Bruce Christensen

November 1, 1962 - May 15, 2024

In loving memory ~

Bruce left us unexpectedly - so quickly there were no good byes. After a day of splitting firewood and yard work, he sat down in his favourite chair and was gone. Beckoning him in on the other shore were his Mom and Dad (Judy and Robert), his cousin (Jeff), grandparents (Nellie and Baron, Buster and Mabel) and aunts and uncles. Those left behind on this shore are his much loved sons, Scott and Kalvin, his brothers, Tom and Mike, sister Kim, Auntie Joan, his nieces and nephews and many cousins.

Born at the "new" hospital in Campbell River, Bruce spent his first years in camp in Theodosia but as kindergarten neared, his Dad built the family a home on Hague Lake on Cortez Island. In 1973, the family moved into a much bigger home in Smelt Bay where Bruce spent the rest of his childhood. Bruce completed his K - Gr 10 at the Manson's Landing Elementary Junior Secondary school and was in its last graduating class. Boarding on Quadra with his Auntie Joan and Uncle Johnny (a family tradition - many heartfelt thanks to Joan and John for taking us in!), Bruce made the commute to Carihi daily during the school year and graduated in 1981.

What an idyllic childhood, growing up on Cortez in the 70's. Boats and dirt bikes, swimming, waterskiing, aquaplaning, growing frogs from tadpoles, parties at the Point, swimming at the Rocks, surrounded by family, extended family and many friends. No seat belts or bike helmets needed. We drank water from the hose and came home when we were hungry, or it got dark. One of Bruce's specialties was scaring the bejesus out of unsuspecting passengers by heading his boat straight for the beach, flipping up the outboard and running the boat up on the sand when it was time to come in. Good times.

In his Gr 11 summer, Bruce started commercial seine fishing with his Uncle Johnny and cousin Jeff. With his first summer earnings he bought himself an olive green Ford Capri for his Grade 12 year. Many good times were had roaring around in it. Commercial fishing blended into working for the family logging company until logging became his full-time job. From yarding to loading and driving logging truck to becoming a boom man, he was good at it all. Admittedly though when monkey wrenching, the air could turn pretty blue when that last nut just wouldn't let go.

From the release of Atari's home version of Pong in 1975, to making Smurf angels with ColecoVision to epic battles with Rob on Mortal Kombat, Bruce was a world class gamer. No quarter asked, none given. Ask his kids. He also had an extraordinary movie collection. His favourites were action (think Nick Cage and Van Damme) and old school anime but he would watch and enjoy everything. And read. The man loved to read - particularly fantasy - anything R. A. Salvatore or in that style were especially savoured and enjoyed. He passed on his love of reading to his boys.

His boys. Oh, how he loved his boys. He had an infinite amount of time to be in the moment with them whether it was teaching them skills like carpentry, playing a video game, watching a movie, making a meal or just being with them. This gentleness and quality time he also shared with his nieces and nephews. Bruce was the one figuring out how the kids' new Christmas games or toys worked and got everyone up to speed. He was also a thoughtful gift giver. Always finding new and unique things, Bruce would give you a gift you didn't know you needed but instantly treasured. A rare man indeed.

Our hearts are broken. We have such a void left by the loss of this gentle, strong, intelligent, caring and unassuming man.

A Celebration of Life will be held to honour Bruce at the Christensen family home in Smelt Bay Saturday, August 10, 2024 1-3 pm.

How lucky we are to have someone

that makes saying good bye so hard.