Bruce John Ransom

It’s with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Bruce John Ransom, 71 years old, in Huntsville on January 22, 2025. A man who impacted many with his love, kindness and humour, Bruce first graced this earth on June 3, 1953, to Dougal and Isabel Ransom in Markdale, Ontario. The second born of nine children, he lived in Muskoka almost his entire life, first in Hillside, and later became the mayor of Interlaken. He fondly remembered growing up in Hillside where he was surrounded by his huge family, with little money but rich with love. Married to Diana Batten in 1980, he honeymooned on Oxbow Lake in his parents’ cottage and soon after became a permanent resident until his death.  

Bruce dedicated his life to others and was a hard-working man. He was a volunteer firefighter, school bus driver, chef, and maintained Olympia Sports Camp with pride. At Olympia, Bruce showed his love language by providing guidance to counselors and ensuring the property was a place for campers to safely have fun. His loud laugh, enigmatic storytelling and jokes kept everyone around him in a constant state of happiness. He wanted those who surrounded him to feel comfort and support, even when delivering a shocking anecdote. Bruce may have joked about wanted to live on an island with a moat so “no one would bother him” but he thrived on people’s company and being able to care for them.  

Bruce lived a life beyond his years. He hitchhiked across Canada in his early 20s and enjoyed feeling the open road when on his motorcycle. He was so passionate about cooking. He took his time with his culinary skills and to share his delicious food with friends and family. Bruce made life more joyful with jokes or funny pranks. He made an impression on Diana when they first met by smashing a raw egg in her pocket while she worked at Chicopee Ski Club. It got her attention, and she married him two years later.  

He loved almost every genre of music and always left the radio on after leaving. He’d often talk about seeing Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix live in concert. He didn’t paint or draw, but he was an artist. He adored his workspace and garage with collections of photos and would nail everything to the wall, including a crazy collection of landline phones, snowboards and other knick knacks. He loved sports, particularly golf, curling, hockey and skiing. He was an adventurer, and he shared stories of his travels to Portugal, Azores, Newfoundland, and Ireland, among other destinations. One of his favourite places in the world was “the plaza.” Searching for treasures at the dump was fun, even after hours, when he convinced you to go through the hole in the fence. 

Bruce is survived by his wife Diana Ransom (nee Batten), his children Marley (Connor) and Myles (Sarah) also known as M&M. Proud Papa to Sloane and Ellis. Son-in-law to Marion Batten. Beloved brother to Raymond (Teody), Leonard (Linda), Marilyn (Bill), Marie (John), Doreen (Jean), and Cathy. Loving uncle to Rosalind (Rob), Olivia (Sam), Heather, Michael (Trish), Derek Boniface (Connie), Curtis (Julia), Jackie (Patrick), Dillon (Lisa), Derrick Ransom (Dayna),Melissa (Linda), Jessy (Patrick), Kristen (Jeremey), Ryan (Erin), Leigh (Kerrie), Jimmy (Maggie), Corey (Kristen), Matthew, Adam (Brittany), Ryan, Colin, Danny, and Tyler (Lawrence). Close friends to Peter and Gwen Crossett, Tony and Linda Hill and Robert and Joanne Graham. Cousin to many, we are still discovering more (ongoing Bruce joke). And his motorcycle Yuri. 

Predeceased by his parents Dougal and Isabel, siblings David and Heather, father-in-law John Batten, sisters-in-law Kathy Boniface and Barb Batten and nephew Joey Batten. 

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Billingsley Funeral Home, 430 Ravenscliffe Road, Huntsville.  Bruce will be laid to rest at Maplewood Cemetery in the Spring.  Details of a celebration of life will be decided at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or a charity of your choice.