We Remember
ROBERTS, Bruce Edward
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Friends and colleagues of Bruce Edward Robert were saddened to learn of his death on March 22, 2019. He was seventy-two years old. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Therese Roberts, a well as by his sister, Liz Roberts of Phuket, Thailand. Bruce grew up in Toronto, graduated from the University of Toronto and earned an MBA from the University of Alberta.
Bruce’s zest for life and adventure inspired both friends and family. He and Therese travelled extensively, visiting over 100 countries. He had an innate ability to connect with the people he met and was always open to new experiences. As an avid outdoor enthusiast, he relished ski touring, hiking, cycling, golfing and kayaking. Nothing gave him more pleasure than introducing friends to one of his passions. An avid reader, Bruce enjoyed sharing his encyclopedic knowledge of Canadian mountain history. A keen video photographer, he devoted much energy to charitable work; helping the women of Nepal attain a greater measure of independence.
Deepest gratitude is extended to Dr. Alexis Thomson of Kelowna, BC for her compassionate support as well as to the medical team at Kelowna General Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to NEPAL – ONE DAY AT A TIME, go to www.canadahelps.org Find Afretech Aid Society, click on Donate, now, choose NEPAL – ONE DAY AT A TIME. It supports education in the Gorkha area of Nepal, the epicentre of the 2015 earthquake.
There will be no funeral service. Honour and enjoy your personal memories of Bruce. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
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In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to NEPAL - ONE DAY AT A TIME go to www.canadahelps.org - Find Afretech Aid Society, click on Donate, now, choose NEPAL - ONE DAY AT A TIME Link: www.canadahelps.org
Condolences
My neighbour and friend…a man whose knowledge left us all better for his company. Always a friendly smile and wave as he passed on his bike. Another void left on Mashie! Never an easy road when our life partner leaves us way too soon. Hugs to you Therese
Bruce was a wonderful neighbour and friend with whom we enjoyed dinner, conversation, wine, golf experiences including good and bad rounds and stories (a bit like fisherman!). Bruce was smart, inquisitive, kind and loved to share his experiences whether they be travelling, books he read or observations about his surroundings. He was so kind to our children, was truly interested in them as young adults and shared his wisdom with them. Most of all Bruce and Therese exemplified life long love and kindness for each other.
We had many good times with Bruce and will miss him so very much. We know he would want us to support his”Babe” aka Therese during these difficult times. We will do that and more keeping Bruce’s zest for life and adventure alive. Our memories will live on.
Bruce was an amazing person…he saw and did more things in his life than most of us could even imagine, with you by his side. He touched many lives and will continue to do so in memory….very sorry
Me enseñaste que solo se vive una vez, buen viaje amigo
Dear Therese and family – Laxmi and I are shocked to hear this very sad news of Bruce’s demise. Our hearts bleed and go out to you at this difficult time. A wonderful man who enjoyed life and people to the full! His work in Nepal will be remembered always. RIP
Der liebe Bruce wird immer in bester Erinnerung bleiben. Mein tiefstes Beileid , Brigitte
Bruce was a thoroughly enjoyable person. His joy de vivre was contagious. He always brought a smile to my face for oh so many reasons! Bruce was a positive life influence and will always be remembered that way.
So sorry to hear about Bruce’s passing Therese. We loved your company on the many adventures in the Alberta back country and your shared passion for the outdoors. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love.
Dear Therese, me and my husband have met you and Bruce in a coffee farm in Manizales, Colombia in 2015. It was a pleasant afternoon in the company of you two. We noticed in Bruce such a special person that we promised to meet you again in Canada or in Brazil. We were not able to do that, but be sure that we will always have Bruce’s kindness alive with us, inspiring us. A very warm hug for you Therese and for all the family.
Our heartfelt condolences to Therese and family. We will truly miss Bruce, our neighbour and friend. Therese, please knock on our door if we can help you with anything in the coming difficult days and beyond.
My first memory of Bruce was in your backyard in Edmonton where we gathered for some weird and wacky games. Everyone had to dress up and everyone had to participate. It was a blast. My next memory is my first 5 day hiking trip. I never imagined I could do such a thing, and there was Bruce, encouraging me on, helping me over rocky places and always checking in to ask, “How are you feeling?”
My favourite quote from Bruce was when searching for the ‘perfect’ camp spot he would inevitably state, “No wait! There’s got to be a better one just around the corner.”
