Bruce, Charles A.
1917 – 2011
Passed away peacefully in KGH July 23, 2011 with family at his bedside after a brief illness. He was predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Phyllis (April 2011). He is survived by his children Allan (Margo) of West Kelowna, Dennis of Sidney, Karen (Don) Bennison of Wilson’s Landing (Kelowna), and Leslee (Colin) Scott of Kelowna. He is also survived by 3 brothers David (Thelma) of W. Kelowna, Richard (Joy) of Courtney, and Ken of Kelowna as well as 7 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren plus many nieces and nephews.
Charles started his teaching career in Upper Pine School near Ft. St. John in 1938. He served as a navigator in the Air Force during WWII. From 1947–1963, he was a teacher, vice-principal and principal in Kelowna Secondary School and principal in Rutland Secondary School. Then he was appointed Superintendent of Schools in Revelstoke/Golden (63 – 69) and Kamloops (69 - 77). Many of his former pupils and colleagues remember him as a fair and caring instructor.
Charles was a life-member of the Kinsmen Club of Kelowna and later a very active member in Rotary (downtown Kelowna Club) where he was honoured as a Paul Harris Fellow and an honorary lifetime membership. He and Phyllis loved family first. They enjoyed travelling, skiing and golf. Their cottage at Wilson’s Landing was an oasis for them and the family.
Charles was a giving man: “Service before Self”. Those wishing to remember Charles may like to make a donation to one of his favourite charities: Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (BC Chapter) chha-bc.or, The Canadian Red Cross, or Rotary International.
A service to celebrate the life of Charles will be held on Thursday July 28th 2011, at 10:00 am at the Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Rd, Kelowna, BC.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.