Obituary of Bruce McEwing

The family invites you to watch the celebration of Bruce's life, please CLICK HERE

Donald Bruce McEwing

Donald Bruce McEwing (Bruce), beloved father, brother, friend and most neighbourly man ever, passed away suddenly on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024.

Bruce was born December 19, 1950, first son of Donald and Phyllis McEwing.  He grew up on the family farm, and was later joined by brother Grant, sisters Audrey and Sandra.  He attended elementary school at Robinville School, high school in Rivers, MB.  In 1966, the family moved 1 ½ miles north and east, to the new house with running water.  This is the same home where Bruce lived again from 1997 until his passing. 

Bruce grew up surrounded by brother and sisters, cousins, aunts and uncles, and the neighbour farm kids.  He always loved gardening.  In high school, Bruce was in the Glee Club and played violin in the Rivers Orchestra. He joined and later led the army cadets in Rivers.  Through cadets, he obtained his pilot’s license, shortly before his driver’s licence, and his love of flying stayed with him always.

Bruce was very proud of his first car, a Datsun. He entered car rallies, and was active in the Brandon Car Club.

Bruce studied welding at ACC, then worked at Metals Industries, and then later started MGB Services, then to Keller Equipment and his own business in “retirement”.  Bruce did many farm visits with his work, and seemed to know almost everyone in the area. 

In 1975, Bruce married Judy Bullion, and they moved to the “little house” on his quarter section at the corner of Highway 25 and 270.  Bruce continued to work at Metals Industries as well as farming the land. They had two children, Kathrine Darceen (Darcy) in 1976 and Derek Brock (Brock) in 1980.  In 1983, the family moved into the new house, an RTM from Cardale. They enjoyed camping in Curran Park, Minnedosa, and Oak Lake, surprise trips to Minot, and visits with the large extended families. Bruce and Judy separated in 1995 and later divorced.  Bruce became active in the area’s AA, where he met Noreen Bailey.  They enjoyed more than 25 years together until Noreen’s passing in 2022.

Bruce would frequently host family and friends at the farm, with a big bonfire, and sometimes fireworks, even in the dead of winter.  He enjoyed visiting small towns, especially in Fall Supper season.  He loved being in the air in his airplane, flying to the far north and west to the mountains. Bruce was a part of many flying clubs including Virden, Shoal Lake, Erickson and Brandon. If there was a fly-in breakfast, he was either directing traffic or whipping up pancakes. If there was a parade around, Bruce would put something behind his truck, usually with a campfire in it, some Christmas lights and see who else wanted to join in the parade. 

Bruce thrived on the outdoors, being in the garden, skating, or just walking.  He enjoyed feeding the birds and whatever other animal would stop by for a snack, and took careful note of the footprints left by unseen visitors to the yard.

He is survived by daughter Darcy Wareham, (Clark Wareham), his son Brock McEwing, grandchildren Derek, Daren and Kendra McEwing, siblings Grant McEwing (Lynn McEwing), Sandra McEwing (Dave Bertin), special friend Islay Shelborn. Bruce was predeceased by his parents Donald and Phyllis McEwing, sister Audrey Easter, wife Judy McEwing and partner Noreen Bailey.

A celebration of Bruce’s life will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Friday,  April 19,2024 at the Provincial Exhibition Dome Building at the Keystone Centre, 1200 13^th Street, Brandon.

He will be missed.