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Stephens, Bruce

December 24, 1952 ~ April 16, 2026

IMG 5814STEPHENS, 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.

IMG 6273                                                                          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 (61)

  1. Cathy and family
    Fond memories in Guelph days and shortly after with Bruce and with you, Cathy. Joyce and I are very sorry to hear of his passing. Bruce always brightened the day for those around him – such a joy to be in his presence. God bless.

  2. Dear Cathy and Family
    Bev and I always enjoyed our time with Bruce and the Stephens Family. Be it a Guelph or Brigden, lots of great times and memories. Our sincere condolences.

  3. I always enjoyed having a visit with Bruce. He usually had at least one project on the go that he would talk about. Our prayers are with the Stephens family.

  4. My condolences to the entire Stephens family on the loss of Bruce. Wishing you peace and comfort in your memories.

  5. For all the Stephens family’:

    Our sympathies for your loss and we are thinking of you all, and wishing you moments of peace.
    Our hearts go out to all of you!!

    Warmly,
    Harry & Barb Westendorp,

  6. Our condolences to Cathy, the boys and all of your immediate and extended families. I just heard of Bruce’s passing last night. My connection with Bruce goes back quite many years particularly since my father was a regular customer at Stephens Bros. We “hung out” while are father’s were solving the issues of the day and on occasion would fire up the old Chevy sedan and take it for a cruise. We started high school in the same class and have had a connection since. Bruce loved his old “rides” and his sense of humour was ever present!
    He will be missed.
    Cathy, I know that although Bruce left you all too soon, he also left you and your family many memories to reflect on in years to come that will bring a smiles to your faces and provide at least a small amount of comfort. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
    Sincerely, Jim and Shelley Kelly

  7. Our condolences Cathy and family on the loss of Bruce
    Wayne & Ruth Anne Annett

  8. Cathy & family,
    Deepest condolences go out to all of you at this time. Although it’s been many years, I remember many fond memories spent with all of you at the cottage. Bruce had a huge personality that will be missed by so many. My heart is with you all ❤️

  10. There’s nothing but smiles when our family thinks of Bruce. And we’ll forever be grateful of the opportunity he gave us to settle into the Plum Creek community. Our monthly coffees and his handyman visit’s showed us his kindness, sensitivity, wit, wisdom and charm. A unique individual, who makes an impression.
    To Cathy and his whole Stephens Clan, we are so, so sorry for your loss.
    Ben, Melissa, Ella & Max

  12. Our sincere condolences to Cathy and the entire Steven’s family. We all enjoyed Bruce’s sense of humour when he worked out at Tecumseh Gas.
    He will be missed.

  13. Cathy and family,
    We are so sorry to hear about Bruce. I always remember his smile and hope it brings your family peace.
    Jeannie and Ken Laprise and family

  14. Dear Cathy (and family) so very sorry to hear about your dear husband, and my dear friend Bruce, passing away yesterday … It breaks my heart… Knowing all the pain (and tragedy) he and you have had over the last few years, and even greater pain before then.. I know that when Brent passed away it altered your lives forever. The only consolation anyone can have now is that your dear husband is in peace, and joining souls with Brent. Hallelujah for that if it’s for real— which I believe it is.
    My heart goes out to you, Cathy and your sons and their families who will miss their dad, as will I when I want to say hello in July.

    Thank you for your text from Bruce’s phone last weekend when he went into the hospital. It was your dear husband’s attempt to say a final goodbye. It means so much to me. I knew you wrote the text on his behalf. I’m so glad that you did.
    Our hearts and prayers are with you, dear Cathy . ❤️❤️
    Will and Sue Moran

  15. Dear Ian and family,

    We are so sorry for your loss. Sending our deepest condolences.

  16. Cathy & Family,
    Our sincere condolences. We have lots of great memories. Wishing you all the best during this time of loss.
    The McCormick’s.

