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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
CRICKMORE, Arthur Bruce - With great sadness, my brother and I announce the passage of our dear father, Bruce who, at the Toronto Sunnybrook Veterans Hospital and just shy of his 97th birthday, gave up the good fight. Ironically, his flirtatious expression "oh, if only I was two weeks younger" has come to pass. In his later days he took up "falling down" as if a sport, incurring numerous broken bones (two hips, coccyx, cheek), subdural hematomas and lacerations. With that, coupled with declining eyesight, hearing, mental acuity… and completely exhausted, he said, "Enough! I'm finished…" and into the ring went the towel. Alas, St. Peter finally gets his man and what a wonderful man he was. Always the consummate gentleman, he lived life with grace, charm and dignity, exuding unbounded curiosity and a joyful sense of humour with love and generosity. While certainly no saint, his many formidable qualities allowed for a broad range of friendships and experiences. Dad was many things to many people and throughout his long life realized significant achievements and milestones, a few being listed here … son (Evelyn and Syd), student (Lakefield College, University of Toronto), brother (Jack and Joanna), cousin, athlete (hockey, boxing,), miner, sheet metal mechanic, sailor, Naval Officer (RCN Corvettes, WWII), veteran, lover, husband (Dorothy), father (Stephen, Randall (Nan), uncle, salesman, publisher (Maclean-Hunter), writer, poet, artist, impersonator (very poor Charlie Chaplin always smashing stuff with that cane thing … fortunately his advance to a walker put an end to that), world traveller, gardener, grandfather, Grampa Bruce, GB, Geebers, (Lauren, Connor, Cheyenne, Kylie), dancer, connoisseur of good food and average wine, curler (Leaside until 87 yrs. old), golfer (Queenston, retired at 93), widower and friend. For most, his paintings and poems will ultimately remain as his enduring legacy, but for us, after a wistful smile at a fond memory, it will be the lump in our throats and hole in our hearts we will have to live with. Our family wishes to thank Julien and all the wonderful staff on L-Wing as well as those at the Heatherwood in St. Catharines, who helped make his very senior years so comfortable and enjoyable. For those few who remain and remember him, no service or memorial is in store, but a toast at the 19th hole anywhere, to a fine man and gentle soul, I'm sure he would have greatly appreciated. A few ashes may even make it to Pebble Beach or St. Andrews. So, sweet dreams dear Dad … we love you… and thank you for all that you were… and with Godspeed, into the arms of Dorothy, you go … (Toronto Star 05 Aug 2018)
Ships served in: HMCS MONCTON - Appointed to MONCTON 25 Sep 1944 as a SLt, RCNVR (Navy List Jan 1945)
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