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Robert Adamson Obituary
Bruce passed away on November 25th, 2020 in Halifax, NS at age 73. After being diagnosed with multiple myeloma in April 2015 he continued to enjoy a good quality of life through modern medicine, and the support of friends and family. He is survived and missed by Linda, his beloved wife of 46 years, his two sons and their families: Robert and his wife Cara Spittal, their sons Charlie and Calvin in Halifax; Peter and his wife Nathalie, their daughters Elizabeth and Catherine in Ottawa; his brother Tom and his wife Monica in Haiti.
Bruce and Linda enjoyed 41 years in Thunder Bay before moving to Halifax in December 2015 to be near family. They had many wonderful friends in Thunder Bay, and our family appreciates their support.
Bruce enjoyed a rewarding career with the Ontario Government, first at the Ministry of Transportation from 1969 to 1974 and then at the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) from 1974 to 1998. As Regional Engineer, Bruce headed a small group that provided engineering services to all of MNR's diverse programs. He worked with many wonderful people from a variety of disciplines. He was involved in managing dam, road and bridge construction projects, river regulation, project review for MNR approval, and policy development regarding roads, bridges and water crossings. Many in Northwestern Ontario will remember him from the water crossing training courses he delivered to MNR and industry staff across the region. Bruce chose early retirement to set up an engineering consultancy specializing in water crossings which provided him with a further 17 years of rewarding part-time work.
With Linda's untiring support, Bruce was able to live a balanced life, with his family always being his top priority. Bruce was really proud of his boys as they are living a similar balanced life and doing a wonderful job raising the next generation. He loved planning adventures and travelling with family and friends across Canada, the US and Europe. Recently he has also enjoyed adventures with his four grandchildren.
Bruce's cremation has taken place. A celebration of Bruce's life will be held at Bedford United Church in 2021 on a date to be announced and will be streamed on the web for friends in Thunder Bay and elsewhere. Donations in Bruce's memory may be made to the Dew Drop Inn or Friends of Quetico Park. Condolences may be sent to [email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Adamson
8 Entries
Kathy Sakamoto
December 14, 2020
I’m shocked to hear of Bruce’s passing. His pleasant and upbeat personality lead me to believe he would with us for many more years.
I worked with Bruce in MNR. I looked after road construction and maintenance and Dam maintenance in Nipigon District. Bruce’s work in environmental protection during water crossing construction provided field staff like myself with critical information and methods. He truly made a difference.
Carlo Rupnik
December 1, 2020
We wish to extend our condolences and let you know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Mr. Adamson will always be remembered as a kind and caring person. He will be sadly missed. Please take care during this difficult time. We wish you all much love, strength and wellness.
December 1, 2020
Dear Linda and Family,
Words seem so inadequate at this time, but please know how very sorry I am for your loss.
Bruce was a great man who’s knowledge, wisdom and integrity was well respected.
I am truly grateful for the the wonderful friendship that developed between us, while Bill was working at the MNR.
Two amazing individuals have departed, but have left us with an abundance of memories to cherish.
From my personal experience, please know that grief has no expiry date. You will find the strength to ease your pain by travelling down memory lane. You will laugh, and you will cry. But most of all you will be comforted in knowing that you are not alone and you will be okay.
Keeping you close in our hearts during this very difficult time...
With Sincere condolences,
Elsie Tureski and Family
Primo Scalzo
November 28, 2020
I am truly sorry for your loss.
Bruce was a great person to work with. I had a huge amount of respect for him and I always enjoyed my working relationship. I felt Bruce was very knowledgeable and very fair with all of his working project interactions. As an Engineering Consultant who did a lot of work with Bruce, I will always remember the many successful projects that we worked on together. The most memorable was the development of the Ontario Provincial Standards for Forest Access water crossings. These are still a legacy of his that are in active use. An idea that Bruce had to standardize and provide better, safe and economical water crossings in the Province of Ontario.
Also Bruce was the MNR's Project Manager/Engineer for the 410 ft steel single span arch bridge over the English River just north of Kenora. This was the longest single span arch bridge in N/W Ontario and part of the Forest Access system.
I am honoured to have had the opportunity to be a part of Bruce's projects and his life. He will certainly be missed.
Doug Brown
November 28, 2020
Dear Linda & family
I’m saddened to see that Bruce passed away. Bruce and my father (Jim Brown - MNR) worked together for many years. As a summer student, I worked at the MNR James Street office building in the mid 70’s and I was fortunate to get to know Bruce. I always thought a lot of Bruce and I know he was very well respected by many. I remember Bruce as a kind, friendly man who had a smile that was contagious.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Doug Brown
Thunder Bay
Tina Poulin
November 28, 2020
Linda so sorry for your loss
mary lynne (Kelly) Speirs
November 28, 2020
So sad to hear of the passing of Bruce. I worked at MNR for many years and I had many dealings with Bruce. I found him to be very knowledgeable , patient, and respectful. Upon his retirement he joined the retirees for luncheons. Many slides and presentations were given by Bruce at these luncheons. I enjoyed the pictures of his trip to China. Bruce usually made good decisions and his move to Nova Scotia to be with his family & grandchildren was his best decision. So sorry. Mary (Kelly) Speirs
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