Obituary of William "Bill" Bruce

BRUCE - William George, 76, formerly of Centre Rawdon, passed away on July 30, 2016 at Windsor Elms Village, Falmouth, from the ravages of Parkinson's disease. Beloved husband of Leona (Levy), and loving father of Thomas, Denise, and Lisa Bruce, Bill is also survived by his loving sister and brother by marriage, Elaine Stephens and John Levy, and their families, as well as son-in-law Ross Bond. Widely known for his affable, outgoing manner, he remained loving and gentle until the end of his life. Born in Shawinigan, Quebec on August 28, 1939 to a Scottish father and a French Canadian mother, Bill moved to Deep River, Ontario with his family at age 9. His adventurous nature led him to join the Armed Forces, and his next move was to Halifax where he met Leona 56 years ago. Later he went with the army to Germany, where he and Leona were married and Tom was born. After three years Bill was sent to Calgary, where Denise and Lisa were born. When he was forced to leave the Armed Forces because of an injury, the family returned to Nova Scotia and settled in Lunenburg for ten years. In 1987 they built their retirement home in Rawdon, settling there for good. During his life Bill enjoyed deep sea diving in the Navy and Army. A highlight of his life was teaching deep sea diving in the Mediterranean during his service as a peacekeeper in Cyprus. He also played Regimental Hockey for the Fort Garry Horse. Bill was a lifelong student of history, and an avid reader. He enjoyed golf, and while in Lunenburg, sailing. Upon retiring to the country, he enjoyed working in the woods, chatting with his neighbours, and the company of his dog, Jake. He also enjoyed travelling, camping and hiking with Leona. Bill enjoyed the friendship of his neighbour, Walter Paige, whom we deeply thank for all his support throughout the last 30 years. Thanks to the VON Home Care nurses, and the nurses at The Mira, in Truro, and at Windsor Elms Village, Falmouth. Also, thanks to Jane Wile and Doreen Weir for helping care for Bill at home. Donations to the Colchester East Hants VON, 14 Court St., Suite 100 Truro, NS B2N 3H7, on Bill's behalf would be appreciated. Cremation has taken place with no visitation or service by request; interment will take place at a later date. He was our North, our South, our East and West, Our working week and our Sunday rest, Our noon, our midnight, our talk, our song; We thought that it would last forever: we were wrong. Adapted from "Stop All the Clocks" by W.H. Auden Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of the J. Wilson Allen Funeral Home, Hwy 354, Kennetcook, N.S. Ph-902-362-2440 or please visit our web site at www.allenfh.ca to sign the guest book or send private condolences.