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Alan Bruce Obituary


BRUCE, Alan John Dec 13, 1935 July 4, 2008 Born on the prairies, Regina, Saskatchewan 1935 and moved to Victoria in 1965. It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Alan John Bruce. A talented man with a variety of careers such as an accountant, a professional figure skater (Ice Capades), a nurse and his most passionate being watercolour. Alan had a gift, a talent many people respected and admired. He has touched and inspired so many with his teachings. Alan's art career began 1966 studied oriental brush work with Stephen Lowe and in 1978 explored western watercolour with Stephanie Steel. Today his paintings hang in corporate and private collections Internationally and his work has been hung In many prestigious exhibitions. Accreditations include: elected first Canadian signature member National Watercolour Society, (NWS), Regional representative for Canada in 1990 and was a member; Federation of Canadian Artists. Alan's work has been published in many books and magazines throughout his career. Alan was a kind man with a gentle soul, who somehow turned serious situations into laughter. He took his passion further than most people could ever dream of. Alan leaves to cherish his memory: Son Miko Bruce; grandson Tyrus Bruce; cousins; nieces and friends. He will be missed but never forgotten. No funeral ceremony by request. A private family service will take place. 488635
Published by The Times Colonist on Aug. 2, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Alan Bruce

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18 Entries

Sharon Burgess

October 4, 2008

I met Al many years ago in the late 70's when I worked at Tillicum Lodge and remember how easily he laughed and how he was always there to help you whenever you were in need. I still remember how he would hold Tai Chi lessons for the staff on their breaks. How graceful he moved.
He bought that brown van from my husband Dan & I (it was actually a 2 toned custard yellow before Al had it repainted) and we would often see the van in passing. We were just thinking of him not too long ago as we drove by Gonzales and were saddened to hear he had passed away. He will be remembered with fondness.

Jeanette Perks

August 17, 2008

I'm so sorry for your loss Miko. My heart goes out to you and your family. I hope you're all doing okay. Call if you need me.

George Cuppage

August 11, 2008

Hi Miko,
Jared and I send you big hugs and love.
Living beside your dad at the beach are favorite unforgettable days. Al was the master designer and artist. As you know he had created a small piece of paradise for us all at Gonzales.
Those were the irreplaceable days when just going home and hearing Al's greeting was all we needed.
Take care Miko,
Buzz and Jared

Doran Schiller

August 8, 2008

I will never forget the smile of Alan Bruce.
It seemed even when we were getting in trouble he would be smiling.
Growing up at/in Gonzales Bay, everytime I would go over to the "House of Art" I would always stop and look over Alan's work and simply be taken back by the beauty of it. He truly was a gentle and kind soul.

Fairfield will never be the same!

My deepest condolence,
Doran Schiller

Jason Ditomassi

August 8, 2008

I knew Mr. Bruce from filling his VW van at Fairfield Petro Canada. He was always smiling and always made sure he came and said hi to me. His "Hi Jay how are you today" was always welcoming and sincere. He also took the time to talk about his art and invite me to many of is openings.
It turns out his son Miko was a friend of mine from Margaret Jenkins way back in the 80's. My thoughts are with Miko and his family.

Tara Pankhurst

August 8, 2008

Alan was my neighbour for seven years in the cottages on Gonzales Beach. In that time Alan watched as a steady stream of friends, roomates and boyfriends came and went from my cottage. He also watched me come of age, usually from his perch in his kitchen window. We had many a conversation through that window over the years. I feel very lucky and honoured to have known Alan, he was a caring, generous, spiritual and truly unique man.
"Over and out" my friend.
Love, Tara xo

Eric & Linda Bedard

August 8, 2008

Miko-man: Sorry for your loss buddy; Linda and I are keeping you and TYrus in our hearts and prayers. Love ya man, Eric & Linda

Dave Buote

August 8, 2008

Miko & The Bruce Family

So sorry to hear about your loss. It has been many years since we crossed paths but hearing about Alan's passing brings lots of memories rushing back.

I still remember and always will some of the great laughs that we all shared (I think one is stuck in my memory forever. Miko will know just the one im talking about) LOL!

I miss u guys.

RIP Alan.

Annette Sallows

August 8, 2008

Miko, so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones.

Sandra Parsons

August 7, 2008

Miko,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you deal with your loss.

Tammy Cuthbert-Garcia

August 7, 2008

I had the pleasure of knowing Al through being a girlfriend of Miko's years ago. I remember the first time Miko took me to meet Al..He was this big man with a booming laugh and we connected right away as we both shared a passion for figure skating. I remember how he used to call Miko Guffer and how he truly loved his family. I haven't seen al for years but I am blessed with one of his paintings that hangs in my house today and it always reminds me of that time in my life. Thank You Al and take care Guffer.

Christine and Kayne Moore

August 7, 2008

Miko... you and Tyrus are in my thoughts during this heart breaking time, and in the days ahead. I am so sorry for your lose... HUGS

Barb E. Doughty

August 6, 2008

I first met Al when I started work at Tillicum Lodge for seniors in the late 70's. I was young and new at my job. Al was the most kindest, generous man to instantly greet me and welcome me to the team. We became good friends and shared a common interest in spirituality and the love of being with the elderly. Over the years, we would always seem to "bump" into one another. The latest spot being the Fairfield Thrifty's. I will miss the hopes of seeing Al and bumping into his large, sweet spirit. He was truely a gentle soul that I felt priviledged to know.

Barb Doughty

Ian Gidney

August 4, 2008

A great guy and loyal to Fairfield.It was an honour to know him and to host his first art show at the Fairfield Plaza.

Colleen Plunkett

August 2, 2008

My thoughts are with you and your family Miko. Take care.

Lyne England

August 2, 2008

I would like to extend my Sincere Condolences to Al's family.

It was many years ago that Al became first a working colleague, then a friend. He was a compassionate caregiver with a gentle heart. When my career path continued in a different location Al didn't forget to invite me to his various painting exhibits and I enjoyed our discussions about the latest works. On occasion over the years we would bump into each other skating at the Oak Bay Rec. Centre and those are also times I will remember, Al was a big man he would skate, jump then land always lightly and gracefully. He encouraged me to try and failure was always a lesson with one more small component learned.
Yes, he was an 'artist' but in far more ways than one and he touched the hearts of many folks.
He will be missed.

Kate Beckett

August 2, 2008

My husband Glenn and I haven't talked to Al in a few years. Oddly, a couple of weeks ago we thought about calling him and looked up his number online.

"As I live and breathe!" he'd always say. Al was a character and one phone call usually resulted in a follow-up or two where he had something to add.

"Roger, amen, over and out," kind soul.

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

Memorial Events
for Alan Bruce

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.