BRUCE JOHN KRAELING

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BRUCE JOHN KRAELING On February 6, 2016, Bruce passed away peacefully at Deer Lodge Centre at the age of 97. Bruce was alert to the end and looked forward to daily visits from his loving wife of 71 years, Doris. Bruce was born in England to parents, Florence and John Kraehling, and they immigrated to Canada when he was eight months old. The family settled in a farm near Wilmar, SK, where his brother Keith was born. The family moved to Winnipeg and when the Second World War began, Bruce joined the Navy. He served as a communications sailor and fought in the Battle of the Atlantic in 1940. After serving for over four years, Bruce returned to Winnipeg and married his sweetheart Doris (Jones). He became a registered technologist and later received his ART certification while working at Deer Lodge Hospital for 30 years. He also worked in private practice as a cytologist and retired in 1980. Bruce and Doris spent many happy years travelling the world and spending their winters in Victoria. Bruce had many hobbies including his extensive music collection, short wave radio, gardening and handyman skills. He was continually interested in sciences, the human body, astronomy, new advances in technology and reading maps. Grandpa' always had insightful answers to his grandchildren on how the world evolved and operated. During his time at Deer Lodge Centre, Bruce enjoyed going to the cafeteria with Doris and looking across the courtyard to his old office. He was very grateful for the care he received at the centre where staff referred to him as... "a real gentleman". Bruce's family would like to thank all the courteous staff who cared for him and especially the nurses on the sixth floor tower. As well, a special thank you is extended to nephew Les Despins and his wife Donna and niece Roberta Harris for all their support in so many ways. Bruce will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his family, including wife Doris; daughter Marilyn (Alan); grandchildren, Lauren (Chris) and Alex (Jannah); and great-grandchildren, Avery, Nicholas and Lillian. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bruce's memory to the Deer Lodge Centre Foundation, 2109 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3J 0L3. A celebration of Bruce's life will take place at a later date. Glen Eden Funeral Home and Cemetery 204-338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 13, 2016