BRUCE GILBERT MURDOCH

Bruce Gilbert Murdoch
November 17, 1945 – December 13, 2010

Bruce died peacefully in the arms of Erna, his wife of 42 years. He was predeceased by his parents, John Pearson and Gertrude Mary Murdoch, several uncles and aunts, his sister-in-law Helen Wiebe and his son-in-law, Nick. He is survived by his sister Marlene Bassett and his brother Ian (Carol) Murdoch; his brothers-in-law Ruben (Gertie) Wiebe, Paul Wiebe, Art (Alma) Wiebe, Wally (Pat) Wiebe, Dave (Lindi) Wiebe. He is survived by his wife, Erna, and their three daughters Lana (Richard) Cuddeford, Joyce (Mike) Mark, Margaret (Phil) Walker and five grandchildren, Scott and Sarah Cuddeford, Ayla Murdoch, Jordan and Owen Walker, also many nephews and nieces.

Bruce went to Vancouver Vocational Institute trade school to become an electronic technician, a "sparky" on board ships. While he was going to school he met Erna in Mission at a party. Bruce and his friends had come to watch some car races. Erna was 16 going on 17 when Bruce asked her to the movie, "Sound of Music". They were married June of 1968 and had a wonderful life together.

Bruce was an adventurous young man and loved learning new things. He landed his job with Canadian Telephone & Supplies, then BC Tel, and began to fulfill his dreams. He had all the toys of the company at his disposal. While working in New West Central Office they saved enough money for a flying lesson or a house in Mission. The house won (always practical). He commuted for some time and saw this ad: VW Beetle list price $1998.00 just a "plain janer" but a savings on fuel. He bought it. A lucky transfer to Abbotsford Central Office and a baby on the way — we need a bigger house with a big yard. Fortunately, Lana arrived in spring before Bruce's Dad died. He was so proud to share his new daughter with his father. Now Erna's home all day & we have property — let's raise calves and honey bees. Then along came Joyce (are we having fun or what?) Central Office was getting boring so he posted to McBride District Repair. Microwave towers by helicopter, snowshoe (five foot long) or snowcat. Down winter coats good to -70F. In small towns you can do anything you want (Hospital Board, Ambulance Attendant — more courses and Auxiliary Police). He was scheduled to go moose hunting with his hydro friends Larry and Gary when Erna said, "I think this baby's coming, you can't go". Margaret arrived; we need a bigger house! It was built in the New Subdivision in town. Hey! Our four years are almost up where shall we go next? Vancouver Island — it has everything — fishing, boating, sailing, culture and close to Vancouver. Transfer Nanaimo Installation & Repair then BTE business division (more courses). But surprise Malaspina was offering Psyychology & I have test subjects right in my house. What fun! Chinese cooking in the evenings and a snack too! The streets are getting noisy, we better move. Off to Sherwood Forest 1985 – 2005 our longest term in one house, well minus 4 years in Ucluelet. New stuff — float planes and ATV's. He covered the West Coast & had time for golf.

Downsizing and a merger with Telus brought a retirement package. He was happy to get his golden handshake at 55. He enjoyed his 10 years of retirement. Bruce and Erna travelled happily throughout their life — covered from Ontario to the West Coast. Went to Britain three times — Highlands, Lanarkshire his father's homeland, London his nephew's home. Toured Holland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy. Portugal was the feather in his cap & was keen to return. Then he spied a Transatlantic Cruise: England, Scotland, Iceland, Greenland, Newfoundland, New York. That would be good he said, "I trained to go on ships".

He was proud to have beaten his dad's record of 62 years.
He got his Gold Card & his first OAP cheque.
He saw all his girls happily married and enjoyed 5 grandchildren.
He felt truly blessed.
We'll dearly miss him but he trained us well.
You can do anything you want if you put your mind to it.

— From the family