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Bruce Truefitt Mastin

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Bruce Truefitt Mastin

October 9, 1945 - May 26, 2020

Peacefully at Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg, on Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 in his 75th year. Beloved husband of Elizabeth Joan Pezzack. Loving father of Jonathan, David, Daniel, Timothy (Samantha), Peter (Louise), Nathan, Leah (Pier), Anna (David). Loving papa of 17 grandchildren. Predeceased by his brother Paul (the late Sally) and he will be missed by his sister Elizabeth (Ellery) Hollingsworth. Bruce lived his whole life with exceptional energy, enthusiasm and faith.

MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCE / DONATIONS

Warren and Carol Brown - June 11, 2020

Joan and Family, Our hearts and prayers are with you all during these difficult times. Warren and Carol

Paul Steels - June 11, 2020

My sincerest condolences to your family for the loss of your father. Bruce and I were colleagues at ENSS in Brighton for many years and my thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Patricia Scanlon - June 8, 2020

Mr Mastin was my gr 13 Biology teacher decades ago. I remember very clearly the cat dissection, and that we snuck Rigor's intestines out of the lab, and hung them in our friend's locker. We threw them into the garbage after her shriek, but unbeknownst to us, someone else then put them into a nearby water fountain. Next day, Mr Mastin demanded to see everyone's cat, to determine whose was missing their intestines, as another teacher had not been amused when she inadvertently found them in the water fountain! When we 'fessed up, he gave us that great smile that always lit up his ever-so-blue eyes, and gently let us off the hook. Loved his energy and his zest for life. He was a fantastic teacher.

Shirley Burrows and Lynn Swanson - June 7, 2020

Shirley sends her love and condolences to Joan and all the family. Remembering Bruce and all his help and support with the Peterborough congregation, especially in building your own sports team. Prayers for peace to you all. Love Shirley Burrows

John Kearns - June 7, 2020

Dear Joan and family. It is with sadness that I learned today of the death of Bruce. Donna and I have many good memories of our times together in the past. We expressed a desire to see you and Brice but sadly never acted on it. Bruce was a larger than life character who will be missed by you, your family and friends. Donna and I pray God will comfort your heart at this sad time. Are you still living in the farm near Castleton? We would love to hear from you. John and Donna Kearns

Sue and Jim Moore - June 6, 2020

Dear Joan and family, we were saddened to hear of Bruce's passing. We shared many years at ENSS and always knew Bruce to be a committed and professional colleague. We shall always remember his love of family and farming and the environment. Jim says he had an amazing hockey wrist shot! He was always strong and had boundless energy. Blessings to you all as you journey through your loss and healing. Sue and Jim Moore

Dave Brunton - June 6, 2020

So sad to read of Bruce’s passing In the late 50s I spent many a wonderful Saturday night in the Mastin house on Midland Avenue watching hockey Paul and I were in high school together Ellery lived 2 doors east of my house on Cliffcrest Drive and of course married Elizabeth I tried to locate Bruce when I was an OPP Officer in the 90s when a friend told me he taught at a local high school and lived in Castleton When Paul passed away years ago I was on my way to his funeral when I was called away to an accident Bruce came by his generous ways from a loving family My sincere condolences to the family for your loss

Cindy and Brian Peck - June 4, 2020

Our heartfelt sympathy to you all. John, you always had a great smile and the same laugh as your Dad. It was my pleasure to work with both of you. I have very good memories with you at Campbellford High School and with your Dad at ENSS. Your Dad did a good job with the Anatomy/Physiology class. He had the full attention of every student when he brought in the baby lamb. Cindy and Brian Peck

Daryl Leckie - June 4, 2020

Our condolences to the Mastin Family in the loss of Bruce. Aging changes things for everyone. Through the years we watched family grow, partook in many events together and saw maturity develop. Bruce and family are noted for their enthusiasm, hospitality, humour, hard work and tenacity. The Mastin family has had a good husband, father, friend, and leader. We miss all of you and are saddened by your loss. Remember....it isn’t over until it is over.

Mike Gibson - June 2, 2020

Community Care Northumberland transportation drove Bruce to many of his appointments in recent years. All of the drivers enjoyed the many interesting conversations with Bruce. We learned how to plant a garden, tap a tree, heat a house or just how to be a good person. We will miss Bruce!

Pamela Davies-Godden (Fetterly) - June 1, 2020

I worked with Bruce for many years in the past and thought of him as a gentleman with a great sense of humour and a deep caring for his family. I also remember my son's happy thoughts of him in his after school rocketry class. Rest in peace, Bruce. You leave with us many happy memories.

Marian Stockdale and Family - June 1, 2020

Bruce was an amazing man, husband, father and friend! Our families enjoyed many exciting events and adventures together over the past fifty years - memories we now cherish! Sending our love to Joan and all the family at this sad time but know the legacy Bruce has left them of his courage and humour will comfort them in the days and years ahead!

Kathryn Shanahan - May 31, 2020 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

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Kathryn Shanahan - May 31, 2020 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Charity of Your Choice

Denise LaSalle - May 31, 2020

Dear Mastin Family Mr. Mastin was my teacher many years ago. His classes were interesting because he was knowledgeable and a great story-teller of science. His lessons inspired me to pursue science in my post-secondary studies. He had a patient and gentle way with students, and a wonderful sense of humour. I've heard it said that the magnitude of the loss corresponds to the magnitude of the blessing. I find that to be true. Although it changes shape, the blessing always remains. My deepest sympathies for your loss.

