Robert Bruce Keen

December 20, 1935 -March 5, 2022

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bruce Keen on March 5, 2022, at age 86. Beloved husband to Daryl. Loving father to Cheryl Arbuckle. Cherished Grandpa to: Kyle (Jenny); Kaleigh (Greg); Heather (Richard). Cherished Great-Grandpa to: Spencer, Cylas, Callum; Evy, Ben, Josslyn; Maggie, Hannibal, Remy, Evan, Bernadette. Predeceased by his parents Ernest and Beatrice Keen and his brother Bud Keen. Bruce will be missed by all his friends and extended family, particularly his son-in-law Bob Arbuckle and his brother-in-law Wayne McCuaig (Gayle).

Bruce was born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario. He was a miner at Falconbridge Nickel Mines and had a part-time moving business called Able Moving and Storage. Bruce played broomball when he was young and took up golfing and curling in later years. He spent many winters in Pensacola, Florida, and in the summer enjoyed his trailer park life in Chelmsford, Ontario.

Bruce loved to join in the crazy shenanigans at Irene and Joe’s camp on Long Lake, particularly lawn darts and croquet tournaments. He liked to pick pails of Northern Ontario blueberries (being watchful for bears!). His mother-in-law Irene baked delicious blueberry pies. In later years, he donated his pails of blueberries to the ladies at his favourite golf course to bake into pies for the patrons.

Bruce and Daryl moved from Sudbury to Guelph in October of 2018 to be with family. His granddaughter-in-law Jenny always enjoyed Bruce’s presence; he was quiet but enjoyed humour and was always ready to tackle a counter full of dishes to wash. When we think about where we came from to where we are as a family, a lot of it can be traced back to Bruce’s hard work. An employee, a business owner and investor, Bruce shared what he had, always choosing to get the “big present” at Christmas; a piano, computer, horse (for Kaleigh) and everything in between. All of this propelled the generations after him towards an opportunity to succeed. He literally showed us it could be done. Making it right to the end, living virtually unassisted, Bruce took his health and finances seriously. Push-ups, sit-ups, dog walks and even discussions with a family referred financial advisor were proof of all of this. He had worked too hard for it to let it slide. He was continuing with these healthy habits for as long as he was able. Everything mattered.

He always had a delighted smile on his face when he was with his great-grandkids.

Bruce was a caring and devoted companion to Daryl and he loved their little dog, Christy, his pal.

Resting at Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon Street, Guelph. As per Bruce’s wishes, private cremation has taken place.

His family will have a Celebration of Life at a later date.

Donations to the Guelph General Hospital Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family. Donations and condolences can be left at the funeral home or online at

www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com