Obituary of Elmer Bruce

Mr. Elmer Bruce of Bawlf passed away on Sunday, October 20, 2013 at the age of 78 years. Elmer Royce Bruce was born on November 7, 1934 on the homestead in Palmer Earling District near Bawlf. He was the third child of six children; Marvin, Eleanor, Roger, Merlin and Janet born to John and Sophia Bruce. Elmer and Eleanor were the janitors at Likeness School where they went from Grade 1 to Grade 9. He attended high school in Ryley and Holden until he decided to start working early in 1952. Coal mining and the service rigs were some of his earliest jobs. Eventually he started his career at Stelco, where he worked for the next 35 and a half years. He purchased the farm in 1962 and married Diane Bolding on December 14, 1963. After their wedding they moved to Lodgepole, where Elmer worked on the service rigs. They decided to come back to their farm where they resided until his death. In 1965 they welcomed their first child, Charlene. Three years later, Dean was born. In 1971, Elaine arrived and in 1978 Carolyn came along. All four of his children are happily married, Charlene and Brent King - 1990, Dean and Cecily Bruce - 1993, Elaine and Derrick Nixon - 2005, Carolyn and Chas Waitt - 2005. Elmer and Diane have seven beautiful grandchildren: Brandon, Adam, Karsten, Savea, Mason, Zoe and Nolan. Elmer enjoyed his grandchildren immensely by supporting all of their endeavors. Elmer loved card games, floor curling, Hockey Night in Canada and visiting. Elmer loved Diane immensely and they were to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this December. He was her support over this last year after her surgery for breast cancer. Elmer was a longstanding member of the Skudesness Lutheran Church. In August of this year, he was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor. Elmer fought hard but succumbed on October 20, 2013. Elmer was predeceased by his parents John and Sophia, his elder twin Eleanor and her husband Roy Elander, his youngest sister Janet Berry and his sister-in-law Karen Bruce. He is survived by his wife Diane; his children and grandchildren; his three brothers Marvin, Roger (Sharon), Merlin (Bev); and the whole Bolding family. Elmer will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his family and friends. Funeral Services were held on Friday, October 25, 2013 at 2:00pm., from Skudesness Lutheran Church with Rev. Bill Harder officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. If friends so desire memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to Skudesness Lutheran Church, or to the Alberta Cancer Foundation.