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BRUCE MACDONALD
Date of Passing: Oct 25, 2017
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryBRUCE MACDONALD We are sad to announce that after a brief hospital stay, Bruce (Magoo) MacDonald passed away peacefully on October 25, 2017, at the age of 83. After spending most of his life in Winnipeg, Bruce had moved back to his home town, Vankleek Hill, ON in 2010. Bruce enjoyed a 34 year career in the YWG Finance Department at Air Canada (AC) where he made many life-long friends, who he considered his "Winnipeg family". Bruce loved to travel and his Air Canada benefits took him to many destinations - often with his "AC" friends. Destinations included Africa, Brazil, Thailand, Hawaii, China, the Caribbean and all through Europe. A trip on the Concorde from New York to London with his dear sister Mildred was most memorable. He enjoyed numerous trips to Negril, Jamaica with the gang, as well as the many AC Soccer and Baseball tournaments he travelled to...as a spectator of course! The Old Man was well known as the illustrious mascot of the long time Air Canada baseball team "Bruce's Magoo's" - a role he was proud of! Bruce was a regular at AC social events where he was sure to gather a crowd. He loved a good time and enjoyed chatting to everyone - and anyone! Bruce brought everyone together often resulting in many trips and parties being planned. Bruce was a longtime resident on Queen Street, where friends enjoyed gathering for visits, counselling and solving world problems, usually over a few Labatt's Blue. ("Grab me another one child while you're up"). A well-read man interested in current events, he always had a crossword or book on the go. He loved his music - he thought his Bose was the most marvellous thing! Bruce was an avid animal lover with a soft spot for cats, especially his Magoo, Shamus and Sweetheart. Bruce was a unique, debonair, fun loving, generous and technically challenged gentleman who so appreciated the support of his special friends over the years. He was very proud of his Scottish heritage and he was a stubborn one! Sharp to the end, he lived life to the fullest and on his terms. There will never be another like him! He will be fondly remembered and missed by all who knew him. We are grateful for the wonderful care Bruce received from the Hawkesbury Hospital staff as well as from family friend, Nancy. Although he wished for no official service, anyone wishing to raise a glass to our friend is welcome to drop in at the St. James Legion #4 - his favourite watering hole - on November 17, anytime after 6:00 p.m. To express your condolences you may also visit www.hillcrestfuneralhome.ca "Rest In Peace Old Man - Safe Home"
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 04, 2017
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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It's with a smile that I read this notice of Bruce's passing. It describes him so well. I wasn't aware that he had left Winnipeg (change of email addresses). Of the 17 grandchildren we are now only five, all but one an octogenarian. My sympathy to Ken's daughter and Robert's children. And kindest thanks to the author of this notice. On the 17th I will raise a glass with you in Winnipeg. Perhaps play a Scottish lament or Tom Paxton's "Would you go away with no word of farewell". Jackie - Posted by: Neil McGillis (First cousin) on: Nov 14, 2017
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Whoever wrote the Winnipeg free Press many many thanks. It is written with such care and love and so touching and personal . The first time i met cousin Bruce-that i remember- he was sitting in the back seat, the "rumble seat' of one of those old coupes. He and his brothers were driving up grandmas lane way for a visit. another time he took my sister joan and i down to the "Grasse River' on grandmas farm (before rivers were polluted) for a summer swim. after our swim he gave us "chiclets." Then i lost track of him but reconnected when both of our lives returned us to eastern Ontario. He loved his swimming pool. we would sit and chat about old times--all our aunts and uncles and all the Funny little stories that we'd remember. first I heard he was busy at the hospital having tests. then i heard he was dead. I was so shocked.. I'm still shocked. then still later i heard he had gone to the hospital by ambulance... To all his nieces and nephew my sympathy. he loved you all.... and as mentioned his winnipeg buddies you were all a very special family for him.. Bless you all out there. I am so pleased you are having a "remembering Bruce night." . I shall be with you in spirit . I shall miss his presence. - Posted by: Frances Fraser (cousin) on: Nov 13, 2017
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Bruce came across my thoughts a few days ago. Bet he was traveling... I enjoyed Negril Ja with Bruce and the gang. As I think about it, he sure did enjoy bopping in the lovely waves of the Caribbean Sea. Sadly I won't be in Wpg for the gathering at the Legion, as I'm now in the Caribbean, but I'll be paying tribute with Bruce on my mind as I enjoy a special session of "bopping in the sea" for Bruce! Thank you for the wonderful write-up. Bruce touched everyone's life in a positive way. We are so blessed. RIP⤠- Posted by: Cheryl Winnicky (AC friend) on: Nov 05, 2017
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My sincerest sympathies to Bruce's family and close friends. I worked with Bruce for many years at Air Canada. He had a very sharp witted sense of humor, he made me laugh and smile many times in a day. He was extremely intelligent and always willing to answer your question or help you out. He was also very kind. He always seems to have a devilish twinkle in his eye. Bruce's loss will be a great one. I will always remember you Bruce with a smile on my face. Rest well. - Posted by: Janet Harrow-Courcelles (Former Air Canada Co-worker) on: Nov 04, 2017
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I worked with Bruce for many years. I fondly remember him as a fine gentleman with a wonderful sense of humour. - Posted by: Edward Cleary (friend) on: Nov 04, 2017