Robert "Bruce" Dutton

DUTTON, Robert "Bruce"
Bruce was born in Regina, Saskatchewan on July 4th, 1938 and died on July 10th, 2025 in Victoria, BC, with his sister, Dorothy, and his friend, Anne, at his side.
Bruce was predeceased by his brother Douglas in 1967 and is survived by his sister Dorothy Dutton Chuhran, niece, Jennifer Chuhran Rosenquist, nephews, Christopher Douglas Chuhran and David Michael Chuhran, as well as two greatnieces and two great-nephews.
James and Hilda Dutton moved to Scott Street in the early 1950s where Bruce attended Oaklands Elementary, S.J.Willis Junior High and Victoria High School, graduating in 1956. He studied piano and was considering a career in music. He also took up photography, both landscapes and portraiture.
Bruce obtained his ARCT at the Toronto Conservatory, returning home in 1966 to attend the University of Victoria. He played piano at the "Coach and Four" Restaurant in Bastion Square, where he was known for his unique and skillful piano stylings of popular songs and show tunes. He graduated from UVic in 1969 with an Honours degree in French Language and Literature and then attended Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania. He also studied in France.
On his return to the US, Bruce began a 30-year career at the Agnes Irwin School for Girls in Philadelphia teaching French and directing the Audio-Visual Department. Bruce led summer tours to France for faculty and parents and loved exploring the historic and scenic Pennsylvania countryside with friends and visitors.
Upon retirement, Bruce returned to Victoria where he participated in performance groups and founded VAMPS (Victoria Adult Music Performance Society), a group of dedicated non-professional musicians who enjoyed working and performing together.
Bruce liked puns and was a master at them. Always skilled at crosswords, he soon became adept at the cryptic versions. Reading was a favourite pastime, both in English and French. He also enjoyed cooking and was as accomplished in the kitchen as he was at the piano.
Along with attending the Victoria Conservatory of Music for further studies in piano, he completed seven years as a Governor on the VCM Board and contributed many volunteer hours to his strata council, serving as secretary for several years.
A gentleman, a teacher, a musician, a scholar, a reader - Bruce was a wonderful friend, a loving son and brother, and will be deeply missed.
Donations in Bruce's honour may be made to the Victoria Conservatory of Music, the Canadian Cancer Society, or to a charity of your choice.
Thoughts and condolences may be shared at www.firstmemorialsaanich.com.