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Bruce Clarke

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BRUCE GOWANLOCK CLARKE

September 28, 1948 – April 18, 2026

Peacefully, on Saturday April 18, Bruce Gowanlock Clarke aged 77 of Winnipeg. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of almost 48 years Diana (Ferre); his daughters Melanie (Alexei Halpin) of Ottawa and Megan (Dave Weeks) of Pemberton, BC; his grandsons, Hugo and Simon Clarke-Halpin; his sister Elizabeth Gould, and his nephew Miles Gould (Danielle) of Winnipeg with their daughters Lyla and Paige; and his brother-in-law Edward Ferre (Sally Greenwood) of Vancouver and their daughters, Lucy and Olivia.


Bruce was born on September 28, 1948 to Ralph and Ferne (Grieve) Clarke in Minnedosa, Manitoba. His early years were spent in Minnedosa, summers at Clear Lake (with his dog Rivets). The family moved to Brandon in 1958 where Bruce attended Vincent Massey Collegiate and Brandon University. He was a Junior High School teacher in Ridgeville, Emerson, and Royal School in Charleswood for what he referred to as "10 and out!". After completing an MBA at the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba, he spent the 25 years of his business career as Senior Vice-President, Corporate Human Resources at Standard Aero in Winnipeg.


Bruce travelled the world, both for business and for pleasure, visiting all continents at least once. The family enjoyed semi-annual ski vacations all over North America, annual spring breaks in the United Kingdom, frequent trips to Disney, and summers at the cottage at Victoria Beach. Once the girls grew up and left home, visiting them in Amsterdam, Toronto, Ottawa, and Whistler became favourite and frequent trips.


The family would like to extend special thanks to adopted family Bob, Kerri, Paige, and Jamie Sampson, to golf and breakfast buddy Alex Yoong, to the always available Linda and Wayne Hughes, and Uri Kraut.


The Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 31 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The Grove Pub and Restaurant, 164 Stafford St., Winnipeg. Bruce hated speeches so it will be a Come and Go affair. All who knew and loved Bruce will be welcome!


If you wish to make a donation in Bruce’s name, please consider The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada where there is a Standard Aero corner..


In Diana's tradition, 

"Vichnaya Pamyat"!


ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Miriam Fliegel & Ron Steigerwald

May 1, 2026 at 1:31 PM

We are so sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. He was a good neighbour and Ron always enjoyed chatting to him. We knew he was declining but are surprised to hear that it happened so quickly.

We wish you and your family much sympathy.

Diana Clarke

May 1, 2026 at 9:04 AM

So lovely to hear from all of you!! Thank you!!

Norm Butler

April 30, 2026 at 8:16 AM

I had the great fortune to work with Bruce at Standard Aero for many years. His coaching, guidance, kindness and stright talk was always appreciated and have helped me throughout my career. Of course the burgers and fires lunch meetings rank up there as well. My deepest condolences to the Clarke family

Anders and Janet Balkaran

April 29, 2026 at 6:59 PM

I was extremely saddend to hear this news. Bruce was a great mentor to me and a friend to both Janet and I. He gave me the opportunity to work directly under him at Standard Aero which turned out to be some of the best learning experiences of my career. It was also extremely fun.

No matter what crisis we faced, Bruce taught me to deal with it in a calm and thoughtful way. He always had a creative way to solve the biggest problems, and I will never forget learning that from him. Sometimes his solution to a dilemma was for us to head to Rae & Jerry's or Daly Burger to "reset". He made me pay so he could approve the expense, of course. His "Bruce Clarke Specials" will be forever inked in Standard Aero history.

Sadly, we will be out of town for the Celebration, but our thoughts are with Diana, Megan, Melanie and all the the family. A great man who will be missed and his legacy remembered.

Brian Lanoway

April 29, 2026 at 10:56 AM

I worked closely with Bruce at Standard Aero. In fact, I still remember his first day on the job. Later in our careers, both of us were part of the company’s senior executive team, sitting just meters away from each other in an open office. Often, when facing a problem, I would wander over to his pod, spritzing ideas and solutions. Occasionally, if none of them passed his test, he would suggest that it was time for the Bruce Clarke Solution: “Sometimes it’s best to do nothing and wait for the solution to appear.” I still try to practice his advice.

 

Bruce and I travelled the world together as part of the executive team. We both enjoyed exploring new things together and we would often spend significant time planning that night’s meal, to the consternation of some. Our best visits were to Coventry in England, where we would try out as many different English Pubs as possible. I’m sure many of these ideas were the genesis of his opening The Grove with his nephew Miles.

 

Bruce was the ultimate HR professional. He believed in the intrinsic goodness of his fellow man. He supported each and every employee at Standard Aero. He would look after them in trying times. He would frequently give them the benefit of the doubt. He always thought of them as valued contributors. Bruce was the learned good shepherd of his flock. He was the rare corporate executive who really cared.

 

I treasure the years I spent working with Bruce. I enjoyed every minute.

 

 

Kathy Wintoniw (Lewis) originally from Emerson

April 26, 2026 at 2:29 PM

Dear Diana and family. So sorry to hear about the passing of your husband, Bruce. May God comfort you at this difficult time.

Judy Rikkelman (Flagel)

April 26, 2026 at 1:17 PM

Diana and family....I'm so sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. Condolences from an old friend.

