Bruce Schenk

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Bruce Schenk announces his passing on Monday January 16, 2023 at the age of 69. Bruce passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving wife, Vicki, and his daughters Sarah-Dawn (Steve), Alissa (Pete) and Katie (Shawn). Bruce was the beloved son of Ken and Betty Schenk and much loved brother of Linda (Willie). Bruce loved and adored his seven wonderful grandchildren-Euan, Heidi, Everett, Cece, Chloe, Oscar and Millie. Family was all important to Bruce; his relationships with his wife, daughters and their families were a source of peace and joy and meant the world to him.
Growing up, Bruce was very active in his church choir and youth groups. He was a Queens Scout and he loved to travel, a passion that continued throughout his life.
Bruce's career path was multifaceted. He was a Lutheran pastor and chaplain. He served as chaplain at Brookside Youth Detention Centre in Cobourg, where he introduced restorative justice into the institution. From there, in the early 2000's, Bruce served as the Lead of the Ontario Government's team for implementing the restorative justice provisions of Canada's new Youth Criminal Justice Act. Bruce also developed an innovative practice that was unique in the field of restor- ative justice: the "Hosting", a faith community offers its facility and volunteers to "host" the restorative justice events that take place in their neighbourhoods.
In 2007, Bruce worked closely with Shalem's FaithCare (Faith Communities Affirming Restor- ative Practices) program. Bruce developed the FaithCare training and FaithCare has worked with over 100 churches from 10 denominations all across Canada and trained hundreds of people in Canada and the United States. FaithCare works to support faith communities to strengthen and enhance relations, and to repair harm when these relationships in the church setting become broken. Bruce remained active in FaithCare until his very last days.
In 2008, Bruce became founding Director of the Canadian International Insti- tute for Restorative Practices (IIRP-Canada). Bruce taught and truly believed that Restorative Practice is not just a program but a way of thinking and being-a framework on understanding of what it is to be human-where the focus is not an adversarial process but on creating a safe space for real conversations that deepen relationships and build stronger, more connected communities. From this he became a leading figure in the growth of restorative practices in Public, Catholic and Christian school boards across Canada. Bruce retired in July 2020 and IIRP-Canada continues to remain a vibrant service.
Cremation has taken place and the family welcomes everyone to attend funeral services to be held at St. Luke's Church, 566 Armour Road in Peterbourgh, ON Saturday, February 4, 2023 beginning at 1:00 p.m., with reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Palliative Suite at Northumberland Hills Hospital or to a local school's Breakfast Program.