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VIVIAN MAY BRUCE
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Vivian Bruce on October 12, at the age of 92.
Vivian was born in Regina and spent her early years in the small town of Bechard, Saskatchewan where her father was a grain buyer for the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. She was an only child who grew up with family around her. Vivian was especially close to her cousin William (Bill) Long, and as an adult she became a member of his family sharing holidays and celebrations with them. Her family moved to Regina in her high school years where Vivian graduated from Balfour Tech.
Vivian continued her education in Winnipeg at the University of Manitoba where she graduated with a B.Sc. (H. Ec.). She completed a dietetic internship at the Vancouver General Hospital in 1954. She then began her career in dietetics at the University Hospital in Saskatoon where she met a lifelong friend and colleague Vera Moroz. In 1960 Vivian returned to the University of Manitoba where she completed her M.Sc. in Nutrition.
In 1963 Vivian began a 33-year career at the University of Manitoba. She took a study leave to complete a Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin in 1972. In 1981 she was a visiting associate professor of nutrition in surgery at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Vivian took an active interest in her students. As one said on the occasion of presenting her with an award in clinical nutrition, "Her undergraduate students were her children and her graduate students were her family."
In 2019, Vivian was recognized with an Order of Manitoba. The citation stated, "As professor of food science and nutrition at the University of Manitoba, Dr. Vivian Bruce was instrumental in conducting the first research exploring the health benefits of canola oil and establishing its unique nutritional properties. Working with her colleague, the late Dr. Bruce McDonald, she conducted important research with positive ramifications for food science and the economic viability of key Manitoba crops."
Vivian was an active member of the University Women’s Club for many years where she was involved with the walking group, current events and bridge. She was a member of Crescent Fort Rouge United Church where she participated in the outreach program that led to her volunteer work with refugees. Vivian enjoyed travelling for many years with her friend Jackie Dupont.
Vivian was predeceased by her parents, Douglas and Lela (Long) Bruce and cousins, Bill and Eleanor Long. She will be lovingly remembered by her many cousins, among them Margaret (Bruce) Young, Lizabeth (Stan) Oleksinski, and Timothy (Brenda Beckman-Long) Long and their families. She will be deeply missed by her many close friends including Kim McKay and Tracy McKay.
We would like to thank Carrie and Jasmine and all the staff at Riverwood Square for their kindness and care while Vivian lived there. Thank you to Dr. Cavers, nursing staff and nursing assistants on 4 South Victoria General Hospital for their kind and compassionate care.
A Celebration of Life will be held November 15, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Crescent Fort Rouge United Church, 525 Wardlaw Avenue Winnipeg. For those who wish to attend virtually, follow the link below.
https://twitch.tv/crescentfortrougelive
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Dr. Vivian Bruce Bursary Fund, at the University of Manitoba or the charity of your choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 10, 2023, Nov 11, 2023
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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I fondly remember Dr. Bruce, whose office was tucked away in the far corner of the fourth floor of the Home Economics building. Dr. Bruce was always willing to listen and offer her support while I was both an undergraduate and graduate student. As well, it was a privilege to have worked with her and Dr. Bruce McDonald on a part of their canola research study. I will always remember my responsibility to meticulously weigh each grain of rice and other food items provided to the research participants. The importance of their research under the watchful eyes of Drs. Bruce and McDonald was evident to me. May you rest in peace, Dr. Bruce. Sincerely, Marlene (Batt) Kendall - Posted by: Marlene (Batt) Kendall (Undergraduate and Graduate student) on: Nov 15, 2023
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I visited Vivian on quite a few occasions to record her Life Story, which was a project that was the brainchild of our former minister Irene Greenwood and which I led for quite a few years. Her Life Story booklet along with many others, remains at the church (Vivian also had her own copy). I enjoyed getting to know her during that process. Vivian was always welcoming when I came to her apartment. She was very prepared and concise with the details she wanted in her story, which was, indeed, an interesting and laudable one. She was a very intelligent independent woman who made many contributions to the world with her work, and also to the church, especially with regard to the refugees that were sponsored by Crescent Fort Rouge United and other churches in the area. -Marlene Beaty - Posted by: Marlene Beaty (fellow member of Crescent Fort Rouge United Church) on: Nov 15, 2023
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As one of Dr. Bruce's nutrition students in the '70s, I feel so lucky to have met her! She was one of my biggest fans - full of encouragement during my university days and always remembering me when I popped by for visits years after I graduated. I can still hear her voice and her laugh after all these years. Thank you for livestreaming her celebration of life today - what a lovely tribute to Dr. Bruce. I wish I could've been there in person. Lynne Sawchuk (Vancouver, BC) - Posted by: Lynne Sawchuk (Former U of M student) on: Nov 15, 2023
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I am Ruth McKay's sister, Beverley Haney. Ruth and Vivian were lifelong friends from University until Ruth's passing. I am so grateful that Vivian was there to support Ruth during life's up and downs and especially through the many years she battled with cancer. I lived in the States so was not nearby and was so grateful that Vivian was there to support her. She was also a great support for Ruth's daughters, my nieces Kim and Tracy. I got to know Vivian on my visits to Winnipeg to be with Ruth and considered her a part of our family. She will be missed and especially her support and encouragement to Kim and Tracy. - Posted by: Beverley (Johnson) Haney (Friend) on: Nov 15, 2023
