BRUCE WILLOWS

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BRUCE WILLOWS Bruce passed away peacefully on January 19, 2003, surrounded by his loving family..."marvelous." His was a life well lived and thoroughly enjoyed. Bruce was born and raised in Winnipeg, the third of Madge and Octaves four children. He was blessed with a rich and generous family environment, filled with music, intellectual pursuits, spiritual vibrancy, loving relatives and mischief forgiven over and over again. Bruce married Elaine Stuart in 1950 and together they raised their six children with humour, charm, wit and unconditional love. He cheered through hockey seasons, napped through ballet recitals, applauded performances on a cardboard piano keyboard and chuckled through parent teacher interviews. Bruce did not "sweat the small stuff." He celebrated the big stuff always. Bruce loved the outdoors. As a teenager he worked on the boats of Northern Manitoba and as a young adult, as a game warden. He was a hunter and fisherman, an avid golfer, and following in the footsteps of his maternal grandfather (of McBean Orchid fame) a master gardener. Bruce married Vicky Allen in 1996 and made their home in Selkirk, MB, where they pursued their common interests in gardening, food, wine making and each other. Bruce was a successful salesman for Sears, Neptunes and Independent Fisheries. He also operated Gods Lake Fishing Lodge and owned and operated Selkirk Auto Care Centre before his retirement. Retirement was something dad always looked forward to and indeed it was another of his successes. He relished a full golf life, a competitive bridge group and volunteered for the Selkirk Food Bank. He hosted family barbecues, visited his Alberta kids and generally had a good time. Dad was a do-er and to everything he did he brought charisma and sparkle. His relationships were gifts and his presence a delight. Dad, you pretended not to be a hero but you didnt fool us. Bruce is survived by his loving wife Vicky; children, Laura Leigh (Tod) Hughes, Bruce (Karen Naylor), Patti (Glen) Gryzko, Cathy, Frederick, Jim (Susan Rich), and first wife Elaine. He will be sadly missed by his beloved brother Dick (Helen) and sisters, Megan Howes and Weida (Ken) Murphy; and numerous nieces and nephews. Lucky grandchildren are Laine, Noah and Liza Hughes, Karla, Johanna and Colleen Willows, Ashleigh, Shane and Devon Gryzko, and Crystal and Lauren Willows. The family would like to thank Dr. Antonenko and the wonderful nursing staff at the Selkirk & District General Hospital. Celebration of life will take place on Friday, January 24, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main St. A gathering of family and friends will follow in the Glen Eden Reception Centre. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Selkirk Food Bank, 429-B Main St., Selkirk, MB R1A 1V4. Arrangements entrusted to: GLEN EDEN FUNERAL HOME 4477 MAIN STREET 338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 24, 2003