  17. Dear Cathy and your family We always remember him with a smile on his face! He has passed that smile onto many of you. May God give you peace beyond comprehension

  18. Condolences to you Cathy and Family. Bruce will be definitely missed. He was the guy that could have you laughing immediately! Hoping good memories will help you through this sad time. I have a Halloween memory that we will never forget! So much fun. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all…..Ron and Jackie and Family.

  19. Cathy and family… so sorry for your loss. Bruce will be missed by so many. Rick and I always enjoyed his wonderful personality and always made us laugh. He was one of the good guys for sure. Our condolences

  20. Condolences to Cathy and family during this sad time , Bruce will be missed as a long time friend and neighbour. Tom and Brenda Rumbold.

  21. Cathy and family…sincere condolences on the passing of Bruce…he will be missed in the community…always enjoyed seeing him go by with his older model cars and trucks he had been working on.

  22. Saddened to hear of the passing of Bruce. Condolences to his family. I remember his family well from my Brigden days, particularly as faithful members of Brigden United Church. It sounds like Briuce had a very rich and rewarding life. A few years before he passed away, I took my late father on a memory tour of his old haunts south of Brigden. One of the places we visited was Black Creek cemetery, where I noted the resting places of Bruce’s late parents. May they all rest in peace there.

  23. Cathy and family.
    Thinking of you at this sad time
    Condolences to all
    John and Jeanne Pretty

  24. Our deepest condolences to you, Cathy and all your family. His kind smile will be missed by many.

  26. Dear Cathy and Family
    Our sincere condolences on the loss of your dear Bruce. He will be missed
    Alan and Connie and Haley Heidrich

  27. Cathy and family .My condolences to you all and remember the fun times at this time of loss.Hugs

  29. Cathy and family .

    We are so sorry to learn of Bruce’s passing . We send our warmest condolences to you and your family 🩷

  30. Cathy and family: so sorry for your loss of Bruce but his long struggle is over. May your memories give you comfort at this sad time. Hugs.

  31. Cathy and family,
    I have such fond memories of Bruce when he worked with Tecumseh Gas many years ago. He was so much fun to be around. He always had a story to tell. My sincere condolences to friends and family. RIP Bruce

  32. The St. Andrew’s Dresden church family is praying for you all. May the peace of Christ and the strength of His Spirit be with you.

  33. Sincere condolences for Cathy and family. Ron always enjoyed his visits with Bruce and I appreciated a heartwarming visit with Bruce and Gary March 9th on their way home from London.
    Blessings—Marg Madill

  35. Cathy and all the Stephen’s family
    We are so sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing
    We have great memories celebrating New Years Eve at the parties you and Bruce hosted
    You are in our thoughts and prayers
    Greg and Betty

  36. Our sincere condolences Cathy and family. Bruce will be sadly missed by all who knew him; he always put a smile on your face.

    May the happy memories of Bruce’s spirit bring you comfort and peace. He truly left the world brighter than he found it. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers through these difficult times

  37. 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.

  38. 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.

  39. I’m sorry .. Cathy and family. Bruce will be missed by so many. Great memories and love.
    Sandy and John. Xoxo

  40. 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.

  41. Our deepest condolences to the Stephens family at this time. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

  42. Cathy sending you healing prayers and comforting hugs to you and your family. We are so sorry for your loss.

  44. 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.

  45. Paul and I offer our condolences to the Stephen’s family. We are so very sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Paul and Val Damchuk

  46. 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.

  48. 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)

  49. Cathy and family
    Saddened to hear of Bruce’s passing, our thoughts are with you all!
    Wendy and Marcel Tremblay

  50. 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.

  51. My condolences to Ian and Family. Thinking of you during this difficult time.

  52. 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

  53. Cathy,Kristen,Darren,Greg,Ian and families.
    My condolences to you all during this tough time. Sending you all strength and love.

  54. 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.

  55. 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.

  56. Cathy. Our deepest sympathies to you & your family. We are thinking of you all during this difficult time.
    Brian & Debbie

  57. 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.

  61. Cathy,
    My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. He fought bravely for a long time.
    Ted and Faye Barnes

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