BRUCE HENRY DE JONG

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BRUCE HENRY DE JONG September 6, 1938 - February 17, 2006 On Friday, February 17, 2006, Bruce De Jong peacefully passed away at the Concordia Hospital. He was predeceased by his mother Florance (1940), twin brother Robert at birth, father Henry (1962), stepmother Olive (1993). He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and friend. Bruce is survived by his wife of 44 years Gertrude and their three children, Edward (Edna), Robert (Karen), Tara-Lee (Mark). Also he was treasured by his three loving grandchildren, Cameron, Kristina, Edward (TJ). He will be greatly missed by his closest relative who was a sister to him Alison Mendres and her children, Alexandra (Kevin), Carla (Greg) which bought never ending stories of humour and joy to him. And his great-nephew and niece, Harrison and Madeline. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, David (Brenda), Herb (Leslie), Robert (Lynn) Johnson of Winnipeg, his sister-in-law Marion (Larry) McIntosh of Calgary and his numerous nieces and nephews. Bruce was born and raised in North Kildonan by his parents who ran a Market Garden. Bruce attended Lord Kitchener and graduated. He was employed at the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool in Winnipeg from 1956 to 1961. He was inspired by his uncle Chris who was Chief of Police which kick started his dream to become a police officer which he achieved for 33 years. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends especially his loving wife which he met on a warm evening in 1957 at the end of the tracks at Grand Beach. Well as everyone knew it was love at first sight. He put up his tent in her parents backyard of their cabin and never took it down. As we know, the marriage came about September 23, 1961. For many years they enjoyed strolls through the sand at their cabin at Grand Beach for 34 years. Bruce is known to be a gentle, kindhearted, honest and loving person who believed in putting his best effort to better the neighbourhood. Within the neighbourhood he was involved in Scouts which resided at Oxford Heights Community Club and the United Church, he surely enjoyed this because of his love of the outdoors. Like any true Canadian he had a passion for hockey which he coached for numerous years. Also made his family crazy by waking them for early morning games (5:30 a.m.), but in the end all his family thoroughly enjoyed watching him with half open eyes just like the wives of his many friends. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Concordia Hospital (N1 South) and Medox. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21 at Thomson Funeral Home, 669 Broadway. In lieu of flowers, donation in memory of Bruce may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Fund of Manitoba, 1 Morley Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3L 2P4 Thomson Funeral Home 669 Broadway 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 20, 2006