BRUCE HEEBNER

Bruce Heebner passed away at Simkin Personal Care Home in Winnipeg, MB, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the age of 80 years.

He is remembered by his wife of nearly 60 years, Sylvia; his son Jim (Suzanne); daughter Shelley (Dan) McCafferty; daughter-in-law Michelle; and his cherished granddaughters, Alex, Kristina, Elsa, and Edy.

He was predeceased by his son Steve; his parents, Emil and Emilia Heebner; and his siblings, Elmer, Norman, Mervyn, Ira, and Ruth.

Bruce was born on August 15, 1944, in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan and grew up in Glen Bain, Saskatchewan, where he attended Glen Bain School. In 1960, he moved with his parents to Medicine Hat, Alberta. He completed high school at Hillcrest Christian College and went on to attend one year of Bible school. In his early years, Bruce worked trucking hay for Walter Brown and at the Alberta Glass Factory in Medicine Hat. He went on to study agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan.

In November 1965, Bruce married his high school sweetheart, Sylvia Hanrahan. Together they returned to Glen Bain to begin farming, purchasing and developing a property where they would raise their three children—Steve, Jim, and Shelley. Bruce farmed the land with care and commitment for over 35 years. He was an active member of the Glen Bain Church and then supported the Millar Bible College when the Glen Bain church closed.

Bruce had a strong interest in the wider world and enjoyed travelling. Alongside Sylvia, he explored countries such as Costa Rica, Portugal, India, Taiwan, South Africa, Belize, Columbia, Mexico, England, Scotland, Spain, always drawn to new cultures, good food, and vibrant music. A saxophone player himself, Bruce often brought home music from his travels to share with his family. Outside of farming and travel, he was an avid reader with a lifelong curiosity for new ideas and knowledge.

In 2003, Bruce and Sylvia sold the farm and moved to Canmore, Alberta, where they embraced mountain life—hiking and cycling with friends, and immersing themselves in the outdoors. Bruce was a downhill skier, an enthusiastic member of a local hiking group and volunteered for the Alberta Winter Olympics.

In his later years, Bruce lived with Huntington’s disease. He generously made a contribution to research by donating tissue in support of ongoing efforts to better understand and treat the condition. The Heebner family would be grateful for any donations to the Huntington Society of Canada to be made in memory of Bruce.

Bruce’s curiosity, and deep love for his family will be remembered always.

Bruce’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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