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Bruce Bancroft

Image by Nick Andréka

BRUCE BANCROFT

​

February 8, 1938 – June 14, 2020

Sadly, but joyously, we wish to share the news of the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, grandpa great, gentleman and friend, Bruce Bancroft. Bruce wore many hats, both figuratively and literally.

 

He is survived by his wife of 61 years Ellen, who was his everything; children Carrie (Dale), Garth (Robyn), Liz (John), and Alex. Clearly Bruce was listening at their marriage ceremony when the pastor instructed them to be fruitful and multiply. Bruce was a proud Grandpa to 12 grands and nine greats, all of whom enjoyed every moment with him, particularly these last five, very special, months. He is also survived by his brother Glen (Wendy) and their children of Vancouver, BC. Bruce is predeceased by his parents Jack and Peggy.

 

Bruce was an incredible wit with a mind-blowing ability to recall facts.  Even after his struggle with dementia became evident, he continued to save us much time in google searches, his accuracy never waning.  He had an amazing singing voice that he was always happy to share in church, at weddings, back in the day, in local bars, in the shower for the neighbours to enjoy and most recently for his caregivers, quite hilariously at random times.  Bruce's sense of humour was a great gift!  He kept us all entertained, which made his last few months much easier.  His family will always remember him as the Best Director of a Family Comedy.

 

Bruce was an avid curler, he loved to play in his younger years and would watch it anytime he could. He was baptized, confirmed and married in Holy Cross Lutheran Church.  He was a faithful member.  His final words to his family were "I'm too tired to finish."

 

The Bancroft family would like to give thanks to Bruce's special angels on earth, many who have become like family:  Concordia Hospital N1 North staff and WRHA Palliative Care; the homecare staff Richard, Joey, Jaffe, Fiona, Eva and Amy; and Drs. Silage, Lage and Reda for their kindness and care.

 

Due to the current public health orders in place, a celebration of his life will be held at a later date, which will be updated on this tribute page. In the meantime, Bruce’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by watching the video tribute above and commenting in the comments section on this page.

​

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

​

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Sharlene Clinton

July 24, 2020 at 4:39 PM

Alex and Ellen - and family.  I just watched the video. The Power of Love is a fitting backdrop song. Love is in every picture. Rest in Peace Bruce, you've given and accepted love that some only dream of. Love you guys.  Sharzy
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Otto & Lorraine Best

July 4, 2020 at 11:03 AM

Dear Ellen and family.  We were saddened to hear of Bruce's passing, but know that he is in a better place and singing with his magnificent voice. We had the pleasure of having him sing at our wedding many years ago.  May God bless all the family and keep you in his tender loving care.  Love,  Otto & Lorraine Best
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Heather Thompson

July 1, 2020 at 3:33 PM

Hi Ellen and family.  What a wonderful man.  I loved your tribute - it's beautiful.  I will miss seeing him and exchanging our kisses and hugs in church.  His smile was the best!  May God keep you all in his loving care. With much love, Heather,
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Marilyn McDonald

June 30, 2020 at 2:12 PM

Hi Ellen and family.  So sorry to hear about Bruce, but hope happy memories will ease your pain at this time. Your video is beautiful and lovely to see all your brood.  Thinking of you with fondness and love Marilyn
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Joan LeClerc

June 30, 2020 at 10:33 AM

A lovely video. Sincere sympathy Ellen and all your fine family on the loss of Bruce ❤love Ron and Joan LeClerc
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Judy Smitiuch

June 30, 2020 at 6:59 AM

The tribute of Bruce was very nice and touching. Deepest sympathy on the passing of Bruce. May you always hold those wonderful memories of him within your heart. He was a great person with a big heart. Ellen take care of yourself and know that he is safe in God's hands and resting peacefully.        Judy Smitiuch
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Jordan and Shannon Bonham

June 30, 2020 at 1:03 AM

Beautiful video.  I have lots of fond memories from family gatherings and visits in Anola. You guys were always so much fun together.  Uncle Bruce was such a nice man.  Deepest sympathies to you all.
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Jack & Linda Bernhardt

June 29, 2020 at 1:26 PM

A heartwarming video and tribute to Bruce. As we remember him as a genuine and joyous person with a great singing voice. His version of "I went to your wedding" was a much requested song at many occasions. Ellen, we wish you and your family God's presence and peace. Love Jack and Linda
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Gordon and Janice Fiebelkorn

June 28, 2020 at 10:22 PM

A wonderful tribute from his loving family to the man that loved his family so much.  Remembering Bruce for his warm, kind smiles.  Our condolences to all his family and especially to you Ellen. May God bless you all with peace and comfort. Love Gordon and Janice Fiebelkorn  
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Walter

