Bruce Edward Nugent
March 29, 1968 to July 12, 2020
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Bruce Nugent on July 12, 2020 at the age of 52. He was a beloved father, husband, brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, nephew, mentor, friend and co-worker. His family and his community are shocked and saddened at his passing.
Bruce was born in Terrace Bay, on March 29, 1968 to George and Joan Nugent. He and his sister Heather spent a happy childhood with their parents in Terrace Bay on the shore of Lake Superior. His Terrace Bay friends were very important to him and have become lifelong friends. Bruce enjoyed his time playing in the outdoors and hanging out at the Rec. Centre where he played hockey in the arena and passed time on the rocks out back. Even after graduating from high school and moving to Ottawa for college, he returned every summer to work at the pulp mill as a summer student.
Bruce attended Algonquin College in Ottawa and acquired an Associates Degree in Public Relations. It was here that he found his true calling and talent for working in the Communications field.
In 1990 Bruce met Sharlene Neill, who became the love of his life, and he moved to Thunder Bay to be with her. His jobs at Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay District Health Unit, and Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital, gave him the experience he needed to become the Communications Officer at Lakehead Public Schools where he has proudly worked for the past 17 years.
Bruce and Sharlene were married for almost 25 years. Everyone saw Bruce’s solid commitment to Shar and the boys. Shar was the light of his life and often the brunt of his jokes just because that’s who Bruce was. His dedication to his sons was simply unmatched. From coaching their hockey teams, to road trips to various sports events, to amusement park holidays, Bruce was at their side, always so proud of them. Liam and Aidan’s friends became part of the family as the years passed and were always welcomed at the Nugent’s home. It was obvious to all who met Bruce that Shar and the boys were absolutely at the centre of his life.
Bruce had an appetite for life. Some of his passions included: gardening, reading, collecting flags, reading historical plaques, and spending far too long in museums. He was known to appreciate a beer or two and enjoyed a good gin. He was an incredible supporter of the: Glasgow Rangers, New York Rangers, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, some of which he passed on to his sons. Bruce was a consummate music junkie. This love of a wide-variety of music lead him to be a proud member of the Waterfield Warriors on 99.9 The Bay every weekday morning. He enjoyed growing as a part of the Leadership Thunder Bay Group. Volunteering was an integral part of Bruce’s life. He willingly gave his time and resources to worthwhile organizations such as Shelter House, and the Rotary Club. Bruce made a strong connection while volunteering with Roots to Harvest and became closely aligned with their philosophy of giving back to the community. It is this connection that led him to enjoy gardening as a pastime both at his home garden and at his much loved plot at Roots to Harvest on Sills Street, which he enjoyed tending to with Shar and deeply satisfied him in the past few years.
Bruce had an incredible sense of humour and loved to laugh. Those who were nearby and heard his distinctive laugh, often felt the need to join in. He enjoyed great food, and as a true Thunder Bay foodie, he always tried his best to support the local business community. Bruce believed in human rights and had a clear and compassionate equity lens. He had a special place in his heart for those who lived on the margins of our community and he did everything he could to help those families in need through his work at the school district and in his volunteer work.
He was a good man and will be deeply missed.
Bruce is survived by his wife Sharlene, sons Liam and Aidan. The only surviving member of his birth family is his loving sister Heather (Corinne) with whom he had a special and treasured relationship. Surrounding the family at this time are Shar’s parents, Pat and Bill Neill, brother Al Neill (Jackie Newstead) nephew Ryerson (Katelyn), Keeley Newstead and great nephew Xavier Neill. Bruce’s Uncle Brent Laurin in Lachute QC, cousins Gerry, Cindy(Tom), Cathy (Ron) and Aunt Bev Adams (Barry) and family in BC are deeply saddened by this loss. He was predeceased by his parents Joan and George Nugent, Aunt Vivien Laurin, and his beloved family dog, Katie.
The family wishes to thank all friends and family for their support and incredible kindness. A very special thank you to Kelly, Melissa, Dave, Terrilea and Darren for their friendship and commitment to caring for the family at this time.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish, donations may be made in Bruce’s name to: Roots to Harvest, Shelter House and Lakehead Public Schools Foundation.
There will be two Celebrations of Bruce’s Life to be held at 1 pm and 3 pm on Friday, July 24 in the outdoor gardens of Roots to Harvest at 450 Fort William Road at Water, (beside the Moose Hall), Thunder Bay ON. Due to CoVid restrictions there is a limit on the number of people that can gather in public. The Celebrations will be live-streamed for those who would be more comfortable in a less public space or for those who cannot attend. The family completely understands and encourages you to respond based on your own comfort level and asks that you consider live streaming as an alternative. Please respond by using the eventbrite link which will be made available via this page as soon as possible.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Bruce Edward Nugent Sunday July 12th 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Thunder Bay, Province: Ontario