember that life is but a journey, one that continues even when those we have loved and lost are no longer with us.
Many blessings and much love are being sent to all of you.
Olisha
Dear Grimes Family,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. How wonderful that Bruce and Deb got the chance to be in Manitoba this summer to see everyone and enjoy the beautiful lake.
My thoughts are with you all.
Shelley