HUGHES, Bruce Alfred
Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at the Huntsville District Memorial Hospital at the age of 84. Beloved husband of Elizabeth Hughes (nee McLaverty) of 54 years. Loving father of Rob (Kathy) Hughes, Betty Ann (Ernie) Lowell and Jonathan (Sharon) Hughes. Cherished grandfather of Kristen, Rachel, Noah and Jacob.
Bruce Alfred Hughes was born and raised in East York, the only child of Alfred and Constance. During high school he joined the East York Track Club and later also joined the University of Toronto track club, where he was enrolled in the Geology program. As a long distance and cross country track runner, Bruce missed out on participating in the British Empire games in Wales by two seconds. During his time at U of T, Fred Foote was the coach of both clubs and through his influence and example Bruce became a Christian. He started attending Bethel AGC and grew in his walk with the Lord and served there till 1964.
After graduating from U of T, Bruce first worked at Prudential Life as a Health and Life Underwriter, and started at Toronto Bible College Evening Courses. He graduated from TBC and went on to be the Alumni Chair for many years.
Bruce and Elizabeth McLaverty were married in 1964 and went to Calvary AGC where Bruce taught the College and Career class. Bruce was offered a job in London in 1969 where he was Vice President of an insurance company. We joined Glen Cairn Baptist where he taught a large Adult Class Sunday mornings. He was also Deacon of Missions and through his influence they began Short Term Missions where many youth and college young people went out for the summer with S Missions. When we moved to Calvary Oakville, he started the Short Term Missions program started and led a small group.
While in London Small Groups were being started, Bruce led both a church and neighbourhood small group for many years. He definitely had the gift of teaching and organizing.
After retiring to Port Sydney in the year 2000, Bruce went back to a hobby he had started years previously. He joined the Muskoka Stamp Club. After a few years, he became President of the club for many years and ran a large Stamp Show yearly in Bracebridge until he became ill.
After moving to Port Sydney Bruce was asked to join the Port Sydney Parks and Rec. This was an entirely different outlet for Bruce and one he enjoyed for many years. Bruce also enjoyed spending time with his four grandchildren (Kristen, Rachel, Noah and Jacob).
Bruce was a gentle, quiet man who had a wonderful dry humour and wit. During his time in the hospital, the nurses mentioned how they enjoyed his humour and I often heard them chuckle. Also, during his sickness and many months in the hospital and rehab, I never heard him complain or show that he felt sorry for himself. He was very accepting of his situation.
The family will receive friends on Monday, April 1, 2019 at Faith Baptist Church, Huntsville from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. Reception to follow. Burial will take place in May. As an expression of sympathy memorial donations can be made to Camp Mini-Yo-We or Hospice Huntsville. Messages of condolence can be left at www.billingsleyfuneralhome.com
Service Details.
Visitation
When:
Monday, April 1st, 2019 11:30am - 1:00pm
Location:
Faith Baptist Church
Address:
169 W Road HUNTSVILLE, ON
Service
When:
Monday, April 1st, 2019 1:00pm
Location:
Faith Baptist Church
Address:
169 W Road HUNTSVILLE, ON
Reception
Location:
Faith Baptist Church
Address:
169 W Road HUNTSVILLE, ON