John Howden - May 29, 2020

My heartfelt prayers go out to the Mastin family at this time of sorrow. I had the pleasure to become acquainted with Bruce earlier in my teaching career as we would end up enrolling in a few of the same env. sci. workshops over the years followed by a re-connection down road when he did supply teaching at CSS in his early retirement. Always the consummate gentleman and kind soul. Had some great conversations. I can see where Tim got his sharp debating skills.

Mary Mouse Checkley Ainsworth - May 29, 2020

Joan and families, please accept my condolences on your loss of Bruce. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Bruce was a kind, funny man with whom I worked with for many years at ENSS. He was beloved and I know many of you will carry on his teaching legacy of which he was so proud of as well as being proud of all of you.

Mary Mouse Checkley Ainsworth - May 29, 2020

Joan and families, please accept my condolences on the loss of your beloved Bruce. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Bruce was a funny, caring individual whom I had the pleasure of working with for years at ENSS. He will surely be missed. Let his teaching legacy carry on through his beloved children of whom he was so proud.

Charlie Black - May 28, 2020

I believe this was my teacher at enss school . He was a big man he use to make us can him king if we couldn't bet him in arm wrestling. I am 55 years old now and still tell that story. Sorry for you lost he was one of the good ones for sure.

Lyn and Bruce Kitchen - May 28, 2020

Our deep condolences to you Joan and your extended family at the loss of Bruce. We remember him as so energetic and engaging in all the interactions we had. We have fond memories of camping with teens in NY State, evening watching the space station fly over from the top of a stack of hay bales on one of many occasions at the farm, and potluck meals of astonishing variety. He made many contributions to church services including special music in large and small choirs to add to the worship we all wished to share. His good cheer despite health troubles endeared him to all. He'll be sorely missed. God bless you all. Lyn and Bruce

Tonya Elliott Moore - May 28, 2020

Dear Mastin Family, So very sorry to hear of this sad loss. We have fond memories of dinner and meeting the most adorable little yellow baby chicks at your home so many, many years ago. May you find peace, comfort, and acceptance during these sad times and may God give you the strength to continue to move forward. Mr. Mastin and his brother Paul, were larger than life personalities that left us too soon and will never be forgotten. We long for the day when we will once again meet those we have loved and lost. With the deepest love, the Elliott Family.

John & Linda McNutt - May 28, 2020

Our deepest condolences to the whole family. I don’t think we have seen a more enthusiastic person in our life. Such fond memories of Bruce and the whole family. May God give you strength through this difficult time. In Christian love, John and Linda McNutt

Joanne Conrad - May 28, 2020

Nathan, my heart is with you and your family at this very sad and difficult time. "GOODBYE MY FAMILY, MY LIFE PASSED. I LOVED YOU ALL TO THE VERY LAST. WEEP NOT FOR ME BUT COURAGE TAKE. LOVE EACH OTHER FOR MY SAKE. FOR THOSE YOU LOVE DON'T GO AWAY. THEY WALK BESDIE YOU EVERY DAY." Blessings and prayers, Joanne Conrad

Patricia Toyne - May 28, 2020

So sorry to hear of Mr Mastin's passing. He was a great teacher with a great sense of homour - one of the few teachers I remember from my time at ENSS-some 45 years ago. My condolences to all of his family

Carla Pearson-Sethna & Fram Sethna - May 28, 2020

Dear Mastin family, We are praying for your comfort and peace that surpasses our understanding. I have missed staying in contact with you over the years; I have so many wonderful memories of time spent with the Mastin family as a teenager --hiking trips where I was envious of the real food Mr. Mastin carried in and ate, while I consumed my meagre campstore food; a time on the farm when the ram chased Greg around the house; track meets, picnics, ball games. At church I used to love Mr. Mastin's sermonettes, revealing the infinite intelligence, love, and passion of our creator in his creation. Mr. Mastin was a devoted, passionate, life-long educator who taught us all to live intentionally with joy, faith, and energy. I am grateful for the influence your family has had in my life.

KPP - May 28, 2020

We were very fortunate to support Bruce all these years, he has made an everlasting impact on KPP and all who have supported him. Thank you for the privilege

Tracy Babstock - May 28, 2020

My deepest condolences and prayers to all of your family at this difficult time.

David Rightmyer - May 28, 2020

Jon and family Sorry to hear of Bruce Passing I worked with Bruce at ENSS What a great man Thoughts and prayers are with you all Rest in peace Bruce David Rightmyer

Jordan Grant - May 28, 2020

Mr. Mastin was an inspirational teacher who sincerely believed in his students. I remember vividly that he cheered me on when I took the path less chosen at ENSS. I will always remember him for his laugh and witty insights.

Michelle (Dick) Blanchard - May 27, 2020

Our condolences to all of you during this very difficult time. He was always someone I looked up to.

Jon and Eileen Pippy - May 27, 2020

Our sincere condolences to Joan and the family. Bruce certainly was an example of great perseverance under adversity. Sincerely Jon and Eileen Pippy

Gloria Yeung (Brehaut) - May 27, 2020

As if yesterday, I remember the 1981 grade 13 biology class at ENSS, the joy of learning about life from someone so passionate about it. I learned to be respectful of Science, considerate of life, observant. The teachings of Mr. Mastin laid much of the foundation of university, career, and joy I find now in observing nature, so much so that my daughter is now in university biology as I could share those lessons with her. Although our lives never crossed paths again, his teachings live on in many more ways than you, as family, can know. My condolences to you all, and my thanks.

Jas Woods - May 27, 2020

Prayers and condolences to the families.

Terry Stanley - May 27, 2020

Dear Joan and family. I am so sad to hear about Bruce’s passing. I will miss the fun conversations we always had in the Community Care Van. Warm thoughts to all.

Robby Williamson - May 27, 2020

A hero of mine growing up, my condolences to the Mastin family. R.I.P.