In Celebration of
Frederick Bruce Burns
May 25, 1929 –
December 5, 2022
Dr. Bruce Burns, in his 94th year, passed away peacefully at Trillium Health Partners – Mississauga Hospital. Predeceased by his beloved wife of 65 years, Josephine (2019), and older brother George Burns (2020), Bruce is survived by his children Marten, Jane, and Trevor, grandchildren Meghan, Jamie, Jay, and Stefanie as well as many nieces, nephews, and good friends.
Bruce grew up in Toronto on Browning Avenue and it was at Jarvis Collegiate Institute where he met his high school sweetheart and future wife, Josephine (Joey) Campbell. He went on to attend the University of Toronto, graduating in 1954 from the Faculty of Dentistry. After graduation, Bruce and Joey set off on an adventure to work in northern Ontario in a Red Cross Dental trailer. Bruce eventually settled into his own practice at Humbertown Medical Centre. During this time, he was active within the dental profession, helping to create a national organization, the Canadian Academy of Endodontics (CAE), to promote the teaching and practice of endodontics. He was President of the CAE in 1980-81 and received a 40-year membership award for his contributions. Bruce also served as a part time clinical educator at the University of Toronto for many years where he valued teaching, mentoring, and being a role model for dental students.
Bruce was a member of the Tau Kappa chapter of Phi Gamma Delta at U of T and he loved fraternity life, the university, and the community. Continually active in community service throughout his life, he was a long-standing member of Kiwanis and in his later years the PROBUS Club in Mississauga.
Bruce and Joey enjoyed an active lifestyle and when the opportunity arose to join a new ski club in Collingwood, they eagerly embraced it with their family. Winters were subsequently spent at Craigleith Ski Club where their children learned to ski amongst a community of great friends and numerous social activities. Summers were spent at the family cottage at Sparrow Lake where Bruce sailed, wind-surfed, and enjoyed being with his family and friends, especially at the epic cottage veranda parties. A consummate handyman he could fix and repair anything and was often found under the cottage mending something or helping Joey beautify their homes. Bruce was particularly fond of the house he and Joey built together overlooking the Credit River in Mississauga.
Bruce had a soft touch and a kind heart. He was a true gentleman and loved a good joke. As his friends would agree, one always felt so good after a visit with Bruce. He was interested in everyone and was proud of his children’s accomplishments and so enjoyed being part of his grandchildren’s lives.
Jane and Marten want to thank Trevor for his devotion to both Bruce and Joey over the past few years. The family would also like to thank the incredible caregivers who worked at home with him, Nida and Lerrina, as well as the doctors and nurses at Trillium Health Partners – Mississauga Hospital.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Wednesday, January 11th, 2023 between 1 pm and 4 pm at the Mississaugua Golf and Country Club.
In Bruce’s memory, donations in lieu of flowers can be made to a charity of your choice.
Dad, we will miss the twinkle in your eye, your great laugh, and your endless optimism. You truly were one in a million.
Sign the Guestbook
May 25 1929
December 5 2022
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Frederick Bruce Burns May 25 1929
December 5 2022..
turner & porter funeral directors
Décès pour la Ville:Mississauga, Province: Ontario