November 16, 1943 – May 26, 2011
After a short but strenuous battle with cancer, John passed away quietly and peacefully on May 26. Beloved husband of Mary Bruce and devoted brother to Joan Johnston of Bradford, Ontario, who were by his side as he made his final journey. Survived by brothers-in-law in Bradford, Saint John and Halifax and loving nieces and nephews who were inspired by his life of vision, curiosity and passion.
A man generous in spirit, high intellect and deeply moved by the majesty and wonder of the universe, John was a voracious reader throughout his life. He found joy and was stimulated by the latest discoveries in numerous subjects from quantum physics to the marvel, simplicity and beauty of a tree unfurling its leaves in springtime.
Former Deputy Minister of Lands, Parks and Housing in BC, Assistant Deputy Minister of Forests, Founder of Encorp Pacific, President of Pacific Brewers Distributor and executive with Foothills Hospital in Calgary. John was a mentor to many, an innovator and creative thinker whose presence was large and impact great. He was a friend of Bill W. and was sustained by the strength and support of his friends in Sidney.
During later years John fought numerous battles with fortitude, bravery and discipline. His delicious sense of humour never deserted him and kind heart and humility were ever present. We are grateful that John is now at peace in body and soul.
A heartfelt thank you to the doctors and nursing staff at Royal Jubilee Hospital and the Cancer Agency in Victoria who cared for John with such dignity, respect and compassion. ln lieu of flowers, contributions to the Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific will be gratefully accepted.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, June 1st in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson and Vancouver Streets, Victoria, BC with a reception to follow in McCall’s Family Centre. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
39 Responses
Dear Mary
I am so sorry to read of John’s passing. Although I only met him a few times I could tell he was a special person and the two of you made an incredible couple.Mary I lost my wife to cancer 9 years ago and if you ever want to talk, please call me. I am in the phone book. Thinking of you at this dificult time.
Ted
Mary: we are both saddened to learn of John’s passing. Although we only recently met you and John as fellow passengers on our Mediterranean cruise, we were both immediately impressed with the special qualities in John that you and others have described.
I sat with him at a recent Gyro dinner meeting and thought that I wished i’d known him earlier in life – especially in our careers – as we seemed to have so many interests in common – and he had so many thoughts and ideas to share . I’ll always remember him as the solitary passenger sipping his coffee and reading his book in the Insignia lounge as we approached the daily port of call.
May God and John’s everlasting spirit give you strength through this difficult time and the days ahead.
Dear Mary, how I feel for you. There was socialising, cycling and the formation of our 2 member book club. John and I met on a regular basis at McDonalds for tea. We discussed History, Science and solved many of the world problems leaving just a few for someone else to deal with. When I get home, I will go to McDonalds for tea, by myself, and hope know one sees the tears in my eyes.
Mary,our thoughts are with you as you go through a difficult time as well as celebrate John’s very full life
Mary, I hope that you are able to take advantage of the love and strength that comes from faith, family and friendship. I miss you and pray for you every day. I am so looking forward to the day I can hug you in person again, and try to support you in this most challenging and difficult of times. Love Suzanne xoxo
Mary,
We are thinking of you and pray that all the great memories of wonderful years together give you comfort. We always enjoyed meeting you and John at “Bruce Gatherings” on the eastcoast.
Dale and Joan
Dear Mary:
We were shocked to hear of John’s all too early passing. We always enjoyed being with you and John at Guess Who or other Gyro events. We will never forget your, and John’s, kindness to us on our first weekend in Victoria.
We are sorry that we can’t be with you on Wednesday as we will be in Vancouver but you know that our thoughts will be with you and your family.
With all our love.
Teresa and Gordon
Dear Mary, Joan and your husband, John and Kelly, Alex and Catherine, nephews and nieces and other family: We join in the expressions of appreciation and admiration for John and consider ourselves so fortunate to have shared time with you both in the East and West of Canada. Each encounter with John was uplifting and enlightening. Mary, may you be supported by the community of family and friends who care sincerely for you and share in your sadness and loss. We extend to you our love and friendship and we know John would only want that we celebrate his well lived life. Blessings to all of John’s family from our home on PEI.
Mary, we are thinking of you today and your loss . May you be blessed with love and friendship as you grieve . Sincerely , Joe and Mary McGuire , Tyne Valley, Prince Edward Island .
Dear Mary,
I am very sorry and sad for your loss. In time may only the good memories remain and the knowledge that you were the one to share them with him.
Your friends,
Nawal Congdon