It is with great sadness the family announce the passing of Bruce Erskine on Friday evening October 9, 2020 at the Huron Residential Hospice.
Loved husband of Eleanor. Predeceased by his parents Harvey and Alexis Erskine, his brother John and son Peter (2011).Survived by his caring sister, Mary Anne Misner (Jim 2017) and family of Dryden, ON. Cherished daughter Mary Jane and Mark Westbrook, granddaughters Alexis and Nicole (Navid). Also survived by his daughter-in-law Elizabeth Wilson (Brent) and grandson Patrick Erskine (Samantha). Treasured by his great grandchildren Liam and Claudia Erskine and Wyatt Voutier.
Bruce was a proud citizen of his town, Goderich, and served on numerous committees and projects during the years – especially noted for this time on Town Council and Police Boards both locally and provincially as well an active member of Knox Presbyterian Church, where he served as Clerk of Session and Financial Chair for a number of years.
Due to Covid-19 protocols, a private family service will be held at McCallum & Palla Funeral Home on Friday October 23, 2020 with interment at Maitland Cemetery to follow.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Bruce are asked to consider Knox Presbyterian Church or Huron Residential Hospice.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
COLLEEN MAGUIRE
I always admired Bruce and looked up to him as a pillar of our church. He was a quiet man but when he spoke it was worth listening to. Eleanor, and family you will miss him so much. My deepest sympathies to the whole family.
Peter Shephard
Sincere condolences to Eleanor and family. I worked with Bruce, a long time ago for a few years, and greatly enjoyed his company, his jokes and his favourite sayings. Some of his ‘pearls of wisdom’ we use today. A few times we went for a business lunch, together with Guy Kelly, that lasted for hours and hours. Good times, fond memories.
Peter & Marian
Annette Hummel
My sincere condolences to you Eleanor on the loss of the love of your life Bruce.And to MaryJane & Mark , Alexis & Nicole. And the to the extended Erskine Family. I first met Bruce and Eleanor when I stared attending Knox Presbyterian. I sat in the pew behind them. And Bruce extended his hand along with Eleanor and welcomed me.That was the beginning of a wonderful friendship.He was a true gentleman,kind,soft spoken always interested in how things are with you or whomever he spoke to. Bruce & Eleanor always welcomed myself and their friends into their home. Bruce made the best spare ribs ever. The smiles, laughter and true hospitality. I will treasure those memories forever.My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Many Hugs .
Sincerely Annette Hummel
Judith Shelton
Tomorrow is Uncle Bruce’s funeral service. He was such a kind and caring man. He used to give us valued investment/ income tax advice as a young married family. He had a wealth of knowledge and shared it willingly and with great patience! Our favourite quote of his is “Some work with their heads- some work with their hands.” All work is valued! Say Hello to Daddy when you see him Uncle Bruce! Sending peace and love to your bereaved family!
Love Grant and Judy Shelton
Clarence and Peggy Denomme
Our sincere sympathy to you and your family Eleanor. Bruce will be greatly missed in the community and in the church. Wilfred and he were stalwart friends.
Cliff & Barb Talbot
Dear Eleanor and Family,
Bruce and Eleanor were household names in the McConnell/Talbot Family . You both being dear friends with John and Gretta for sixty plus years and hearing of your numerous fun times together seemed to make you both our friends too :).
We have been praying God would comfort for you Eleanor and also your family.
Hugs of love,
Barb and Cliff
Wayne and Lois Tebbutt
Dear Eleanor, Mary Jane, Mark, Alexis and Nicole:
Our condolences to you upon the loss of a dear husband, father and grandfather.
Sincerely,
Wayne and Lois Tebbutt
David Brooks
Bruce always brought a smile to me … very sorry for your loss sincerely David
Caroline Ross
My deepest condolences Eleanor and family on Bruce’s passing. He was a wonderful person to know.
John Graham
Growing up in Goderich as a young man, Bruce was an early sports idol and on my
infrequent returns to Goderich we always had an early morning coffee or a lunch..
I am sure he will be missed by all !
John Mcllwain
We are sending our heartfelt condolences to you at this difficult time. Cherish the great times shared.
John McLlwain and Family.
Peter & Anne Knittle
Mary Jane & Mark & Family,
We were so very sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. Bruce was a lovely man and we know he will be deeply missed. Your enduring devotion to him and his care is a testament to your deep love. We will miss our impromptu visits with you at GP.
Our deepest condolences.
Peter, Anne & Loretta
John McConnell
Dear Eleanor, MaryJane and Family,
This was a sad goodbye; however, we have many fond memories of over 70 years of friendship. Great times were had with you folks: winter holidays away, summers on the island, golf and socializing after and getting together on other special occasions.
Bruce was so generous with others and loved Knox Church and Goderich. Many times I heard Bruce strike up a conversation with a stranger and then ask, “who do you know in Goderich ?”. With in a short time Bruce had made another new friend !
Oh yes, Bruce enjoyed reminding Gretta and myself that Nel and he were married 1 hour before us ! (in June of 1955).
Our sympathies and love to all the family,
Gretta, John and all McConnells
John and Isabelle Moore
Our sincere sympathy Eleanor and family. Our pleasure knowing Bruce.