Petra & Armand Rapmund

April 25, 2026 at 4:29 PM

I was part of the legacy team under Bruce's leadership for many years. Bruce is largely responsible for me meeting my husband, Armand and the family we have today. He is also responsible for me having enjoyed a very long career at StandardAero and giving me the opportunity to serve so many over the years. Bruce impacted many lives in a positive way and I have fond memories of the HR team BBQs out at his cottage and in his home. Thank you Bruce. I owe a lot to you. May you rest in eternal peace. You certainly have earned it. Sincerest condolences to Bruce's Diana, family, friends and

legacy co-workers.

Todd & Christa Slatnik

April 25, 2026 at 4:05 PM

We were so saddened to learn of Bruce's passing but our lives, and those of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him, were enriched for the experience. In business Bruce was firm but fair and never expected more from someone than he was capable of. In life, with Diana as his partner, Bruce was engaging, generous, and warm. Although he shall be missed, he'll never be forgotten.

 

We may have to resurrect the Bruce Clarke Invitational trophy (a dashing bobblehead likeness of Bruce) but rename it the Bruce Clarke Memorial trophy.

 

Sincerest condolences to Diana and family.

 

love,

The Slatniks

Barbara Bowen

April 25, 2026 at 11:12 AM

I first met Bruce in 1999, when I was hired at Manitoba Aerospace and he was the head of Human Resources at StandardAero. From the beginning, it was clear he was an exceptional leader: insightful, empathetic, and deeply committed to people. One of his visionary ideas was the Manitoba Aerospace All-Stars Awards dinner which remains an annual signature event for the industry. It brings the community together to celebrate excellence and recognize achievement, and for many years it has also helped build the Manitoba Aerospace Student Awards Endowment Fund. That spirit of lifting others up was so reflective of Bruce’s values.

I had the privilege of working with Bruce on several workforce development initiatives, including the Aboriginal Aerospace Initiative (AAI). It was a partnership between the Neeginan Education, Training, Employment Services (NETES), formerly the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD). He championed that project not only to strengthen the aerospace workforce, but also because he believed in creating opportunities for people who had historically been underrepresented in the sector. His advocacy for inclusive pathways into aerospace was one of the things I admired most about him. Even in retirement, he continued to give his time and wisdom generously to the AAI. His leadership was steady, thoughtful, and grounded in his commitment to people and to the future of the local aerospace sector.

Bruce worked tirelessly to build a strong, vibrant aerospace workforce. I am grateful to have worked alongside him, to have learned from him and to have witnessed the impact of his generosity, integrity, and vision. My heartfelt condolences to his family and all who loved him.

Tom Mitchell

April 25, 2026 at 10:37 AM

Bruce and I were coffee buddies at Brandon University. Bruce loved talking Progressive Conservative politics. We lost touch after university but I have fond memories of our time at BU. Very sad at his passing.

Linda Hughes

April 25, 2026 at 8:03 AM

Wayne and I remember with fondness our memories of Bruce during visits to our cottage, invites to the Clarke's traditional Grey Cup party, and annual suppers together in celebration of our wedding anniversaries which are the same weekend. We appreciated Bruce's warm hospitality, thoughtful discussions, descriptions of his many travels and great martinis. We admired his courage in facing his recent health challenges. All our love to Diana and the girls.

Kim Warburton

April 24, 2026 at 8:37 AM

Elizabeth, so sorry to read of your brothers passing. Hoping to connect with you

Brian & Dawn Ridd and family

April 22, 2026 at 11:05 AM

We are deeply saddened to hear of Bruce’s passing. As neighbours for more than 30 years, we not only appreciated Bruce’s friendly presence and cheerful stories, but also the joy he found in life—especially in his retirement years, whether riding his motorcycle, enjoying the backyard pool, or taking his sportscar out for a drive. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy. Our thoughts are with you Diana, Melanie, Megan and families during this difficult time.

Brian & Dawn Ridd and family

Diane Cepanec

April 22, 2026 at 9:18 AM

We are deeply grateful to have shared so many meaningful moments with Bruce over the years-from lively staff bbqs, dinner & drinks at the Clarke's residence to relaxing days at Victoria Beach and unforgettable travels in Spain. Bruce was an engaging conversationalist, a gifted storyteller, a generous and gracious host whose warmth and laughter made every gathering feel special. Above all he was simply a wonderful person to be around. He will be profoundly missed & will remain in our hearts forever. Our thoughts are with you Diana and family and we hope you find comfort in the love of those around you and in the cherished memories you shared.

Hugs Diane & Ken

Sally Greenwood

April 21, 2026 at 2:24 PM

Beautiful tribute. Sending you all love and support during this difficult time. I will cherish our incredible conversations - political and other - and remember Bruce with fondness and a smile. Hold fast to the incredible memories you shared together. Love and hugs.

Eleanor Adaskin

April 21, 2026 at 2:01 PM

My warmest condolences to Diana, the family & all who know & loved Bruce. I didn't know him well, but know he was a wonderful person. Diana & I shared a career in mental health nursing. My thoughts are w you, Diana. This is a very deep loss.

Ashley Gibson

April 21, 2026 at 8:02 AM

This is a beautiful tribute to a life well lived. Sending so much love to Mel, Diana, Megan, and all who knew & loved Bruce. We are holding you in our thoughts, and will be here to support you in the days, weeks, and months to come as you navigate this very sad loss.

 

- Ashley & Paul

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