Bruce Markham

Bruce lived a life full of adventure. He was a father, grandfather and great-grandfather to Marcie, Tanis, Jackie, Jennifer, Jonathon, Christopher, Adrianne, Joel and Jordan.

Bruce and Judy's relationship started off in a rambler and rambling they did together over the years. Their first home was on 1st avenue and once their family grew, they moved down to Hemlock. Judy doted on Bruce for 25 years before fulfilling their promise of marriage in 1999. They definitely had their ups and downs but they showed us the true meaning of unconditional love. Their relationship taught us all forgiveness and acceptance.

Bruce started off diamond drilling with his dad Pat. He was a well-known driller in all parts of the world. He was recognized for his hard work and received recognition as Driller and Foreman of the year. He always had an elaborate story to tell. There was always truth to it, but you never could gauge how far he was stretching it. He was a colourful man. He took the time to provide wise words of wisdom and to teach a lesson. He could rattle off poems and riddles from memory, never repeating the same one twice.

He lived life to the fullest all over the world. He spent his first years as a driller up North earning his name as the Barrenland beast. He even moved Judy and Jackie up to Terra Mine. I think this is where Jackie developed her character. He would tell us how Jackie would convince the storekeeper to open the closed commissary with a tale that her parents needed cigarettes just so she could gain access to the treats. After years all over Northern Canada he moved onto warmer pastures in South America. His adventures even brought him and Russ to the faraway lands in Mongolia. Upon his return it never failed that Dad came bearing gifts for all. Alas his booming voice back home with us and stories galore! It was thrilling to see Dad entertaining, dancing, and storytelling in his "one of kind" dramatic performance. He touched many lives with his unique sense of humour.

He was still drilling on his 65th birthday and made sure to call Jackie and save her some core. Actually, when Judy was over playing crib last Friday, he got a call from Clint looking for drilling advice. You know he must have been so proud to still be involved in Shop Talk. I'm 2013 after retirement; Dad was in La Ronge with Guy. I guess he never really retired as he was always consulting for the drilling world.

Living in Denare allowed Bruce a peaceful place in The North. He enjoyed sitting outside of his place listening to the stories told by the trees with Little Brucey by his side. He was never short of company and would eagerly wait around for Rudy to pop on by. Brucey his beloved four legged friend-the son he never had.- will continue to roam around the village. Shannon and Elyna will continue to keep Brucey content with treats and playful love in his surroundings where he always stopped by even for an occasional sleepover.
At Bruce's home everything had its place and everything he kept held a story. He appreciated the extra care Julia and Brandie provided until the end. He also made sure to get them going with his "shock and awe"attitude"!


Oh My Uncle Bruce
Almost 45 years I have been a Niece to this uncle. The realization of such a grand title goes unrewarded. Although this wasn't the case when you were in Uncle Bruce's presence. It was a toss up on who became "Larger than Life". He had a way to make you feel grand, on a pedestal, a princess and he charmed you into believing every tall tale he told.

He embellished the story lines to fit the occasion. He loved you for just being who you were. Bruce saw beauty in a child, a song, a photo, a scenery or a personality. He was able to instill courage to a weaker soul. There was acceptance and no judgment. There was a true soft and sentimental man in disguise. I loved his crazy antics; it was hard not to. From a young age he brought out adventure in a small-town girl. Aunty Judy and Uncle Bruce took me to Calgary ChinookMall. Who lets a 12-year-old, no who encourages a 12-year-old to cartwheel and front flip the entire length of the mall. It was like Disney Land and a gymnastics competition all in one.
Uncle Bruce, who doesn't care what you eat, but feeds you cantaloup halves and ice cream all afternoon. He cheers you on. He sets you free from fear, loves freely, plays hard and worked like a dog for many years.
Uncle Bruce loved his girls. I bore witness to this over the years. Not all were easy, but love wins.
When Bruce was amongst family his eyes sparkled and yes, this summer, he hid his tearing up eyes when we took his great niece, Shaylene and his great-great niece Lydia to visit him. Titles that brought pride as they should.