John and Isabelle
Alvin McGee
Eleanor you have my sincere condolences, Bruce will be missed, every school picture I have, Bruce is in them, something to remeber an old school chum by. Be strong keep well. Alvin
Winnie & Joanne Walters
Dear Eleanor & family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Bruce was a good man & will also be missed by his community & his church where he provided a lot of sound financial advice over the years & also kept the office supplied with Culbert’s donuts! May many happy memories of him comfort you during the difficult days ahead.
Winnie & Joanne
Jo-Anne & Keith Homan
Eleanor our first meeting with Bruce was when we were newlyweds many moons ago. This tall, handsome and soft spoken young man sat across from us in our very tiny living room and explained the pros and cons of insurance. Of course we all were invisible back then. He was on council with dad and he sat in dads living room and they talked about what might be best for our community. He sat in many living rooms over the years helping all of us make sound decisions. His love of you, family, church and community in his quiet way were paramount to him. Our heart aches for you and the loss of your live partner. Sending you warm caring hugs. Jo-Anne & Keith
Jane Rowcliffe
I was so very sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. The Erskine’s were a big part of my childhood and I have many memories of Bruce. I hadn’t seen him for several years when he moved to Goderich Place and I wasn’t sure he recognized me but whenever he saw me he would smile, take my hand and we would walk or sit together for a few minutes. He will be missed.
Scott & Carol Lynn Raithby
Mary Jane & Mark & Family, our sincere condolences. Please remember all the great times you shared with this wonderful man. It was truly our pleasure to have known Bruce. We will always treasurer our time that we had with him at your house.
God Speed
All our love and blessings
Scott & Carol Lynn
richard madge
Our sincere condolences to you, Eleanor, and to all your family. Bruce was so involved in the community, and especially in his beloved Knox church. The good he did will live on, and at this time of Thanksgiving, we can all be truly thankful for a life well-lived. He will be missed!
Laurine and Richard Madge
Jodie Reid
Nell, Mary Jane and family I was so saddened to hear of Bruce’s passing. I am sending my heartfelt condolences to you at this difficult time. I have many fond memories of Bruce growing up. There was always a lot of laughter around our kitchen table when the Erskines dropped over !! He was a loyal family friend and mentor in many ways. Sending my love and the biggest of hugs ❤️
Janet and Barry Bloch
Our deepest and most sincere sympathy to Eleanor and her family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
♥️ “Grieving hearts are fragile, look after yours”. ♥️
Larry Jeffrey
To Eleanor and family.
You have my deepest sympathy. If there was ever a great friend, Bruce was certainly was there for me in my career in the NHL.
From minor hockey to helping me with summer jobs. Bruce loved helping people. Bruce loved the horses and was a great partner to have in a few horses. May nights we came home with a lot of laughs. Bruce loved golf and was always great to try to beat him. I will always cherish those special memories with Bruce and Eleanor at this most difficult time.
RIP my friend
Larry Jeffrey
Barb Martin
It is with great sadness in hearing of Bruce’s passing. My deepest sincere condolences and prayers to Eleanor and all the family.
Cecelia and Don Denomme
Dear Eleanor – with special remembrances of Bruce – with special thoughts of sadness and sympathy to you and your family.
Sincerely – Cecelia and Don Denomme
Donny Rivers
My deepest sympathy to Bruce’s family on his passing. I did not know Bruce that well, other than chatting about Real Estate and business in the morning when we would cross paths uptown on his walk outside my office. He was heading into Denomme Flower shop for his morning meeting most days. He did however say something on one occasion that has stuck with me for a number of years that I thought I would share. Bruce said “Donny if you want to look important walking around the square make sure you carry an envelope and look in a hurry” We laughed and I certainly think of that as I hurry around the courthouse square looking busy.
Donna Crawford
Eleanor, Mary Jane, Mark, and extended family.
Sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing, he was a great community person, and member of our Knox Presbyterian Church.
He can teach everyone up in heaven how to play bridge.
He will be missed by everyone he knew.
Donna & Bill Crawford
Harold and Dianne Leddy
Dear Eleanor Sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. We had some good times together.
RIP Bruce -Treasure the memories
Nancy and Junior White
Our sincere sympathy goes out to all of Bruce’s family at this sad time…..Bruce was so kind to my mother Ruth Ellwood when she needed his help and was truly appreciated…..Cherish your memories…..
Connie Tasker
Dear Eleanor and family so sorry to read about Bruces passing.It was so nice to see him again when I volunteered at Goderich Place. He will be free again to soar with the angels!
ken & Sylvia McGee
Another great old Goderich name gone from our community.
Our condolences to Eleanor and family.
Judy Kelly (Bedard)
Dear Eleanor and family
I want to extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family on your loss. I knew Bruce from a very young age and thru working at Victoria and Grey Trust. He was always a very kind considerate man. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Mike Jeffrey
My sympathy to you and your family Eleanor.
Linda Street
Eleanor and family, I am so sorry to read of Bruce’s passing. It was always a treat when he would come in to the Office each day and chat about this and that and reminisce of days past – his past or that of the church. Always good to hear. When I saw him in Goderich Place last December he made me think he recognized me. Always the gentleman! He will be missed.
Linda Street