- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
BRUCE ANTHONY GILLESPIE
Date of Passing: Mar 30, 2008
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to Winnipeg Humane Society
BRUCE ANTHONY GILLESPIE On March 30, 2008, at St. Boniface Hospital, Bruce died at the tender age of 57. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Alison Preston; his mother, Elsie Gillespie; his sisters, Patti Gillespie, Janet Rodie, and Lois Gillespie; his brothers-in-law, Doug Rodie and John Preston, his niece Charmaine Rodie and nephews Sean Rodie, Max Preston and Zeke Preston, all of Winnipeg. Also surviving Bruce are one dear aunt and many loving cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his father, Gordon Gillespie in 2000. Bruce lived his whole life in Winnipeg except for three years on the west coast. For the last two decades he taught in the Creative Arts Department at Red River College where he touched a great many lives and hearts. For a time in the late seventies Bruce owned a store, Village Records, in a young Osborne Village. He was a passionate and generous lover of music. His collection was for sharing, along with his vast knowledge of all it contained. His beautiful singing voice and the drums were his main instruments and in the 60s and 70s he played in such bands as The Crossing, The Next of Kin, Live Lobster, and the formidable Chicken Noodle Multitude. Until recently Bruce practised with a group of friends that could go years without a gig, but when there was one it was worth waiting for. He loved his home in Norwood where he lived with Alison and their two cats, Nils and Grrwalt. He watched birds there and grew watermelons and fed his friends great music and food and drink. Bruce was a wonderful cook and was known to drive his marinating flank steak all the way to Calgary to share it with friends. He kept us laughing and that may be what we remember most. But for sure when we hear a certain song on the radio or in our heads it will be Bruce that we feel stirring in our hearts, helping us never to forget. Many thanks to the nurses at CancerCare, St. Boniface. Bruce actually looked forward to chemo day and remained optimistic under the gentle care of those fine professionals. Thanks, also to an oncological nurse named Bonnie who appeared out of nowhere to help us one terrible day; and to Dr. Garnet Crawford and the nurses on the eighth floor, especially Deb and Gina. Our friends rallied around us like a small army of angels. Thanks to you all and especially to Chris, John, Eric and Jacquie. There will be a gathering at Red River College, Princess St. Campus, in the north atrium/cafeteria on Friday, April 11 at 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, if you desire, please make a donation to the Winnipeg Humane Society in Bruce's name. The Coutu Family in care of Arrangements: E.J COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 ARCHIBALD STREET 253-5086
Make a donation to
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 05, 2008