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Bruce CARMICHAEL
October 23, 1954 - November 08, 2023
BORN
October 23, 1954
DIED
November 08, 2023
Bruce CARMICHAEL Obituary
Bruce was born October 23, 1954, in Victoria, BC, to parents David and Doreen Carmichael. A loved son, brother, father, uncle, grandad and friend, Bruce is survived by his siblings, Brian (Ann), Ian and Jeannie; children Erin (Brett), Adrian (Rosanna), and Julian; grandchildren Nicholas and Gus; his former spouse and close friend Nicola; and his nephews and their families.
An advocate for the environment, Bruce was committed to the well-being and care of BC's lakes and rivers within his career at the Ministry of Environment.
In the 80s, Bruce was living in Prince George, throwing legendary theme parties at his house on 5th avenue. There, he met Nicola and embraced a new family with Adrian and Julian. Later, they would adopt Erin.
Never one to sit still for long, Bruce designed and, with the help of many friends, built a timber frame cabin on Purden Lake and later a trail on the lake's north shore. He could be found skiing at Otway, swimming with the Masters program, birdwatching and hiking, especially in England with Phil, and volunteering around town.
An avid gardener, you may have received a 'cedar street tomato' started from seed each spring. In the kitchen, he was always spicing up many curries and sauces, and there was never a Christmas without his homemade eggnog.
Above all, Bruce was dedicated to his family and many friends.
A service will be held in the spring, and donations can be made to the BC Cancer Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce CARMICHAEL
28 Entries
Rob/Brenda Hawke
December 22, 2023
My husband and I met Bruce through his former wife Nicola. Nicola and I worked together for many years for Victoria Radiology Department. There were many Christmas staff parties and summer BBQ´s. Bruce was always easy to be around. I remember him best for his infectious smile and that will always be my memory of him.
Robert Grace
December 22, 2023
So sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. He and I were two of the original six impact assessment biologists working for the Ministry of Environment, Bruce in Prince George and me in Kamloops. Along with Norm Zirnhelt and Rick Nordin we were instrumental in getting BCLSS (BC Lake Stewardship Society) started after attending a NALMS (North American Lake Management Society) conference in Seattle. We worked together for many years with MOE and BCLSS. I enjoyed talking to him at our annual EIA biologist meetings each year and at the BCLSS conferences and board phone calls. Bruce worked many hours on preparing the LakeKeepers Manual for BCLSS and it was a pleasure to help him with this manual. Rest in Peace Bruce.
Greg Hocken
November 27, 2023
I have know Bruce since we were toddlers. We were best buds with Earnie Carson and Steve Curry. We grew up on Mt. Tolmie together. We had many fun times. We built go carts and models. Our parents hung out in the fifties and sixties. Thanks to Steve Curry we got into a lot of shenanigans. Although we moved to other places we still would see each other during holidays. I will miss you Bruce. You were a great friend. Condolences to his family especially his brothers and sister and of course his daughter Erin. From Greg Hocken
Steve Curry
November 25, 2023
It was a fun time and nice to see Bruce again at our 55 junior high school reunion in Victoria 13 years ago; Bruce was a school friend since elementary school at Uplands. Condolences to his friends and family.
Ernie Carson
November 24, 2023
Bruce and I go back many years and I feel his loss.
In the past we did many a splendid adventure, including the West Coast Trail and The McKenzie Trail. These strenuous backpack expeditions stressed us physically, but we always came out smiling from the adventure we accomplished.
Bruce was a man who charted his own path and once he decided to do something, he put time and effort into reaching his goal.
We miss ya buddy.
Julie Orban
November 23, 2023
I had the honour of not only being mentored professionally by Bruce but to also call him my friend.
How can one person pursue so many passions simultaneously (growing prized tomatoes, cooking curries, serving up Harvey Wallbangers and eggnog, hiking, birding, paddling, X-country skiing, swimming, entertaining, trail building, volunteering to help those in need, building his sanctuary cabin, meditating, protecting the environment, being a dedicated family man and friend to so many, etc.)?
His dry wit cut like a knife. His cheeky antics were like none other. He stood firm and well educated in his opinions. His smooth DJ voice always brought me comfort.
I will never forget attending mining meetings with him. There would only be just 2 or 3 of us government employees, either deep the loins of a NE coal block field office or in a downtown Vancouver shiny corporate office, with multiple mining executives and their high paid consultants. He would enter the room like he owned it and proceeded to approach the meetings like a symphony conductor, going toe to toe and holding his own. Always standing firm for the environment while being respectful, innovative and reasonable.
Our post meeting debriefs would involve beverages, strategizing for next time and eventually we would transition to letting the intense day melt away through Bruce´s story-telling and sharing many laughs.
He was a nostalgic man who was close to his pocket book. He never forgave us for removing the wood mantle in the Bench Drive home we bought from him and he never stopped reminding me about the gasket leak from the Subaru he bought from us.
He was never one to turn down social invitations. His endurance was impressive!! Many of the younger crowd would fade away but Bruce would keep on socializing, singing and sipping.
Bruce graciously hosted one of the highlight venues of my annual birthday booze cruise. He was always up for the occasion which involved welcoming a lively gaggle of females showing up year-after-year on bikes on a Saturday morning in early July. He would greet us with a pitcher of Harvey Wallbangers and proceeded to serve up an authentic tasty Indian feast that helped absorb some of the alcohol so we could continue on our journey. He set the mood with rhythmic Indian music while providing a tour of his garden. He never shied away from interpretive dancing and singing with us and I vaguely remember him drumming and potentially leading us through Tai Chi. My memory faded as the Wallbanger effect set in. His entertaining prowess new no bounds!