It’s how he lived life. Always believing there was another outstanding adventure just around the corner while savouring the one he was in and inviting everyone to join in and participate and have fun..
It has been many years since I last enjoyed Bruce’s indefatigable spirit and still, the memory of his laughter, his big smile and his enthusiasm for life remain with me. I am so very saddened by this news Therese and send you much love and healing light.
So sorry to learn of Bruce’s passing, Therese. While we did not have a chance to see you and Bruce very often, we always enjoyed following your travels on facebook. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time. With our best wishes. Darlene and Bob
Dear Therese, We are very sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. Our sincere condolences. Joel and Sally
Bruce was an inspiration. We met on a few occasions to do rehabilitation. He was taping the sessions in order to help others with their own rehab. That showed his big heart. He and his wife were amazing and I felt so welcome in their home. I can only dream of one day leading a life like they did, full of love and adventure. Thank you Bruce for showing me that we can all make a difference by being ourselves, and believing in ourselves.
I’m very saddened by the loss of Bruce, such a friendly man with always a positive attitude toward everything in Life. I only got to see Bruce infrequently, but he is a man you never forget. I shall miss his happy face dearly.
Therese, I am so sad to learn of Bruce’s sudden death. My heart goes out to you. Because you sent me videos of your travels together, I feel I got to know Bruce. A wonderful man and such a loss for you, family and friends. He made the world a better place. I am so sorry, Therese. Karen Hoover
Therese – We were sad to learn of Bruce’s passing. We have fond memories of chatting with you and Bruce at various times in the “Prince George Court” neighbourhood. It was fun to follow your adventures as you travelled the globe. Our deepest sympathies to you. Bruce and Deborah Cameron
Therese our condolences to you and your family. We are sorry to hear of Bruce passing to the otherside.
Bruce was always a pleasure to hookup with on the golf course over the last few years he will be missed by our group. Once again our thoughts are with in your time of grief.
Very sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. Such a generous soul, loved & lived life to it’s fullest.
Dear Therese, you have our deepest condolences. Bruce was an inspiration on how to live a full and meaningful life. We first met Bruce when he rang our door bell and introduced himself with a bouquet of flowers in one hand and fresh cherries in the other, welcoming us to Predator Ridge. Most importantly his welcome also came with the genuine gift of friendship. We are fortunate to have known that friendship.
Die Trauer über den Verlust eines Menschen wie Bruce wird nie ende.
Therese; I am very saddened to hear that Bruce passed away last week. I always enjoyed spending time with Bruce whenever I visited Predator Ridge. He was always willing to share many interesting stories and perspectives on life that meant a lot to me. I know that his warm smile and thoughtfulness will be missed by his many friends. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with you and your family during this very difficult time.
My dear Therese,
It was indeed a moment of sorrow upon receiving your note advising of Bruce’s untimely passing.
I recall how pleasant it was, after so many years, to meet with you and Bruce at the Whitespot in Kelowna
not long ago. We shared many memories of days gone by.
I’m hopefull that cherished memories of your extensive travels and the legacy of Bruce’s charitable endeavours will sustain you as you continue forward….
Sincerely
Ken Sears
So sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing, We always enjoyed running into Bruce, he always had a good adventure to tell you about. We will miss Bruce’s positive attitude and friendship.
Our sincere condolences. Bruce and Joanne
Therese we were so saddened to hear of Bruce’s passing. Our sincere condolences. I feel very fortunate to have worked with Bruce and more importantly to have him as friend for over 40 years. I can’t stop thinking of the fun times we had at AES, and the people we worked with. I remember so clearly the raft trip Bruce took Scott and I on down the Kootney River with you, your Dad, Pat, Cheryl and Dave. I am also so glad we were able to connect Two summers ago for dinner and a great evening with you and Bruce. Such a special person.
Our very best regards,
BJ and Sharon
Knowing you and Bruce are top the list of things I am grateful for. You have enriched my life is so many ways. Not the least of which is that I must hold the record for being your least athletic friend yet that never stopped you both from including, encouraging and supporting me. Remembering one of those times: Bruce was riding in the open back of a station wagon shouting encouragement (or was that with a megaphone?) to non-runner me in a race that was part of the Edmonton summer Olympics. My heart aches for your loss Therese. May the love that surrounds you and your memories sustain you through this time of sorrow.
