Bruce Whitmee Irvine

Bruce Whitmee Irvine made an impact on everyone who knew him as a kind and generous person. He was a very loving father and grandfather to all of his children and grandchildren and a loving uncle to his nieces and nephew. We were all so proud to have known Bruce, who grew up in Powell River before attending UBC to become a civil structural engineer. He lived in Vancouver for many years, before returning to the island and eventually settling on Quadra Island, with his love, Elena.

Bruce lived independently, with enthusiasm, on his sailboat until he passed away at the age of 87. He was a brilliant engineer, who completed a diverse array of interesting projects both on land (such as the Andersen Creek Bridge) and under water (such as joints for an atmospheric diving suit). He was sharp until his last day, even continuing to do small survey and engineering projects locally. He would often advise us that “if you don’t use it, you lose it” and would even take his small rowboat around the bay for a row or a sail. His next project was to get a bicycle fixed up with an electric motor. We are thankful that he was able to enjoy life and all of his adventures and that he was lucky to have passed away peacefully in his sleep on his boat. He was survived by his loving partner (Elena), his sister (Joyce Peterson), his four children (Greg, Peter, Andrew, and Valerie), his grandchildren, and the many more family and friends who loved him. 

There will be no service held as family in different cities/countries will be celebrating his life in their own ways. In lieu of flowers, please enjoy a nice walk near the water or somewhere close to nature and remember your happy moments with Bruce. You may also consider planting a tree in memory of Bruce.