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Bruce Elliott ARIS

1934 - 2020

Bruce Elliott ARIS obituary, 1934-2020, Thunder Bay, ON

BORN

1934

DIED

2020

FUNERAL HOME

Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel

21 North Court Street

Thunder Bay, Ontario

Bruce ARIS Obituary

BRUCE ELLIOTT ARIS 1934 - 2020 Bruce E. Aris passed away peacefully Thursday, April 2, 2020 at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. A Port Arthur native, he was born December 18, 1934 to parents Bernard and Edna Aris. Following primary school, Bruce attended Port Arthur Collegiate Institute, graduating in 1954. With the assistance of Mr. Ross Rogers, Bruce was accepted into the University of Toronto Dentistry programme, graduating in 1959. On December 29, 1959 he married his sweetheart of Lambda Chi, Margaret Thompson. Just recently they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. And, during those years they enjoyed fishing, hunting, skiing, golf and raising Labs. Florida was a favourite holiday destination where Bruce could indulge his passion for golf and the highlight this winter was a trip to PGA Village in Port St. Lucie. Bruce spent over 50 years in the practice of dentistry. He had a special rapport with all with his patients and became affectionately known as the whistling dentist. He loved to hear a good joke and often told the odd one himself. Bruce found much solace in the outdoors especially while walking his faithful companion "Barney". Sports, too, were a great stress reliever and he excelled in hockey, tennis, skiing and golf. He was a proud left-handed player and spent many hours, at the Port Arthur Country Club, perfecting his grip. He won many golf awards throughout the city. Bruce thoroughly loved fishing and hunting and recently enjoyed his last speckled trout fishing trip near Lake Nipigon with grandson's Kadan and Kyler. Teaching his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews how to water ski, tube, fish and golf also brought great joy. At Two Island Lake he was the chef, flipping pancakes, and frying up beer battered bass with home fries which were cooked on the wood stove. Bruce was past president of the Thunder Bay Dental Association, Volunteer for the Thunder Bay Cancer Society, Executive member for the Port Arthur Marrs Hockey Team 1966-67, dentist for the Thunder Bay Twins hockey team, and an exceptional hockey player, himself, for the Port Arthur West End Bruins where he was scouted as a potential player for the Montreal Canadiens. He also received special recognition from the City of Thunder Bay for his humanitarian services. Predeceased by his father, mother and brother-in-law Roy Beninger. Survived by his wife Margaret, children Shawn (Fiona), Doug (Heather), and Shelly, sister Marilyn Beninger, brother-in-law Peter Thompson and his wife Fran, sister-in law Daphne and her husband Ken Clark. Sadly missed by his grandchildren Hugh, Dylan, and Keefer Aris, Devan and Aidan Aris, Kadan and Avery Garner, and step grandson Kyler Maki-Garner. Special nieces and nephews are Barney (Ryan) and Bruce Beninger, Tracey and Michael Crystal (Julia and James), Tim and Alison Thompson (Thorin), Joel and Kelly Clark (Celia and Tessa), Ryan Clark and Ben Marmion (Quinn and Owen), Danielle and Kevin Foster (Coen and Camden). Special aunts, Ethel Calabakas and Sharon Merits as well as several cousins also survive. Cremation has taken place. Due to the current public health concerns, a funeral and celebration of Bruce's life will be announced and take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Port Arthur Minor Hockey Association or to Confederation College to support the dental program in memory of Bruce would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be made on our website or cheques in the name of the charity can be mailed to Sargent and Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7A 4T4. Online condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.

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Published by The Globe and Mail from Apr. 11 to Apr. 15, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Bruce ARIS

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11 Entries

Elaine Kossila

April 22, 2020

My thoughts are with you all, Bruce was my dentist for many, many years until he retired. He was a lovely man, he will be missed.

Cassandra Elvish (Kossila)

April 20, 2020

My deepest condolences. Dr. Aris was my dentist from the time I had teeth until his retirement. He was such a wonderful man.

Mary Ann Bourdages

April 17, 2020

So sorry for your loss. Bruce was such a special and personable character that clients were always asking about him following his retirement.He put all his clients at ease with his gentle manner. He will be sadly missed in the local and dental communities.

David Jones

April 16, 2020

So sorry to hear of Bruce passing my sympathy to his family. Bruce had to askWhere's my head knowing I come from Borneo. He loved hearing about my background and Dutch Borneo.

M. Caputo

April 14, 2020

Dr.Aris was our family dentist for many years.I will always remember his smile and whistling...So sorry for your loss.Your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Rod Guzzi

April 13, 2020

Great memories of Dr. Aris. My condolences from my mom, Helen and myself.

Ray Nupponen

April 12, 2020

I am so sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. I have wonderfully fond memories of passing special times at the Singing Pines, mowing, gardening and babysitting. I have always been grateful for Bruce's guidance. My sincerest condolences.

April 12, 2020

Dear Marg: I am so sorry to read of Bruce's passing and hope that wonderful memories of your years together bring comfort.

Sincerely,

Sheila Hurtig Robertson

Robert Johns

April 11, 2020

So sorry for your loss. Growing up in Port Arthur, Bruce was my dentist. The Aris family, father and son were friends with my parents.
He was my dentist. We used to joke about the molars and the Johns roots that wouldn't let go. After I was married and left Thunder Bay I sent my wife back to Bruce for her teeth.
Rest now, Bruce.

April 11, 2020

Dear Marg and Family, please know how sad it is to hear of Bruce's passing. As well as P.A.C.I., I fondly recall Bruce as a "paper picker" for the city during the summers and we would often get together at Boulevard Lake and tell jokes......during the lunch hour of course!
He will be missed by so many friends and acquaintances.....he was a terrific guy.
Rest in peace Bruce, God bless all the family.
Sincerely,
Doug Gould.

Wendy Caldwell

April 11, 2020

Dr. Aris will be fondly remembered by our family. My oldest sister was one of his first patients. We seen him until he retired and were very sad when we were told he was retiring. He will be missed
My deepest sympathy
Wendy Caldwell

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

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Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel

21 North Court Street, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4T4