Our thoughts are with you Therese during this very difficult time. Hope to see you back at the Star next season.
Our sincerest condolences to Therese and your family. Met Bruce on the squash courts where he was a fierce and fun competitor. Will miss the enlightening conversations and positive outlook on life that Bruce was always able to share with us. Our thoughts, memories and love are with you in this difficult time. Sincerest wishes and prayers, Andy & Emily Mark
Therese, we are so sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. We remember him as a very accomplished, friendly and inclusive man. We wish you every strength at this time of great loss. Linton and Anne Kulak
Dear Therese,
It was a privilege to know Bruce and I enjoyed his stories of adventure, travel and charitable work. Your partnership together was an inspiration. He is dearly missed by many.
Sincerely,
Alexis Thomson
Mr. enthusiastic! Indeed! we shared a lot of trips in La Belle Suisse …winter and summer.. he had a strong mr. enthusiastic indeed. he had a a strong social conscience. therez guided and kept him focused. On helping others especially in Nepal . What a fun guy he was and was always up for adventure. Nancy
He always wanted adventures and I are so sorry he wasnt able to make the rest of them with us this summer.
Dear Therese, Joanne and I were deeply saddened to learn of Bruce’s passing. He was such an incredible person, who touched the lives of so many, in such a positive way, with his kindness and his zest for life. We will always treasure the video he made of me skiing at Silver Star, he made me feel like a 80 year old super star. Thinking about you, sending our love.
John and Joanne Ferguson.
Therese- so sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. He always had a smile and a cheerful hello! My condolences to you,
Jill
Dear Therese,
I am very sorry I can’t find any words for you at this moment…
Many of unforgettable memories came up when I saw Bruce’s charming smile on the post. He was cheering, inspiring and passionate soul who shared his life with many others including me. I remembered many activities and fun time with him and you. Playing golf at the Predator Ridge many times. I am still hearing his cheering voice and big laughter. And beer and chatting at your gorgeous backyard after golfing. Kayaking at the Kalamalka Lake and Sugar Lake that was my first experience. Camping at the Adams lake with Sara. Hiking at the Revelstoke. Wine tours from Kelowna to Osoyoos. Many many precious memories with him… He will keep in stay in my hearts with all those memories and I will miss him so much…
I will be always with you Therese.
Big hug with love,
Therese,
Our hearts go out to you – Baska and I wish you peace and strength in the days and months ahead.
You will take solace from knowing the love so many of us had for Bruce, and the enduring respect for — and wonderment at — his love and appreciation of individuals, cultures and nature. Just reading the words of so many of these condolences lifted my sad spirits, and the images of Bruce, and you, flood my mind – from cycling the tiny towns of France, to kayaking through the beautiful waters of the outer islands in Georgian Bay.
He loved, appreciated and understood the beauty, and the subtlety of individual relationships, of the outdoors, of whole cultures and countries. The travels you did together are inspiring…as is his enduring optimism and sense of gratefulness he had for his experiences.
We send you our love,
Danny & Baska
Therese, we were deeply saddened to hear of Bruce’s passing and appreciate now that we did spend a few minutes with him before we departed last month. We will dearly miss Bruce as our neighbour and good friend and have great memories of the times we were able to get together. Wishing you peace to bring you comfort and courage to face the days ahead. – Love to you, Bernie & Ivy
Dear Therese, my deepest condolences on the loss of your husband Bruce. I was the little girl that lived next door to Cy and Betty on Crediton. I remember how happy Cy and Betty were anytime you visited. It sounds like you both made an impact on many others, and may his memory live onwards as has Cy and Betty’s for me. What incredible people you were surrounded by and were able to call family. Sincerely, Aurelia Dalinda
I am shocked to hear of Bruce’s untimely death. I have many good memories of squash games here at the Geneva Squash Club and one other hilarious memory when he tried to teach me capsize drill in a canoe near here! Please accept my deepest sympathy, Therese. As ever, Ben.
Dear Therese, we did not meet personally, but me and my sister met Bruce in 2006 while we did the fire and ice trail (stanley glacier hike) during our canada trip. When he heard, that I´m living in Switzerland, all was said (;-) )and we did the hike together. Unfortunately I couldn´t find the picture of my sister (Christiana) and me, he took but it is one of the warmest memories of this canada trip! My condolences, sincerely yours Anja