November 22, 1930 - June 26, 2018
Bruce Bourne was born in Toronto to parents Walter and Margaret (Pearl) Bourne. Growing up in Toronto, Bruce showed his athletic abilities as a lifeguard and enjoyed camping and canoeing with his friends. He loved animals and while he did not realize his childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian, he always had a dog companion throughout his life.
Bruce married his childhood sweetheart, and lifelong soul mate, Agnes Wilson, then began his working life as a stock boy for Maher Shoes in southern Ontario. Quickly gaining positions of greater responsibility in the company, he moved from London to Windsor and to St Catherines, Ontario, his work as the sales manager and supervisor keeping him on the road in the area, but always trying to keep his family of three children close by.
He and Agnes, always ready for adventure and needing a better climate for Bruce's health, decided to head to Calgary, Alberta to open his own shoe store which soon became a successful chain of 13 stores spreading out to Saskatchewan and B.C. His love for the water and forests of B.C. prompted him to buy old farmhouse at Eagle Bay on Lake Shuswap and there built their retirement home. At age 55, Bruce sold his business and retired, now spending winters in Phoenix and summers at Shuswap.
Always energetic and a hard worker full of great ideas, he went back to work, this time as a realtor with NRS Real Estate in Salmon Arm. Bruce and Agnes eventually moved into Salmon Arm where he enjoyed full retirement and spent his remaining years. Bruce was active in the Salmon Arm Rotary Club, and enjoyed lunches with the Probus group. He was also active in the Crossroads Methodist Church.
Bruce leaves behind his wife of 65 years, Agnes Bourne, as well as his three children, Brenda Baradoy and her husband Gary, Thom Bourne and his wife Sandra, and Cheryl Bourne. through whom he had 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Bruce was predeceased by his parents, his brother Doug Bourne and his wife Toni, his sister Margarite Pipher and her husband Eldon Pipher.
He is survived by his brother Harold Bourne and his wife Gail presiding in Ontario.
Bruce passed away after 87 years of a full life. He is much loved and will be greatly missed.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through Bruce's obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com.
