Surrounded by his family, Bruce entered into rest at Brightshores Health System -Owen Sound, on Saturday, January 10, just shy of his 75th birthday.

Dear father of sons Michael of Owen Sound, Kevin (Jen) of Massie, Curtis of Chatsworth, and Travis Connell, also of Chatsworth. Proud grandfather of Chloe Devlin (Shaun), Lucas, Lincoln, Aleeah, Brayden, and Tate. Bruce is survived by his mother, Helen Connell (nee Loney), and siblings Bill Connell (Susan), Bob Connell (Leila), Cathy Rogerson (Ted Tilker), and Rick Connell (Julie). He will also be fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, Marlane and the Atyeo family, and friends in the community. Predeceased by his father Ivan Connell.

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Bruce was a devoted father, a skilled craftsman, a friend to many, and a man who lived life with purpose, hard work, and joy.

A family man through and through, he loved his four boys—Michael, Kevin, Curtis, and Travis—tremendously. He raised them with the values that defined him: honesty, hard work, and the quiet strength of doing things the right way. He was raised on his grandparents farm, and later bought his own farm which he worked for 21 years, while raising a family. The farm was more than a place to work—it was a classroom for life, with its mixed farming: cows, pigs and chickens and their babies which he raised with success. His boys loved being with him in the field, riding on the tractor fender, watching Bruce and learning alongside him. Bruce made even the hardest work enjoyable. There was always a cooler in the fence row, and during breaks, he would chuckle and say, “Bring Daddy a beer.”

Bruce worked hard, sometimes too hard. His brother Rick would remind him there were easier ways to do things—but Bruce loved doing things the old-fashioned way. He believed in putting care and skill into every task, whether it was farming or building. Bruce sold the farm in 2000, but had already established himself as a sought after carpenter and contractor. Bruce had a gift for carpentry that began at age ten with dog houses, rabbit hutches, and chicken coops, and blossomed into a career that included power plants, schools, and hospitals. At twenty, he built his first clients house. Many families came back four or five times to have him build for them again. He had an incredible memory—he could recognize faces, voices, and addresses from twenty-five years earlier. People continued to request him long after his retirement in 2016; a testament to the trust and respect he had earned over a lifetime.

Bruce had a love for animals. It started in his early years caring for his pets, Bo the dog and Tommy, the cat, tenderly raising farm animals, and all the while teaching his boys the responsibilities of caring for life around them. In retirement he enjoyed feeding his backyard birds. His gentle touch with animals reflected his patience, kindness, and nurturing spirit, qualities he shared with everyone in his life.

He was typically a chill, happy-go-lucky man, always friendly, always welcoming—“come in and get warm,” he would say—though he could call out with a booming voice when needed. He loved spending time with his boys on fishing trips to Turtle Lake, socializing with friends, and sharing a beer with neighbours and loved ones alike. He also enjoyed music, and would often request from Country 93's Dusty Hill Show, to play Mendocino County Line. This song was dedicated to “Rabbit in Chatsworth,” a tribute to the nickname he had earned in his youth. When he was a young lad, Bruce had been a successful cross-country runner and was so fast, he was given the name “Rabbitt” This nick name would follow him for the rest of his life. He wore it as a badge of honour

He also loved to listen to Open Line on CFOS, and at 4pm, everyone had to be quiet as the news was coming on!

Bruce was respected and loved in his community. He maintained a wonderful relationship with his family, AND family was the most important thing to him. Bruce’s legacy is built on connection, loyalty, and kindness. There is no greater reflection of this, than the number of dear lifelong friends that have shown up today to pay your respects and to toast a beer in his honour. He often told his boys, with a wink and a smile, to check on him in the morning, and if he was gone, call the ambulance—but then go back to work. That was Bruce: practical, hardworking, and full of heart. 

Bruce’s family, who misses him dearly, are imagining him, now in heaven—building a house with a cool beer nearby, and a tractor to drive. That is the life he loved, the man he was, and the legacy he leaves behind.

Cremation has taken place and arrangements entrusted to the Garafraxa Hill Funeral Home, Chatsworth. A Celebration of Life will be held in the funeral home chapel on Saturday, January 17, from 11:00am – 2:00pm, with family remembrances at 12:30. If desired, donations to McLeans Cemetery, would be appreciated by the family. The family wish to express their sincere thanks to Drs. Newton, Kuhl, Gulati, Elabbassi and Hodgson, the respiratory therapists, and nursing staff of the Critical Care Unit. Online condolences may be expressed at www.garafraxahillfuneral.com