Bruce Ernest Thompson

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free

to follow the path God made for me.

I took His hand when I heard Him call.

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

to love, to laugh, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

for I found peace at last, that day.

If my parting has left a void,

then fill it with remembering joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

oh yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with hearts of sorrow.

My wish for you is the hope of tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I’ve savoured much,

good friends, good times,

a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed much too brief,

don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me,

God wants me now --- He’s set me free.

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We are saddened to announce the death of our beloved husband, father and brother, Bruce. He is survived by his wife Carroll, his daughter Kimberley (Piero), and his grandsons Marco and Daniel. He will be deeply missed by his brother John (Joyce) and his sister Barbara (Moe), and by many brothers and sisters in law, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents John and Lillian, and his dear nephew Jeff.

Bruce earned his finance designation (RIA/CMA) in 1975 and progressively acquired extensive experience in a variety of industries. He was a seasoned professional with broad management experience that benefitted numerous organizations, most recently in his capacity as CFO of Process Products Limited. Bruce and Carroll decided to retire their “beanie” hats at the same time, and in March of 2013 they put their accounting days behind them. In anticipation of their freedom days, they decided to move to Wasaga Beach where they bought a home with enough garage space for Bruce to pursue his passion of tinkering with his toys…only one of which was classic cars.

Bruce’s passion for all things cars was built upon his younger days when he got an opportunity to team up with his big brother John when they started rally driving together. John was the driver and Bruce the navigator … apparently there are a few stories that John could share! Bruce had numerous interests and passions…he used Heathkits to build his own TV and receiver, owned multiple motorcycles (one with a sidecar), loved watching British sitcoms and all things historical, and together with Carroll were avid Formula 1 fans. He loved playing board games and doing jigsaw puzzles and loved it when his daughter, nieces and nephews would share these interests with him. Bruce worked hard and lived a full life enjoying the fruits of his labour spent on motorcycles, boats, cars, and cruising the high seas with his wife, daughter and various family members and friends.

Bruce was happy in his new home in Wasaga Beach, and neighbours soon became friends and part of his family. Though a soft-spoken man who was quite happy to fade into the background when in a group, he had a wealth of knowledge on a variety of topics and was lovingly referred to as “the Oracle” by his daughter Kim and family. He left a deep impact on those who loved him and will be dearly missed, but not forgotten.

The family wishes to extend a deep and heartfelt thank you to the doctors, nurses, support staff, and volunteers at Hospice Georgian Triangle (Campbell House) for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Bruce’s memory to Campbell House Hospice in Collingwood. See link below.