In Loving Memory Of
Bruce Erskine
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our dad, Bruce Erskine. He was a resident of Townsville, Queensland, Australia, and passed away June 28 (Canada) (June 29 Australia), 2020, at the age of 65 years.
Bruce Erskine was born in Montreal, QC on March 14, 1955. He grew up in Montreal and a small-town named Rawdon nearby. While growing up, he would go on many outdoor adventures in the surrounding forests, developing his love of nature. He attended college in Montreal for Animal and Forest Technology, to further enhance his love of nature. He spent some time as a fishing guide in Ungava Bay before moving out West to start a career in the oil industry.
He started his career at Imperial Oil and worked there for many years. While working there he was sent to help clean up the Exxon Valdez oil spill, a job he loved! His early environmental training and his oilfield experience melded into his career as an environmental specialist for the rest of his life. While working, Bruce made lifelong friends with his coworkers and within the communities he resided. His career ended with 20 years at Cleanaway in Townsville, Australia as the Technical Manager.
His friends and even family would often describe him as a gentle giant and had rarely, if ever, seen him lose his temper. He was a loving man, who wore his heart on his sleeve and put everyone else above himself.
He was passionate about hunting, fishing, camping and hiking and took the opportunity to fit in some of these things when he came home to Canada to visit his family. He loved shopping for everyone and could spend hours at a shopping centre exploring and window shopping, dreaming of the wonderful things he could buy if he won the lottery, and picking out fun or cute things for his grandkids to enjoy. He also had a deep love for cooking and was often found trying to perfect his favourite foods at home.
He will be fondly remembered by his children: Trevor Erskine, Nikki Mayer (Ralph) and Sarah Kristensen (Brodie); his first wife, the mother of his children Karen; step-children: Jason (Jason), Trevor (Kristy), Erin and Davalee; grandchildren: Echo, Kali, Anders, Ellie, Arin, Jesse, Haylee, Lacey, Lachlan and Jack; sister Judy Ramsli (Harold); brothers Dan Erskine (Dorothy) and Jim Erskine; sister in-law Lyn Erskine, along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was predeceased by his dad John Erskine, mom Florence Erskine, brother Jack Erskine, and step-son Matthew Russo.
A Memorial Service was held on July 8, 2020 (July 7 Canada) in Townsville, Australia and can be viewed on Townsville Cremations Facebook page. www.facebook.com/pages/category/Funeral-Service—Cemetery/Townsville-Cremations-1804066119894991/
In memory of Bruce, donations may be made to a charity of your choosing.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Bruce Erskine March 14 1955 June 28 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Grande-Prairie, Province: Alberta