Since his passing he has appeared to me in many forms yet they always have wings!
He´s soaring above and smiling down on us while starting his next crop of greenhouse tomato seedings.
I will forever see him in his tweed cap, binoculars around his neck, with his signature 9 mm lead pencil in hand and a sparkle in his eye that will continue to shine on.
Thank you Bruce for being such a multi-faceted mentor, friend and bright light in my life.
Love and namaste.
Julie O
Tamara
November 22, 2023
My friendship with Bruce began at the pool where we often shared a lane at Masters practice. So many hilarious conversations took place between sets that we continued outside of the pool. Breakfasts in coffee shops, walks in parks and various trails. What a treat to spend time outdoors with someone so knowledgeable about birds, plants and more. One of the best days was when we swam across the bay at Purden lake. I will miss Bruce terribly.
Julie Orban
November 21, 2023
Julie Orban
November 21, 2023
Julie Orban
November 21, 2023
Simon
November 19, 2023
A friend that I will miss! I met Bruce at Masters swimming, he was a very good swimmer, then he mentioned walking . So we walkers started walking twice a week and then Coffee. The walking was a work out to keep up. The bird watching was on our walk as well and around spring time tomato plants I would grow from his seedlings. There was many more things we the walkers would do. Thank You Bruce, May you rest in peace
Ruth and Dane Hansford
November 19, 2023
Many hugs to family. Bruce was one of my Dads in my day care families. Nicola and Erin you are in my thoughts.
Norm Zirnhelt
November 17, 2023
Great sadness hearing the news of Bruce´s passing. It was my pleasure to work with Bruce for many years at the BC Ministry of Environment. Bruce was a good friend and colleague. We also worked closely on many aspects of the development of the BC Lake Stewardship Society. Bruce's passion for the environment was evident in many ways, notably the considerable amount of his free time spent on the development of the LakeKeepers Manual - A Guide to Lake Stewardship and Ecology in British Columbia. Bruce served on the BCLSS board of directors for many years. We will all miss Bruce and express our condolences to his family.
Norm Zirnhelt
Past President
BCLSS
Laura & Danny Johnston
November 15, 2023
Bruce has been a wonderful neighbour and dear friend for many years. Loved getting his tomato plants each year and his guidance for growing them too! Bruce was always so generous, lending out his cabin to friends, helping neighbours with their dogs, sharing tomato and pepper seedlings with everyone, supporting others when they were ill or hurt, and so much more. We have so many great memories and and will cherish each one even more now. Sending our strength and love to all of Bruce´s family. Take those wonderful memories and the love you have for him and wrap it around yourselves like a tight embrace during this difficult time.
Li Wan
November 15, 2023
The friendship between us started during our time at the Prince George office and continued even after his retirement. Living just a short walk distance from each other-my Connaught Hill apartment and his home on Cedar Street-allowed us to share delightful moments over his home-grown salads and my Chinese cuisine. What always companying the delightful moments were cheerful drinks, laughter and warmth as well as his sense of humor. After I moved to the lower mainland, the connection and memories we shared remained vivid. Even when we couldn't meet in person, the echoes of our adventures exploring the trail route for Purden Lake North Shore Trail never faded.
Dennis Einarson
November 15, 2023
Bruce and I met at UVIC and had continued our friendship as coworkers. There are many good memories - he will be missed.
Liz
November 15, 2023
Bruce was a huge inspiration to his work colleagues. My greatest memories of Bruce are his enthusiasm, passion and expertise on all things related to protecting lakes and rivers. He always saw the humour in things and had a ready smile. He will be missed.
Kym
November 15, 2023
I worked with Bruce and appreciated his great passion for his work and the environment. I enjoyed the conversations we had that ranged from in-depth work items to personal moments. My favourite memories are his love of craft beer, his enthusiasm and humour in almost all our exchanges. He is fondly remembered. My condolences to his family and his friends.
Prashanth Subburam
November 15, 2023
I worked in the same office as Bruce and he made such a kind positive memorable impression during that brief time. He always had something interesting to talk about and a wealth of knowledge. He will be missed. My sincerer condolences to Bruce's family and friends.
Ed Hoffman
November 14, 2023
I first met Bruce at the masters swimming program at the PG Aquatic Centre where I learned of his great sense of humour and friendliness. I later would work with Bruce at the Ministry of Environment where we had many technical discussions and debates over permits and policies. I will miss his love and commitment to the environment, his professionalism, and great humour.
Lisa Brunn
November 14, 2023
Condolences to Bruce´s family and friends. I had the honour of working with him in different capacities as well as volunteer work in the community around Prince George. He will be deeply missed. Lisa Brunn
Jill Fuller
November 14, 2023
Jill Fuller
November 14, 2023
Jill Fuller
November 14, 2023
I enjoyed meeting Bruce and spending time with him at the cabin, a magical setting.
Bruce and my sister visited me in Calgary helping me with my daughters grad lunch. Bruce was a wonderful, sincere friend, who was very dedicated to his family. He will be deeply missed. Jill fuller
Dutch Huizenga
November 14, 2023
Will not forget Bruce. Was a very avid nature person and loved Purden Lake. Will miss not seeing him Paddle past my place at Purden. RIP Bruce. Dutch
Bill and Melanie Easton
November 14, 2023
Sending our love and condolences to all the family and Bruce´s many friends.
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