In Celebration of

Bruce Deans

August 9, 1931 -  February 24, 2021

On Wednesday, February 24, 2021, Matthew Bruce Deans, HBA, husband, grandpa, and dad, passed away at the age of 89 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Toronto. Bruce is lovingly remembered by his wife of 65 years, Donna; his children Gordon, Mark, and Karen and their spouses Sue, Ann, and Chris; and his five grandchildren Heather, Daniel, Alexander, Jonathan and Ainsley. He is fondly remembered by his sister’s children Greg and Sam and their wives Tammy and Marnie, as well as his brother-in-law David, his wife Joan and their children Drew and Leslie. Bruce was predeceased by his brother Roger and sister Judith.

Bruce grew up in Baby Point, Toronto with his brother, sister and parents, (Matthew) Clifford and Dorothy (Sutherland) Deans. He met Donna, his life-long sweetheart, while they were in high school. Bruce obtained an honours degree in Business Administration at Western University in 1955. After graduation, Bruce started his 38-year career in investment banking at Bankers Securities, working with his father Clifford. Bruce and Donna married in 1955 and started their life together in Burlington, Ontario and then in their first house in Orchard Heights, Mississauga and became a part of the community through the Lion’s Club, Applewood United Church, friends and neighbours. Bruce loved and enjoyed family and built their “Timbertree” summer cottage as a gathering place to enjoy beach, tennis, deck, and boat time with all of the family and many friends. Bruce was always a fun-loving host and adoring grandpa who cherished family time. In 1976 the family moved to Etobicoke where Donna and Bruce continued to be a part of the community and new church family at Humber Valley United Church. Bruce was also an avid world traveller, visiting all seven continents by air, ship, bicycle, canoe, camel and on foot, while Donna gamely accompanied him in all but a few of these adventures.

Bruce was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend, and he will be dearly missed by all.

The service may be viewed livestream on Monday March 1st at 11am https://youtu.be/IS9YXqt0rv4

Guestbook 

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Deb Turnbull (Friend)

Entered February 26, 2021 from Etobicoke

Dear Donna and family,

Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Mom and Dad and I so loved Bruce and will miss him. We enjoyed our time with you at church and at your cottage. He will be forever missed.

Always in our prayers and hearts,

Deb Turnbull and George and Audrey

John Stout (Cousin)

Entered February 26, 2021 from Toronto

My heart goes out to Donna, Gordon, Mark, Karen and all of the Deans. Bruce (The Chief) was a wonderful man with terrific sense of humour and adventure. I have incredible memories of our family time together when I was young, up at the Hogs Back. We have lost a leader in our extended family, but we were blessed to know him and he will be in our hearts forever.

Jennifer Brown (HVUC Church Member)

Entered February 26, 2021 from Etobicoke

Donna and family,

My sincerest condolences, prayers and thoughts are with you during this time of grieving. I remember you and Bruce from HVUC. Bruce was a very kind and happy man whenever I saw him.

Cheryl Drake (Humber Valley UC)

Entered February 26, 2021 from Etobicoke

I knew Bruce mainly though my position in the church office. He was a sincere, friendly and kind man and will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to Donna and his family. May God be with you as you mourn his loss.

Bruce and Nancy Boyd (Humber Valley United Church)

Entered February 27, 2021 from Etobicoke

May the Peace of Christ rest gently on all who knew and loved Bruce.

Photos 

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