An excerpt from Ken Coombs’ eulogy to Bruce.

Bruce was born on November 19, 1932 in Scarborough during the Great Depression and he was the third child of what would be seven children for May and John Oley.
Marjorie was the eldest.  She moved to British Columbia, with her husband Ardell Meier where they raised four children; Stephen, Dennis, Gwen and Larry.
Jack was the second child, he married Joan and they raised their three children, Michael, Susan and Kenny in Scarborough. 
Next came Bruce.  Bruce devoted his life to his family, taking care of his parents and his younger siblings, he was never to marry.
Four years later Joan was born and she married Ken and had two children; Bill and Debbie.  
Five years later, Nancy was born.  She married Don Martin and they had two daughters, Pam and Wendy.
David was 15 years’ Bruce’s junior, he married Carol and they have one daughter, Amanda.  
Marion was the youngest, she has one son, Robert.

The Oley’s were a family of nine.  They lived in a rustic cottage on Kingston Road.  Imagine a family of nine in a 2 bedroom home, a small living room, kitchen and one bathroom.  The home was heated by an old Finlay Oval wood stove in the kitchen that was the only source of heat in the winter and was used for cooking year round.  Although the family didn’t have much in the way of material things, they had the important necessities; a roof over their head, food on the table and a whole lot of love.

John the father was self-employed as a concrete contractor.  Bruce worked with his dad and learned the trade.  When his dad became too ill to work, and for many years after he passed away, Bruce ran the business on his own.

Bruce, in my mind, had three main characteristics; love of his family, love of the outdoors and love of a good argument, he was a wonderful story teller.

Bruce demonstrated his love of family by being devoted to his parents.  When his father passed away, he took over the father figure, by providing for his mother and taking care of his two youngest siblings, David and Marion.   
In the later years, Bruce was the primary caregiver for his mom as she became blind, deaf and disabled.  He was able to make her comfortable in  her own home.  After his mom passed away, he eventually sold the family homestead and moved  with a friend to a beautiful home in Colborne, with a majestic panoramic view of the fields and lake Ontario.  
Bruce’s second characteristic, the love of the outdoors, was demonstrated by his keen ability to hunt and fish.  He was always planning  and looking forward to his next trip to the wilderness.  He occasionally got in a game of golf, not sure how well he scored but you can be sure he appreciated the beauty and serenity of the courses he played at.

His third characteristic, the love of a good argument and telling a good story  was demonstrated in every conversation one had with him.  He was a bright guy and very knowledgeable on history and current events.  If  you were engaged in a discussion with him, Bruce would articulate all he knew about the subject.    I thought of him as a walking encyclopedia.

Bruce was a very personable individual, everybody like him immediately, from his firm handshake, to the ready smile and willingness to help if you needed it.  

I know he is up in heaven at God’s right hand.

I know when God has to make a decision, he will turn to Bruce and ask, “ What Would You Do?”

It's kind of funny, but my clearest and fondest memories of Uncle Bruce are from when I was a little girl. He'd visit us on Sunday mornings for coffee, and we'd sit around the kitchen table listening to all the stories he had to tell. His little dog Dixie was adorable and always gave us kisses hello. I can recall his relaxed and pleasant presence at summer bbqs and holiday dinner parties, even the smell and the stripes of his button down shirts. Even though it has been years since he lived in his tiny house on Kingston Road, I would always walk by it as my high school was just down the street, and each time think to myself, That's Uncle Bruce's house.  It's sad to lose someone who can conjure up so many carefree memories, but it is in loss that we are reminded of what joy a person can bring to our lives.

Dear Joan, Ken, Debbie and Family. 
Just received your note about Bruce's passing. Very sad to hear. please accept our condolences. Sorry we were not able to meet him again when we were up your way in March for Aunt Edie's 100th birthday. Fond Memories of fishing with Bruce when we'd visit from Kirkland Lake. Great times, and always great memories.

Dear Joan, Ken and family:
So sorry to hear that Bruce has passed away.  I remember him visiting in Kirkland Lake and although the memories are fuzzy, they were happy ones.  Although we are far apart I hope you know you are not far from our thoughts, especially since our visit in March.  God Bless   Ann Louise & Bobby.

Oley family:
This message, especially for Joan & Ken, will be from a couple from their past.  I'm a former neighbour of the Oley clan i.e. Fran Smith (Trodd).
Norm & I were sorry to hear of Bruce's passing.  It is always difficult to lose a sibling.  Take care,  Norm & Fran Smith

I remember Bruce as a quiet man unless he was talking about his hunting excursions.  My family would visit him and his parents then go to the cottages in Minden. I have many fond memories.

September 11,2011

Dear Joan Ken and Oley family,

Just a short note to offer our deepest sympathy on the loss of your brother,uncle and friend. Our thougths and prayers are with all of you at this most diffult time.

MayGod continue to keep you all strong 

John Betty Anne and family

My best memories of Bruce are when he used to come to our house on Sunday mornings.  Our kids were young and Bruce would ring the doorbell a bunch of times and we would run to the door to greet him.  We really enjoyed his conversations and his company.  He was a warm and humourous man who cared for others.  He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of his company.

Gordon Murphy

We never lose the people we love, even to death. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. May we all find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by  having shared Bruce's life, his stories, and his laughter.  We will miss you.
Love, 
Debbie, Gord, Siobhan, Valerie and Julia

OBITUARY

Bruce C. Oley

November 19, 1932 – September 7, 2011

Giffen-Mack Funeral Home & Cremation Centre

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