THOMAS LEOND BRUYERE

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father and grandfather, Thomas Leond Bruyere, 63, of Couchiching First Nation.
Tom passed away suddenly on Thursday, July 30, 2009 at his home.
He is survived by wife Elizabeth “Ann”; son Blair Bruyere (Kim); daughter Stacey Jack (Chad); and grandsons, James, Tyrel and Andrew.
He is also survived by brother Ralph Bruyere (Joan); sister Dorothy Dokuchie; sisters-in-law Shirley I. Bruyere and Mildred Bruyere; brother-in-law Allen Singleton Sr.; Ann’s brothers and sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Tom was predeceased by his father and mother, Rod and Connie; brothers, Howard, Telford, “Swede”, “Sonboy”, “Smallie”, and Gordie; and sisters, Yvonne, Edith and Carol.
Tom had numerous jobs throughout his lifetime, ranging from a “fish-house” manager to a truck driver. However, for the last thirty years before retirement, Tom worked in First Nation Economic Development; he retired from Pwi-Di-Goo-Zing Ne-Yaa-Zhing Advisory Services in 2005. To Tom, “retirement” only meant he didn’t have to show up at an office every morning—he was busier than ever with his numerous projects.
Tom always lived his life to the fullest and never missed an opportunity to tell stories of peoples, places and events. He had a great memory, and would rarely forget anyone’s name. He loved playing jokes, and he loved when others played jokes as well.
Throughout his lifetime, Tom also spent hundreds of hours fishing—a skill that was obtained through his family in his very early years, and one that he passed on to his son.
He also enjoyed cooking for others, playing guitar, building the cabin, traveling with wife Ann, gambling at every casino between Fort Frances and Las Vegas, and of course, searching out deals.
On a charitable note, Tom will be remembered locally for “Tom Bruyere’s 20-Mile Walk for Dialysis”, a fundraiser which he initiated for the Riverside Foundation for Health Care.
A memorial service was held on Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the Couchiching Bingo Hall, with Tom’s nephew, Richard Bruyere, officiating. The burial was held at the Our Lady of Lourdes cemetery. Honourary pallbearers were those friends whose lives he touched—you know who you are!
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Hemodialysis Unit, c/o The Riverside Foundation for Health Care, 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ontario, P9A 2B7, or in care of Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ontario, P9A 3M8.
On line condolences may be made in care of www.mem.com.