September 16, 1955 – October 23, 2024
It is with heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Bruce Spencer Guest, on October 23, 2024.
Bruce will be eternally remembered by his loving partner, Elaine Gross; his sons, Spencer (Stephanie) and Mitchell; their mother Laurie; and his adoring grandson, Liam. Also left to cherish his memory are his sisters, Barbara Roche (Ron Whittaker), Andrea Alkier (Andy), and Carol Dueck (Randy); his brother, Doug (Allison); and many nieces and nephews. Bruce was predeceased by his loving and devoted parents, David and Helen Guest.
As a graduate of the University of Manitoba, Bruce went on to complete his CGA designation. He was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, where he formed lifelong friendships and connections.
Bruce’s career was in project management, with a focus on commercial construction, including participation in the construction of Canada Life Centre (as it is now known). He served as a financial advisor for three First Nations communities in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. In his personal life, Bruce was never happier than when he had a DIY project on the go and, as a result, he refurbished many homes over the years.
Bruce, known to many as “Guester”, grew up in Crescentwood where he spent many happy and sometimes mischievous times with his best friend, Fraser Kulba. He attended Kelvin High School where he participated in football and many other sports.
He was an enthusiastic water polo player and competed in speed swimming. Bruce’s summers were spent at the family cottage in Victoria Beach where, for a time, he served as President of the Victoria Beach Community Centre. He was an active member of the Victoria Beach Yacht Club and served as Commodore for a number of years. He had a love of water and sailing and spent many hours on the lake, sharing his love of sailing with his brother and his sons.
He was also passionate about skiing and made many happy memories at Whistler and the surrounding areas with Spencer and Mitchell. He was so proud and excited to learn that his grandson, Liam, was taking to the slopes at the young age of 4 years. Bruce and Elaine very recently embarked on a week-long tour of Nova Scotia where Bruce relished in his experiences with the ocean, the Bay of Fundy tidal bores and the Cabot Trail. Bruce returned from the trip with a full and happy heart.
A Celebration of Life will take place at the Winnipeg Winter Club, 200 River Avenue, on November 18, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to CancerCare Manitoba or a charity of your choice.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal;
Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
3 thoughts on “Bruce Spencer Guest”
With a saddened heart to our family Bruce you will be truly missed. Growing up and spending time at family get togethers I have so many memories of love and compassion of my Uncle Bruce and just always making sure we all had fun. Bruce was very special to me growing up always trying to give me knowledge of making sure to treat everyone I meet in life to show love and compassion. Bruce was awesome to spend time with whenever I had the time to be around him and he made sure it was an amazing time and the memories I have know that I was blessed to have him as a part of my life and as a part of our family. Bruce you will be truly missed and thank you for all the memories and to all my family I am so sorry for your loss of such a great man.
In coelo quies est.
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of Bruce. I only lived in Winnipeg for two years, but the Guest house was so welcoming and often felt like a second home to me. Some of my fondest memories in Winnipeg happened with your family. I can remember water balloon fights in your backyard, Super Smash Bros nights that lasted into the early morning on weekends, and of course, Bruce being an awesome Dungeon Master for our Dungeons and Dragons group. I was also fortunate enough to be invited up to your family cottage for a couple of weeks, where I was able to sail for the first (and only) time in my life thanks to the help of Spencer and Bruce. Bruce took us out on something that looked like a catamaran, and we ripped around the lake at an enthralling speed. Bruce always seemed like one of the “cool dads”, and the world is a lesser place without him in it.
I haven’t been to Winnipeg in 20 years, and I still often think back on the time I spent with your family as it had a lasting impact on me. You are all genuine, good people and I am so sorry that Bruce was taken far too soon. My thoughts are with you.