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Donald BRUCE Ryan
August 17, 1941 - October 2, 2013
Tribute
“Gone Fishing with White Caps to Join Mario”
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Bruce on October 2, 2013 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Comox, BC. Bruce was born in Vancouver, BC to his mother, Dorothy Plumb, where he was soon after adopted by parents Don and Doris Ryan of New Westminster, BC. After graduating from Lester Pearson High School he attended the University of British Columbia where he studied Commerce. Bruce's passion for fishing began as a young man when he began deckhanding for Canadian Fishing Company. He later worked as a dockworker and longshoreman at Pacific Coast Terminal. Bruce's employment with Continental Explosives brought him and his wife of 30 years, Cameron Spencer Ryan (predeceased him in 1996), to Nanaimo, BC where they raised their boys, Drew and Darcy. Bruce's later employment brought him to Menzies Bay Division in Campbell River as a driller blaster for MacMillan Bloedel. Bruce’s love for the outdoors prompted many family camping and fishing adventures.
Bruce spent the last nine years of his life with his loving wife Donna Vye, living in Comox and on their 50 foot yacht, Rana III in Nanaimo. Together they fulfilled many of their dreams fishing, boating, traveling, visiting family and friends, and making wondrous memories. To the end of his life, Bruce shared his passions and interests with friends and family.
Bruce is lovingly remembered by his wife Donna Vye (Clements), son Darcy of Nanaimo, BC (Jesse), son Drew and Christine of Tofino, BC (Tylan and Tayte); sister Maureen of Twin Lakes, BC (Donnie and Julie), and many other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Bruce's Life will be held at the Nanaimo Yacht Club on Sunday, November 17, 2013 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the BC Cancer Agency or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Condolences
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From: H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre Staff
H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Kay Jamison
Relation: Townsite Marina (office)
Dear Donna and family
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Bruce’s passing. In case you don’t remember me I worked occasionally in the office at the Marina and we had great conversations about a number of things. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely Kay Jamison
From: Clive Ansley
Relation: Bruce and I were classmates at Vincent Massey Junior High and Lester Pearson High School in New Westminster in the 1950's
Bruce and I were in grades one and two together, and then all through Junior and Senior High. At the end of Grade 9, Bruce and I performed at a graduation ceremony as part of a singing group we called the All Steel Five Man Quartet. We were also in sea cadets together. He was a good friend.
After having lost track of one another for decades, we discovered two or three years ago that we were living in the same little City of Courtenay. Bruce and Donna had come to Courtenay just one year after we had arrived in 2003.
Sadly, Bruce and I only managed to get together once after re-establishing contact, though we spoke often by telephone. I was looking forward to fishing and boating with Bruce after I retired a few months ago and was shocked to read the news of his death.
Bruce will be missed by all his classmates, who have regular reunions.
I have not met Donna, but wish to express my sincere condolences to her and all of Bruce’s family.
From: Bob and Debi McIlroy
Relation: friend
Donna – Bob and I just want you to know we are thinking of you. Treasure your memories!!
Our condolences
Bob and Debi McIlroy
From: Phil Halladay
Relation: Childhood friend
Dear Donna and Family,
I was sorry to read of Bruce’s passing. My brother Ray and I spent our teen years with Bruce, living across the street from each other. Ray and Bruce were closer friends as I was a bit older.
Many fond memories of neighbourhood games and high jinx as well.
My last contact with Bruce was within the last year when he called me about a newspaper article about my summer operating the Fraser River Harbour Commission patrol boat. I was pleasantly surprised to hear from Bruce as well as by the fact he still had the news article from 1964.
I would like to express the sincere condolences of myself and my wife Elaine who also knew Bruce during our teen years.
With our very best wishes at this difficult time for you and your family,
Phil Halladay
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
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