Peacefully, at home with his two children and his partner by his side, the light and generous spirit of Robert Bruce Ure died as he succumbed to pancreatic cancer. His world revolved around his children and partner, and he reminded them of that daily.
Bruce was a Leaside boy…born and bred…and very proud of it. Born in 1942, he was the only child of the late Robert Ure and the late Janet Bruce.
Bruce was an excellent student—always near the top of his class at University of Toronto Schools. He went on to graduate from the University of Toronto with an engineering degree as well as an MBA. He was recruited by IBM and had a 39-year career as a software engineer with the company which included a two-year posting in the south of England. On his return to Canada, he joined the High Park Ski Club and got involved in their many activities: curling, bridge, exercise classes, camera club, and skiing of course. He also helped to develop the first electronic membership directory. Most important, he made many lifelong friends.
Eventually, it was time to settle down and start a family. Bruce married Carol Buckeridge in 1986 and they raised two wonderful children together, Robbie and Ashley. Bruce was happiest in his role as dad. He was delighted that his children attended the same elementary school as he had and grew up in the same community (even the same house!) as he did. He loved teaching his children new things, encouraging them, and giving them new experiences. They enjoyed wonderful times at their cottages on Buckhorn and Pigeon lakes.
Bruce had a very curious mind complemented by a wonderful memory. He would have made a respectable Jeopardy contestant, but settled for being a loyal viewer. He loved to try new things and figure out how things worked. He was even a man known to read instructions. His cottage was a place where he loved to host friends (especially bridge players!) while he puttered away in the garage.
Those who knew him well will remember him as an avid reader, a problem solver, an enthusiastic bridge player and a man always in pursuit of a bargain and saving money. He also had a great sense of humour and loved to make people laugh which he did often.
He did have another woman in his life who loved him deeply and he felt the same way. Bruce and Wendy Sexsmith spent the last 15 years of Bruce's life happily together and enjoying curling, playing bridge and cycling together with their new and long-time friends.
We are very grateful for the treatment and support provided by the healthcare professionals at the Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Hospital, as well as the palliative care services coordinated by the Central Toronto LHIN and provided by the doctors and nurses of Spectrum and the Dorothy Ley Hospice.
A small service and celebration of Bruce’s life is planned for Friday, April 23 at 11AM which will be livestreamed from Islington United Church. The service will also be recorded and shared with friends.