Bruce and his brothers Gary and Richard were born in Edmonton, Alberta. When they were all still young their parents, Reg and Jean, moved the family to Lodge Road in North Vancouver. That’s the street where he met his first drum student Lorne Terry and they’ve been friends ever since. He graduated from Handsworth Secondary School in 1973. He met and married his first wife Laurie and in 1983 they had a baby girl Lauren. Lauren was always the light in Bruce’s eye, and she made him proud every single day.
His first jobs were house painting, landscape supply and of course playing drums. Bruce eventually followed in his father’s footsteps into paper and plastic bag sales. Working at a few different companies together and then finally ending his career as Sales Manager at Bulldog Bag.
In 1988 Bruce met Karen Ferguson on a blind date set up by mutual friends Mary, John, Kim and Ken. Karen also happened to have a 5 year old daughter, Chelsea, the same age as Lauren. Bruce and Karen married in 1991 and formed a new family of four. Now 30 years later, Lauren and Chelsea and her family share a home together. No one was prouder than Bruce.
Throughout his whole life, Bruce loved music. His music career was kick started by a love for the Beatles and flourished when his father bought him his first drum kit in 1964. That’s when his passion for drumming started, and it never ended.
Bruce's first claim to fame as a drummer was when the Handsworth school band made a record and Bruce was featured on the Hawaii Five O theme.
He was involved with many bands and artists over the years including playing swing in a lounge act, and drumming for Bob Coulter and The Scissors. After that there was Bruno Gerussi's Medallion with his good friend Tom Harrison (album: In Search of the Fourth Chord) and, much later, Lumpy. Between those were Dave's Not Here with his buddies Dave Crowe and Rick Good.
One of Bruce’s greatest joys was teaching and mentoring young artists, he loved that.
Bruce was blessed with many, many good friends, too many to mention all of them. He cherrished all of you.
Bruce will be missed by all who knew him. His laugh was unforgettable, his love of family and friends was undeniable and his courage and strength were unbelievable.
In lieu of flowers, Donations to Crohns Foundation would be appreciated.
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