Bruce Neil Underwood

July 7, 1963 - May 27, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Bruce Neil Underwood on May 27, 2025, at the age of 61 in Calgary, Alberta. Born July 7th, 1963, in Nelson, British Columbia, Bruce was predeceased by his parents, Clifford and Dolores Underwood. He is lovingly remembered by his brothers Kevin (Julie), Mark (Donna), and his twin brother Bryan (Jeanne-Anne); his many nieces and nephews; and his four children: Taylor and Grayson Underwood, JC and Brandon Barlow; each of whom held a special place in his heart.

Bruce attended Hume Elementary School and graduated from L.V. Rogers High School in Nelson. Bruce then attended post-secondary education at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary, where he studied Chemical Engineering-Petrochemical Technology. Bruce then studied at the University of Calgary where he studied Environmental Management. Bruce’s work experience took place in Alberta and Saskatchewan where he had several managerial roles, as well as vice president of AGAT Laboratories.

During Bruce’s childhood, he was active as he participated in several sports including volleyball, basketball, hockey, soccer and slow-pitch softball. Summers were spent at the family cabin, affectionately call Lululand, situated on Kootenay Lake. Camping, fishing, waterskiing and swimming with his family, took up all of his time in the summer. Bruce’s favourite place, dear to his heart, was Bruce’s Stump, where he spent much quiet time reflecting on life’s events. Bruce enjoyed having many home projects on the go, pretty much all of the time - from building JC and Brandon’s grandparents decks at their home in Okotoks, to having the most talked about built-up deck at the campsite where the family went to every summer weekend growing up. He built backyard igloos, garage swimming pools during winter and crafted backyard hockey rinks and so much more.

He was a fun and creative Dad who always found unique ways to make his children’s childhoods unforgettable turning everyday tasks into exciting outings filled with laughter while building lasting memories along the way. His ability to turn simple ideas into lifelong memories was one of his greatest gifts.

He often brought the kids along to job sites when they were young, attended soccer games and was also a proud hockey Dad. He loved watching his sons play countless mornings and weekends at the rink, cheering them on, screaming “Send 'em” and “You gotta hit the net!"). He loved to party with the hockey parents and was usually the comedian of the bunch. Speaking of hockey, the Vancouver Canucks had no idea how much of a hardcore-lifetime fan they had in Bruce.

Despite a busy schedule, Bruce always made time for family and friends. He was always an on-the-go guy, offering anyone a hand who’d ask, leaving impressive home projects at many houses along the way. In his later years, Bruce found joy in traveling, fulfilling two of his bucket-list dreams: a solo adventure to Alaska in 2023, where he panned for gold and earned a “sour toe cocktail” certificate in Dawson City, Yukon. He also visited another bucket list drive this last Fall (2024) and headed south to see Yellowstone National Park, travelling through Montana and Wyoming. Bruce lived with purpose, heart, and generosity. He made people laugh, lent his skills freely, and gave his time without hesitation — especially to his loved ones. His absence leaves a deep void, but his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 9, 2025 in Calgary, but location is yet to be determined. The family will publish the details when they have been finalized.