June 28, 2020 at 8:40 PM

A beautiful tribute to a wonderful friend. Our happy times together will never be forgotten. Steffie & Walter Doering
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Betty cable

June 28, 2020 at 6:06 PM

Ellen,so very sorry for your loss,i know what you are going through, sending prayers ,hugs and lots of love,Betty Cable Two Harbors ,mn.❤
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Gail

June 28, 2020 at 9:15 AM

❤Our sincere sympathy Ellen to you and the family, a beautiful tribute to a wonderful friend, his smile and his voice.  We will miss him at Holy Cross.  "When you lose someone you love, you gain an angel that you know". Many fond memories...especially desserts! Love Rob, Gail & family. ❤
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Herb \Doering

June 28, 2020 at 1:00 AM

Our sincere condolences and love.  He sang at our Wedding.  We always enjoyed the times we did spend together.   He is now at peace.  God Bless you and the family.  Love Herb & Pat Doering ❤
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David and Janice Yakel

June 27, 2020 at 7:59 PM

What a great tribute to uncle Bruce! He will always be in our hearts and minds. I remember him as the soloist not only with great auntie Tina on the organ but at many other weddings and funerals. Uncle Bruce always made me laugh even in my childhood. I can think of  many stories of how he made  everyone in the family laugh. Rest in peace uncle Bruce, we will miss you.  David and Janice Yakel 
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norabertrand

June 27, 2020 at 7:51 PM

Cousin Ellen, so sorry to hear of the passing of Bruce.  Our thoughts are with you and your family.  Noraleen & Terry
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Judy McEwen

June 27, 2020 at 5:31 PM

Ellen, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Such a wonderful tribute to Bruce.  He had such a beautiful soul, bringing and giving so much love & joy to so many.  May you all hold these precious memories in your hearts forever and know he'll be by your side always.  God's blessings to you all.  Love Judy McEwen ❤
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Ben McGillivary & Betty Dickey

June 27, 2020 at 5:20 PM

Hello Ellen and Family so sorry to hear the Passing of Bruce Bancroft I knew him throughout my stay at N1 North at Concordia Hospital and I want to express my deep condolences and that of my family to your family
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Linda Stearns

June 27, 2020 at 5:02 PM

I am very sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. Eric and I send you all our heart felt condolences. I remember the day you and Bruce were married. So much has happened since then. Bruce always had a smile. You have all been greatly blessed this past 61 years. Love from Linda and Eric Stearns
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Anita

June 27, 2020 at 3:39 PM

How could we not help but remember and love Bruce’s actions from his awesome smile, his sense of humour, his wonderful memory, his fantastic voice and the list goes on.  Bruce was truly blessed by God and shared his gifts with everyone.  After all Bruce chose Ellen for his wife of 61 years and had a great family.  We will miss seeing him in church, but pray our Lord will take care of  Bruce’s family and friends as they go through life.  God is good, all the time.  My love to you and yours Ellen.  Anita ✝️💜
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Penny kau

June 27, 2020 at 1:45 PM

I will always remember his beautiful voice and how blessed we were to hear him many times in church.  I loved to watch Klaus and his friendship grow  and how they would look for each other. Truly a blessing to know all of you and I hold in my heart a special place for all of you ❤Kisses and hugs to all but especially you Ellen
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ruth skinner

June 27, 2020 at 1:38 PM

Bruce may be gone from this earth but he will never be forgotten.  His voice, humour and his love ofMagnum bars will stay with me forever.  Thank you Bruce for all the wonderful Memories.  Till we meet again.  Ellen you and the whole family are filling my heart.  Love you Ruth
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Lorraine Curran

June 27, 2020 at 12:18 PM

We will all miss Bruce and his quirky sense of humor. A wonderfully kind and caring man. Glad to have known him.❤
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Phil & Cheryl Cann

June 27, 2020 at 11:56 AM

Aunty Ellen and cousins....  Such a wonderful and talented man.  We have so many vivid and wonderful memories throughout the years, from Winnipeg to Anola, Grand Marais to the BC campground family reunion....  Uncle Bruce's footprint will remain for a long long time.  A light that shines so brightly can never be extinguished....  Much love, Phil and Cheryl Cann. ❤
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Loraine Cooper

June 27, 2020 at 10:48 AM

Bruce was such an amazing man, whom I loved dearly. He had such wit and humor.  An awesome tribute.  Love you Frank......Ava.
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Angie Stabene-Franz

June 27, 2020 at 10:41 AM

Garth and Robyn and family,  So sorry to hear of the passing of your dad! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Miss you guys!❤ Angie Stabene-Franz
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Linda Larsen

