Lawrence Norman Bruce passed away at Shuswap Lake General Hospital, June 27, 2008. He was 80 yrs. old. True to his self, he bravely defied all logic and medical expectation, living actively many years with severe cardio vascular disease.
Lawrence was born in High River, Alta. to a ranching/farming, rodeo family. He was raised by his Father and paternal Grandparents and as an older boy, helped his family homestead above Pritchard, BC. He was a good all round cowboy and rodeo competitor, specializing in saddle bronc events and was a truly gifted horseman.
Lawrence lived many years between Sorrento, Kelowna and later, Salmon Arm, B.C. He held interesting and varied job titles through his working career, mostly as a working cowboy. He worked on different Ranches but was mostly involved with the Diamond and Circle S ranches at Dog Creek in the Cariboo and later with Green Acres Cattle Co. (now known as The Wolff Ranch) in Pritchard, B.C. He was also proud to be a member of the Sorrento Lions club for many years, serving as club president and then zone chairman; he made many valued friendships there.
Being a gregarious nature, friends were important to Lawrence. He was always ready to lend a hand any way he could and was quite ingenious at problem solving and “saving the day”. He held a deep appreciation for our natural environment, enjoyed fishing, camping and was an experienced and skilled outdoorsman.
Dad was a compassionate, fun, supportive and active father. He had a good sense of humor and loved an adventure. He taught us a lot and we are grateful.
Lawrence is loved and will be especially missed by his sister Jean Anne Palen and her family, sister Janice Tucker and her family, daughter Kathy Bruce, son Andrew Bruce and infant granddaughter, nephew Chris Bruce as well as cousins Bernice Johnson and Ted Webber and sister Pat Birzneck. Lawrence was predeceased by his little sister, Linda Bruce.
God bless you Dad, brother and friend. We love you to the end of the trail and back.