Obituary of HARRY BRUCE ROUTLEY

HARRY BRUCE ROUTLEY

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Bruce at the age of 83, after a courageous battle for two years to stay with us.

Bruce was born on April 23, 1936 in Saskatoon SK. the youngest of Ernest and Nellie Routley's four children.  His father’s line of work took the family across Western Canada, to Biggar, Saskatoon, SK., Dauphin, MB. Trail, BC. and in 1948 to Winnipeg, (West Kildonan).  Bruce attended Centennial School and West Kildonan Collegiate where he made many friends. Bruce loved sports, his particular favourite was swimming, he swam like a fish. Bruce went on to Manitoba Institute of Trades to become a journeyman electrician and then took his apprenticeship with McCaine Electric. Bruce worked for a short time in Thompson, MB. In 1959 he started working for the C.N.R. electrical shop in Transcona, retiring after 32 years. He enjoyed working with a great bunch of co-workers. Bruce married Anne Rivers in 1956 at Kildonan United Church. He helped with the building of their first home on Templeton Avenue, and then in 1964 he designed and built their new home in Middlechurch, West St. Paul where they lived a happy wonderful life, raising their two daughters amongst thoughtful caring neighbours.

Bruce's retirement years were busy ones. He cared for his mother-in-law in their home for five years, then the grandchildren came along. He was very delighted to be able to be involved in their lives, taking them to nursery school, kindergarten, grade school, going to their sporting events, piano recitals and helping out when needed.  Bruce enjoyed travelling to Ireland, Scotland and many trips to the West Coast, especially Nanaimo, BC. His two rail trips to Churchill, MB. with   two of his grandkids were a highlight in his life. Bruce enjoyed trips by car to the USA, where he sat back in the van and let Vince do the driving. Bruce was such a jolly man, he always brought laughter and happiness to the room, a kind man with a big heart and a great sense of humour.

 Bruce was predeceased by his parents, sister Beryl Watts, brother Keith Routley, son-in-law Vincent Chartier, nephew Kipp Watts, and brother-in-law Harold Anderson.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory wife Anne, daughters D’Anna (Felix Sikora), Deborah Chartier, grandchildren Vanessa, Andrew, Tyler and Everett, sister Queade Anderson of North Battleford, SK. many nieces and nephews, and his cousins the Carter Family, of Woodlands, MB.

The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. K. Graham and staff at Quarry Ridge Medical Clinic, Dr. John Kreml, Doctors, Nurses and staff on the 5^th Floor Unit 1 Seven Oaks Hospital, West St. Paul Fire Department and Paramedics and home care worker Art for all the excellent care, kindness and attention given to Bruce. A special thanks to sister Queade for all the cards she sent, never missing a Birthday or Anniversary. Thanks to Ted Hodnett for his lifelong friendship, driving Bruce to his medical appointments and keeping the lawn mowers & snow blower tuned-up, and to his grandson Tyler for helping both Grandpa and Grandma.

 In accordance with his wishes there will be no funeral service. A family interment will be held at Kildonan Presbyterian Cemetery.

Should friends and family so desire, donations may be made to the Fire Fighters Burn Fund Inc, 303-38 Garry Street, or Canadian Blood Services.

Rest in Peace Dear Bruce, Love you Dad.

“They are waiting by the river across a silent stream where the flowers are ever blooming and the grass is always green.”