BRUCE THORTON ASHLEY

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BRUCE THORTON ASHLEY Bruce Ashley passed away suddenly on June 27, 2003. Bruce was born in Winnipeg, MB on July 6, 1919. He grew up in southern Alberta where he became a professional bronc rider and trainer. By the age of sixteen Bruce was a sought after master of his art of horse training. He was one of the few people in the world who had developed the art of "talking to horses". Bruce continued in this profession until 1940 when he volunteered to serve with the Calgary Tank Regiment in the Second World War. He survived first action at the bloody battle of Dieppe. He then served in the Italian campaign where he fought in Sicily and Italy. He distinguished himself on many occasions during the war, receiving numerous medals of bravery. He was wounded twice during his tour of duty, and remained at the front line until the end of the War. Bruce met his wife, Rosina Myrtle Ashley (nee Harriott) when he was stationed overseas in England at the Town of Seaford, Sussex. The couple were married in 1943. His first two sons, Adrian and Robert were born in England. Following the end of the War, Bruce returned to Canada with his new family and settled in Winnipeg. He began working as a professional firefighter with the Winnipeg Fire Department in 1946. During his career as a firefighter Bruce was cited a number of times for acts of bravery. His career was cut short when he suffered a heart attack at the scene of a fire in 1974. After that date, Bruce remained a member of the Fire Department on medical compensation until his official retirement in 1984. In the 1970s Bruce was an active member and volunteer with the 4-H club where he taught many young people some of the finer points of riding. He continued to raise his own horses, breaking and training horses for friends and family in the community. He trained his last unbroken horse at the age of 79. Bruce continued in the role of mentor and friend to the horse-riding community until his death. Bruce loved to communicate his ideas and knowledge through the medium of cowboy story-telling, an art which he perfected over his nearly 84 years. The Ashley family home out on St. Marys Road was known far and wide as a place where all were welcome, and where anyone could seek out the advice of Bruce with regard to horses. Bruces other interests extended to hunting and firearms of which he was also a very accomplished and knowledgeable expert. He was an outdoors enthusiast and woodsman who was probably more at home in the wilderness than he was in the urban community. Bruce had almost paranormal abilities in communing with nature, being able to sense things beyond the abilities of most ordinary folk. There was one occasion many years ago, for example, where the expert guide in Bruces hunting party became lost himself. The members of the group immediately looked to Bruce to save the day, which he did by successfully leading everyone to safety (heading the opposite direction to that suggested by the guide!). Bruce was definitely a one-of-a-kind guy, the likes of whom we will not see again. His larger than life presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Bruce was predeceased by his wife, Rosina, who passed away in April of this year. He is survived by his children, Robert Ashley, Adrian Ashley, Wayne Ashley of Winnipeg and Susan Ashley of Maple Ridge, BC.; his grandchildren, Bridget, Lauren and Angela; and great-grandchildren, Bradley and Ashley. In accordance with Bruces wishes, there will be no funeral. Instead, there will be a private luncheon with family, close friends, and past colleagues at the Ft. Rouge Legion at 426 Osborne St., on Saturday, July 5 at 5:30 p.m. Please do not send flowers, instead, donations may be made to the UFFW Firefighters Burn Fund (Ph: 783-1733). BARDAL FUNERAL HOME 843 Sherbrook Street, 774-7474

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 03, 2003