Robert Bruce COLEMAN

Bruce went Home to be with his Lord and Saviour on December 22, 2012.

He was born to William and Myrtle Coleman, the second of eleven children on the family farm in LeRoy, Saskatchewan, July 26, 1913. He worked on the farm and was later employed at a prairie grain elevator until he and his first wife Maxine, whom he married in 1938, moved to Vancouver, BC.

Bruce was hired as a warehouseman by Kelly Douglas and Company and worked his way up through the company. He became a salesman when he was transferred to Prince George and then a branch manager, first in Quesnel and then for 26 years in Nanaimo. He was an active member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, an honorary lifetime member of the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, belonged to the Amalgamator-Eighters Square Dance club and was a Rotarian with 58 years of perfect attendance. His commitment to the community earned him the Person of the Year for the City of Nanaimo.

Bruce was much loved and respected by his family and friends because of his servant's heart, integrity, generosity, friendliness, optimism, sense of humor and commitment to his Christian faith.

He was predeceased by his first wife Maxine and son Kent. He is survived and missed by his wife, Doris, daughter Sandra-Lee Tillyer, son Kirk Coleman, sister Joyce Horner as well as his step daughters Carole Seggie and Karen Leeson. His extended family includes ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Keeping House for their kindness and care. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 5th at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 4235 Departure Bay Rd. Flowers gratefully declined, however donations in Bruce's name can be made to The Rotary Club of Nanaimo North or a charity of your choice.


This obituary was originally published in the Nanaimo Daily News and Harbour City Star (Nanaimo, BC).