December 1951 – January 2025

Bruce Smith made the world’s best apple pie. 

Yes, he had many skills, but the quality of his pies cannot be overstated. 

When Bruce was 16 years old, he stumbled into what turned out to be the longest relationship of his life. After a crash that left him without transportation, he was offered a used car for $35. That car, a 1938 Chevy Coupe, was Bruce’s daily driver for a few years before he took it off the road and began a restoration project that lasted decades and gave Bruce great joy. 

A heavy duty mechanic by trade, Bruce could fix almost anything. He was constantly employing his immense creativity and problem-solving skills to fixing, crafting, and building, usually for others. 

Bruce met the love of his life, Anne, in 1993. Before long, he transitioned from bachelor to partner, to step-father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, his laid-back nature adapting to the chaos with ease. One day, when Anne and Bruce were first dating, Anne called to say that she was bringing some of the young kids over. By the time they arrived, he had repurposed an old tire and an engine hoist to make a swing. Bruce loved playing with the children, especially badminton, since he always won. Once during a water fight, he climbed to the roof of the house and launched a sneak attack, leaving the surprised kids soaked and squealing with excitement. 

Bruce had an adventurous spirit, and he and Anne enjoyed travelling, scuba diving, camping, and exploring on their ATVs, eventually introducing the children, grand-children and great-grandchildren to the activities that brought them so much joy. 

Bruce’s love language (though he would never have used that term) was definitely acts of service. He took care of the people he loved, shared knowledge and advice, and never failed to offer assistance and support to anyone in need. He welcomed all, with unfailing good humour, infectious laughter, and a fondness for teasing. 

To the end, Bruce’s thoughts and actions were focused on Anne. He was greatly loved by her, his step-children Tonya (Raymond), Tammy (Shayne), Natasha (Ken), Chad (Laureen), Robert (Pamela), his grandchildren Kurtis (Michelle), Zachary, Haley, Jacqueline (Peter), Brodie (Lisa), Jonathan, Derrick (Dani), Connor (Carmen), Brenna, Jill, Marcus, Aavina, and great-grandchildren Nathan, Bree, Claire, Rylan, and Millie. He is predeceased by his parents and his two older brothers. With such a large family, Bruce’s room was filled to overflowing with people and love, right to the end. 

According to his wishes, there will be no funeral. There will be a Celebration of life in the Spring to celebrate Bruce, Anne will be in touch with family and friends when a date has been chosen.  

An apple tree will be planted this spring in Bruce’s honour, and we’ll remember him and think fondly of his apple pie. 

As he would proudly say, “Not bad for an old guy.”