Stephens, Bruce
December 24, 1952 ~ April 16, 2026
STEPHENS, Bruce David – It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Bruce David Stephens at age 73 on Thursday, April 16, 2026. He died peacefully after a hard fought battle with cancer, surrounded by family at Charlotte Englehart Hospital in Petrolia. He will be remembered as a loving husband to Cathy of 50 years and a devoted dad to Brent (Kristen), Darren (Christine), Greg (Dana), and Ian (Nicole). Bruce was a wonderful grandfather to his fifteen grandchildren and knew how to bring a smile to all their faces with his unique sense of humour. Son of Byron and Mildred Stephens, and son in law of Percy and Lois Metcalf. Bruce was proud to have grown up in Brigden with his siblings Trudy (Ron), Gary (Janet) and Janet (Gary). He was a beloved brother-in-law to Patty, Beth (Sam) and Ron (Cheryl).
He was a hardworking small businessman (Bruce Stephens Excavation) and a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers. He was a passionate farmer his whole life, having graduated from the University of Guelph with a diploma in agriculture.
Bruce was a volunteer for the Moore Agricultural Society and Knox Dawn Presbyterian Church. He always was willing to help a friend in need. Bruce loved boating, waterskiing and downhill sking. He was usually found fixing or tinkering in the shop. In his later years, he enjoyed spending time at his cottage in Port Lambton with family. Bruce loved to go for coffee with his many friends and was a member of the Bradshaw Better Business Bureau. Bruce and Cathy had wonderful times travelling to North America in their RV when farming wasn’t in full swing.
Living the Dream
He will be forever in our hearts. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal…. Love Leaves a memory no one can steal.
Funeral Details
Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service for Bruce on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 11am at the Brigden Fair Grounds (2435 Courtright Line, Brigden). A graveside service will follow at Black Creek Cemetery. Following the graveside service everyone is welcome to join the family back at the fairgrounds for a luncheon.
Donations
Sympathy may be expressed through donation to The Terry Fox Foundation Support Cancer Research – Terry Fox Foundation.
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Condolences (25)
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Cathy and family we are very sorry for your loss. Bruce always had a friendly smile and kind words when we walked by your cottage. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Our condolences to Cathy and family on the passing of Bruce. We have know Bruce and Cathy for many years. Bruce enjoyed his meals here when he was bulldozing, especially the bean bake! Bruce enjoyed farming and we’ll miss him at the coffee shop.
I’m sorry .. Cathy and family. Bruce will be missed by so many. Great memories and love.
Sandy and John. Xoxo
Cathy and family deepest sympathies to each of you. Bruce was always fun to be around and brought many smiles to everyone.
Hugs to each of you.
Our deepest condolences to the Stephens family at this time. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cathy sending you healing prayers and comforting hugs to you and your family. We are so sorry for your loss.
My condolences to the family. He was a good neighbor when I lived out there.
Cathy and family it’s never easy to say goodbye to someone so loved. Bruce with his larger than life personality and sense of fun and humour will be greatly missed but has left so many memories that he will be in hearts forever.
Paul and I offer our condolences to the Stephen’s family. We are so very sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Paul and Val Damchuk
Deepest sympathies Cathy to you and your family. Known you both for a long time and first time met Bruce riding the long bus ride to LCCVI. He was such a witty guy with a great sense of humour. May you all be comforted in the special memories l.
Sending our thoughts and prayers to you and your family Cathy!
Cathy and family,
So sorry to read about the passing of Bruce. My thoughts are with you at this sad time. May pleasant memories bring you peace.
Cathy (formerly of Lambton County Libraries)
Cathy and family
Saddened to hear of Bruce’s passing, our thoughts are with you all!
Wendy and Marcel Tremblay
So sorry to hear the sad news of Bruce’s passing. I always loved his sense of humour and kind way. Thinking of you Cathy and family.
My condolences to Ian and Family. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Dear Cathy and family. We are so very sorry to hear about Bruce’s death. We fondly remember our time participating with the shenanigans of the BBBB and WTS. Our Halloween adventures were so fun. I still have my ‘L’ made of corks on my sewing room wall that you all made for us when we moved to Alberta.
Remember the good times as there have been many, he will be missed! Love, Lyle and Shirley
Cathy,Kristen,Darren,Greg,Ian and families.
My condolences to you all during this tough time. Sending you all strength and love.
A great friend has left his mark here and many years of memories, way back to public school. Alan and I know wonderful memories can help with the lost of a love one by warming your aching heart. God be with you all. Alan and Marie.
I am so very sorry. He was a wonderful man who brought so many smiles! I am sorry I can’t make the funeral. You are all in my thoughts.
Cathy. Our deepest sympathies to you & your family. We are thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Brian & Debbie
Cathy and family. We are very sorry for your loss.
We always loved visiting with Bruce. He could always make you laugh.he will be greatly missed.
Al and Barb.
Our deepest condolences to Cathy and Family.
Sorry for loss Cathy and family you have my deepest condolences.
Our sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Cathy,
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. He fought bravely for a long time.
Ted and Faye Barnes