Obituary of Bruce Calder

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Bruce on Monday, November 4th, 2019 at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital, with his daughters by his side.

Bruce was born in Rossland, September 30th, 1949, where he spent the first few years of his life.  In 1955, David and Jean Calder, with their sons Bill and Bruce, moved to Kimberley.  Initially living in temporary apartments provided by Cominco, they settled in Chapman Camp. Bruce excelled in several sports, particularly hockey, skiing and swimming. He played Rep Hockey as a defenseman each year from Pee-Wee to Juvenile League and was an excellent skier. Bruce benefitted from living so close to the Chapman Camp Pool, as he became a successful competitive swimmer in high school and was a member of the Seahorse Swim Club.

In 1968 Bruce graduated from Selkirk Secondary School, followed by a year at the University of Victoria and then moved to Kelowna in 1970 where he began his Certified General Accountant (CGA) designation. In 1973 he returned to Kimberley and worked in the head office for Crestbrook Forest Industries in Cranbrook. Bruce remained with CFI/Tembec until retiring in 2009.

Bruce was married to Corinne Keiver on December 27th, 1971. Jenna was born in 1976, followed by Lindsay in 1980.  He was very much loved by his extended Keiver family and cherished their friendships throughout his life. Bruce continued to play “Old Timers” hockey in Kimberley and was a member of the Community Development Committee that initiated the Indoor Pool Project.

While his girls were growing up, Bruce supported them in any way he could. He could be found supervising school Ski Days, coaching Platzl Hockey, making a skating rink in the backyard, driving to or from dance lessons and competitions and, eventually, helping “the girls” move to and from Lethbridge, Victoria and Calgary.

Over the years, Bruce’s true passion of golf developed into a lifestyle.  While in Kimberley, he was a member of the Kimberley Golf Club and, after relocating to Cranbrook, became an active member at the Cranbrook Golf Course. There, he created strong bonds with several friends who added an incredible amount of value to his life.  Bruce enjoyed spending time with his brother (Bill) and sister in law (Diane) traveling south over the winter months for golf, warmth and relaxation. More recently, he has enjoyed watching his grandson play defense, just like he did, and was a long time Kootenay Ice season pass holder.

Bruce was a very dedicated and loving son, providing companionship and support to his “Mum” (Jean) until 2014 when she passed. He is also predeceased by his father, David, and very recently his friend and sister in law Diane.

His family would like to thank the Oncology Team at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital for their support over the past seven months and also to the team in the Emergency Room that ensured he had comfort and quiet around him during the final hours.

Bruce will be missed by many, including his daughters Jenna Calder (Rob Nickel) and Lindsay Rice (Alan), brother Bill, grandchildren Carson and Zoey Rice, and Kyran Nickel, many nieces and nephews, and countless lifelong friends.

There will be a casual Celebration of Life on Tuesday, November 12th from 2:00 – 4:30 at the Clubhouse of the Cranbrook Golf Course.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of Bruce Calder to the East Kootenay Angel Flight at www.angelflightek.ca.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com