Kenneth David Bruce 1925-2011



Passed away peacefully on the morning of July 28th, 2011 in the flower gardens of Hospice House, Kelowna BC, after a lengthy stay at Kelowna General Hospital. Ken was born on June 12th, 1925 in Melfort, Saskatchewan.



Predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Barbara Joyce (nee Wright), in 2005; Ken is survived by his children Marsha Bruce-Thompson, Gary (Micheline), Michael (Maureen), and Gregory (Kriszta); his grandchildren, Shannon, Tyler, Kimberley (Bradley) Newman, Lindsay, Sarah, Patrick, and Eden.



Ken came from a large and close knit family and is survived by two brothers David (Thelma) and Richard (Joy); and sister-in-law, Pat Wright. Ken is predeceased by Robert, Donald, Douglas, Henry, Dorothy, and Charles. He will be missed by many.



After completing high school in Victoria, Ken joined the Rainbow Sea Cadets and entered the Canadian Merchant Navy during the last years of the second war. In peacetime he continued as a merchant mariner and achieved his 2nd Mates ticket. He sailed the world and had many adventures.



In 1950, Ken decided to lead a life on land and took Barbara Joyce Wright to a New Years dance in Kelowna BC. The two were married in 1953. Ken worked as an accountant for Kelowna Sawmills and Barbara worked at the Kelowna Health Unit while the two of them raised a family and became involved in the community life in Kelowna where Ken was active in Kinsmen. Ken never forgot his love of the sea and sailing and was also an active member of the Kelowna Yacht Club and became Commodore in 1968. The family moved to Calgary in 1969 and then to Richmond BC where Ken retired from his work as a Registered Industrial Accountant in 1984. Barb and Ken then returned to Kelowna in 1985 and lived there ever since. Ken continued his affiliation with the Kelowna Yacht Club and was also active with Blue Gavel and Probus. Ken and Barb and family had many happy years at their Westside road residence by Traders Cove.



Ken loved gardening, sailing, walking, and visiting with many family and friends. He always put his family first and was a shining example of quiet support, moral steadfastness, and gentle humour.



A celebration of Ken’s life will be held on Saturday, August 6th at 10:00 a.m. at St. George's Anglican Church, 3690 Brown Rd., West Kelowna, with Rev. Albert McLane officiating. A reception will follow at the church hall.



The family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to family doctor, Dr. Banwell, the wonderful staff of 5B at the Kelowna General Hospital, and the kind and caring people of the Hospice House in Kelowna.



In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central Okanagan Hospice House, 2035 Ethel Street, Kelowna BC. V1Y 2Z6, or The Heart and Stroke Foundation of British Columbia and Yukon, http://www.heartandstroke.bc.ca.



Cremation arrangements are in care of Everden Rust Funeral Services (250) 860-6440. Condolences may be sent to the family by visitingwww.everdenrust.com.

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