June 27, 2020 at 9:05 AM

Wonderful tribute to a wonderful man!So many memories to keep in my heart of special times spent with your family.Ellen you had a long life together and you cared for him like no other!❤
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Linda & Gerald Grienke

June 27, 2020 at 8:28 AM

A beautiful tribute to a beautiful man. Your lives with Bruce were full of love, laughter and song. He had a life well lived. God bless you all and keep you in his care.
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Cathy Hall

June 26, 2020 at 11:58 PM

Such a wonderful tribute to a lovely man who was so dearly loved. May God continue to be with your family during this difficult time. He was such a blessing.
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Eileen Asselstine

June 26, 2020 at 11:23 PM

Such a beautiful video. It is a lovely tribute to Bruce. Both of you were lucky to have such a wonderful life together. You are in my thoughts ❤
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Kim Vodopivec

June 26, 2020 at 10:04 PM

What a beautiful video Ellen. Your life with Bruce and your family looks so full of love, what a gift 💕 you were always in my thoughts and prayers
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Mona Turcotte

June 26, 2020 at 9:58 PM

Love and prayers of comfort to Ellen, Carrie and family, Liz and family, Garth and family and Alex and family.  I will always remember your Dad’s joyful nature and his singing in church with his magnificent voice.❤
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WinnieJones

June 26, 2020 at 8:33 PM

Beautiful and touching tribute to a great man. Loved seeing a life well lived. God bless each of you and keep you all in his care.💕 Micheal and Winnie. 
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Susie Stenson

June 26, 2020 at 8:27 PM

What a wonderful tribute to Bruce. Bill & I shared so many wonderful, fun times together in Mazatlan at La Mission for many years with you guys. ❤My favorite memory was the annual "Curling" event! So, so much fun we all shared together.  Wonderful memories!  My thoughts & prayers are with you my dear friend Ellen. Love, Susie Stenson
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Brenda D Wood

June 26, 2020 at 8:01 PM

Love you all! Beautiful tribute! Great to see the story of his life! ❤
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Rog & Paulette

June 26, 2020 at 7:19 PM

Beautiful tribute for a very special man & condolences to his special lady Ellen & supportive family. You will be missed Bruce♥️ Rog & Paulette💞
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Laurie Mymko

June 26, 2020 at 6:24 PM

A beautiful tribute to a very nice man.our thoughts and prayers are with you all.❤ Steve and Laurie Mymko
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Debbie Nolan

June 26, 2020 at 6:14 PM

A beautiful tribute to a wonderfully kind & gentle man . Our fondest memories are of Bruce & Ellen enjoying their winters in Mazatlan . Our deepest condolences to all  of the family , Roy & Debbie Nolan 
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Donna Honer

June 26, 2020 at 5:45 PM

A beautiful tribute to the love of your life Ellen.  You've been blessed with many moments and memories thru the years.  You and Bruce were very fortunate and blessed to have had a lifetime to share.   I share in your sadness and rejoice knowing Bruce  is in God's loving care FOREVER. Hugs, hugs, and more hugs💕
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Audrey Roger Kauk

June 26, 2020 at 5:40 PM

We are so sorry for the lose of Bruce. A loving father and husband. He will be up there with all his family ...Aunty Tina playing the organ and Bruce singing what a happy time ..we will miss him...we will meet again. Roger and Audrey❤
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Inga bell

June 26, 2020 at 4:48 PM

I watched the tribute and had so many tears. The music was so touching and I know how very much you will miss this wonderful man. I only met him a few times but I knew Ellen well and the stories she would tell or the stories alix would tell. Good times. He will always be there in your hearts looking after his family and smiling from up above as his family continued to multiply.   A very sad day.  Take care to all you will all be in my thoughts 
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Lorraine and Gord

June 26, 2020 at 4:31 PM

Such a wonderful person, so blessed to have been able to call him Uncle Bruce, so many happy memories and love listening to him sing ... especially Delilah. He could always put a smile on everyones face. Will be missed for sure but always in our hearts. ❤
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Neddy Becker

June 26, 2020 at 3:51 PM

 what a lovely tribute to a great person! My thoughts are with all of you. Talk to you later Ellen. Love Neddy
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Dave Phillips

June 26, 2020 at 3:51 PM

Uncle Bruce was so many things to so many people and brought so much happiness everywhere he went he will always be remembered by that infectious laugh it brings a smile to my face everything I think of it! Uncle Bruce will be greatly missed by all who knew him and he will forever be in our hearts❤️ Love from the Phillips Family
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