R. BRUCE SMITH

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R. BRUCE SMITH It is with deepest regrets that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our loving husband and father, Bruce Smith on Monday, January 26 at his residence. Bruce has now joined his beloved son Cory, never to part again. Cory predeceased him in December, 2000. He is survived by his wife, Elaine, of 33 years of marriage and his loving son Shane; brothers, Gerry and his wife Carolyn, Brian and his wife Winnie; in-laws, John and Effie Calder; sister-in-law Hazel Bochinski and husband Bill; brothers-in-law, Cam and his wife Betty, Glen and his wife Mary Anne; as well as nieces, nephews, and many friends near and far. Bruce was predeceased by his parents, George and Ida Smith. Bruce was born, January 6, 1946 in Winnipeg. He graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1969 with an Agriculture degree specializing in Entomology. However, his career path veered quickly and he went through various jobs with National Grain, Good Farming Magazine, and Ducks Unlimited. In 1973, Bruce and Elaine moved to Regina where he was employed with Dunsky Advertising and then on to Yorkton with Morris Rod Weeder. In 1978, they moved back to Winnipeg when Bruce became a partner in Benson Advertising. His next career move was to own his own business, R. Bruce Smith & Associates. Then in 1987, he joined forces with longtime friend Carl Radimer and formed Smith Radimer Communications. In 1997, he semi-retired to a home office of R. Bruce Smith & Associates with his wife and business partner, Elaine. Over the past three years, Bruce has been an Instructor at the University of Winnipeg, teaching advertising to 4th year business students. Bruce loved the opportunity to pass on his expertise and hands-on experience in this field to the students. He also has recently been Advertising Representative for Farmers Independent Weekly, a Manitoba farm publication and represented U.S. based Farm Progress Publications in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Bruce made many lasting friendships with associates in the advertising/marketing/public relations field in Winnipeg, Canada and the U.S. He touched the hearts of many. Over the years, Bruce has had a very community minded spirit and had been actively involved in many organizations. For many years, he was very active in The Kirkfield Westwood Community Centre, holding various positions, including President. Bruce had also held executive positions in The Canadian Agri-Marketing Association, The Manitoba Farm Writers and Broadcasters Association and The Advertising Association of Winnipeg. He was a member of the Advisory Committee of Creative Communications at Red River College. Most recently, Bruce has been involved with The Compassionate Friends of Winnipeg. Bruce was an outgoing individual who enjoyed living, loved people and loved a good time. What will we ever do without his constant supply of new jokes? Three summers ago, Bruce and Elaine found their own little utopia at Long Bow Lake Campground near Kenora. Most of last summer was spent in the peace, serenity and camaraderie with newfound friends they had found at Long Bow. New friendships and many more memories were made. Bruce was a loving father to his two sons and never missed the opportunity to encourage and cheer them on in their sports and activities. Over the past several years he and his family had enjoyed several wonderful trips, including the most recent one he and Elaine enjoyed in Cancun, just returning January 18. He was an avid 5 pin bowler, loved shooting pool and fishing. A celebration of Bruces life will be held Saturday, January 31 at 1:00 p.m. in Sturgeon Creek United Church, 207 Thompson Dr. with Chaplain Daly de Gagne officiating. As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations in Bruces memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Suite 200, 6 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6. Love is how you earn your wings. Our newest angel has earned his wings. WOJCIKS ALL BELIEFS & FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 31, 2004