His family was his testimony to success. His very own trophies in life.
My precious Aunty Judy. I believe you were Uncle Bruce's stability. Oh it was not an easy role to play, but you are one tough cookie. Little Jude, his love, his best friend. The world chaos these last two years have been a whirlwind of uncertainty. He unknowingly used this to his advantage to have Judy by his side. Every whim, every errand, anything really was cunningly utilized to have Judy at his "beck and call". I imagine he knew what he was doing, and he had her driving the Denare highway with every piddly excuse. I believe Judy, it was so you were beside him where he needed you to be. No snowstorm held you back. His mastermind trickery was a success and he had you all to himself. Voila, he was safe, you were safe.
Jackie and Jennifer how does one describe your amazing, but different beautiful relationships with your father. You don't, you live it and savour the precious times. You carry his lessons onward.
Jackie - Jake - his girlie and her crew. You have his stubborn and determined personality. Your tough exterior, where nothing can break you. Survival at its finest. When the going gets tough, you step through the fire, stronger on the other side. Ready for the next challenge! You stand your ground quietly with Kent supporting you in everyway.
Kent became Bruce's partner in crime and a nemesis in the wit and charm department. The matched "Don't give a shit" attitude only doubled in magnitude when Kent joined the family. Along came Joel and Jordan. Pride at its finest. It was like a winning investment on the stock market. They rattled his existence with his newfound title Grandpa Bruce. Jordan said she loved at Christmas showing her gifts to Grandpa. I can only imagine the highlight of Grandpa Bruce's year was to see Joel graduate and enter the workforce with strong ethics. Jackie, he adored your family values. We witnessed this with your family get togethers. All the memories of you girls cooking for your KING. These traditions will hold true in the future and bring joy with treasured photos, card games, facetime fun, 50/50 draws; all of it will heal your hearts.


Jennifer you my dear niece rocked Bruce's world as a father. He always said you would shake up the world. Your wit and sarcasm are like no other than your dad's. I will hear his voice every time you utter relentlessly as he did! You stand fast in your convictions whether it be booking an adventure or tackling a grade 2 lesson plan. You rise up to the task at hand and your dad will be expecting a A+ in your Master courses. You love riskÉ escapades. I believe Uncle Bruce gave you instructions before we went backpacking through Asia:"Don't take Aunty Donna off the beaten path". What the heck....lost in 4 countries for three and a half months. You never really like to follow rules.

Skype calls two times a day were interesting to listen to say the least. I still giggle about one in particular where Bruce called his IT specialist in a panic. His computer had a Hippy Virus ; yup a comparison to Woodstock flower power. Every time he started up his computer just flowers and colourful buggars, popping up on the screen. Jen and I in Japan, Bruce in Denare Beach but no worries, the IT specialist FIXED it quickly. Thank the good Lord for Jennifer. She was so patient, well a few smokes and a sense of humour helped tremendously to fix a screensaver mishap! Seriously, a screensaver of flowers popping up just as Uncle Bruce proclaimed.

--Billy has a fond memory of Uncle Bruce taking him for a ride on his motorcycle.
--Jake loved Bruce's sense of humour
--Shaylene was honored to be a homecare nurse to Uncle Bruce. He made sure to have the office number with requests for his favourite nurse and ending with "I Love You". Another nursed asked, "who is this guy?" Along with his Flu vax he demanded a photo of Shaylene - Not with her partner, no eyeglasses, and pictures of baby Lydia. With his loud and clear medical request he also announced his great great niece was now his favourite and Shaylene was demoted in rank.
--Justine recalls Uncle Bruce AKA Judy's Dad bought Justine and Aunty Judy a big Black truck with Shakira's cassette all in Spanish. He told us years before her fame that Shakira was going to be # 1. He also bugged or should I say bribed Justine into singing for him from behind a closed door. I never knew he slipped bills under that door. Justine's recent memory is a few summers ago, she and Jen went out to visit, enjoy a beer, and play cards, Oh and a good old water balloon fight to boot ! Uncle Bruce and Don Howdel took her, Jen and Aunty Judy for prime rib at the Rocky view for Prime rib with the crib winnings.

Bruce was a great guy, a legend, the Barrenland beast, six feet of twisted Canadian steel and the funniest character Flin Flon ever produced.

May you be telling tall tales, listening to John Prine, and sharing a story to a great audience.

Service Details.

Service

Location: A private family celebration of life will be held.
Address: 120 Highway 10A West FLIN FLON, MB