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Bruce Wellington Whitehouse

This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.

Bruce Wellington Whitehouse

February 15, 1927 - May 10, 2022

Passed away peacefully Tuesday May 10th at the Bethany Lodge. Fortunate to live a Wonderful Full Life with his Loving Wife & Best Friend Ruby for over 67 years. Only Child of (Duke) Wellington & Gladys Whitehouse. Born & raised in Toronto, attending University of Toronto at the age of 16 going on to complete Graduate & Post Graduate Degrees in Chemical Engineering & Psychology. A great humanitarian, Bruce followed his passion for helping others, he was most fond of his career working as the Chief Psychologist at the Board of Education, where he was a trailblazer in creating programs that helped many. His kindness, sincerity, integrity, captivating wisdom, wry wit & calm presence made Bruce an excellent mentor, teacher & best Father anyone could hope for. Loved by all that knew him, he was truly one of a kind. Interests: Avid Reader, Movie Buff, Big Band devotee, Acting, Singing, Piano Man, Sports Guy. Favourite Travel Places: Paris, Bermuda & California Coast. Bruce had many accomplishments in life but his biggest was being a proud Father of his children Robert (Carol) & Cheryl (Rick), Grandchildren Matthew (Emily), Tanner (Colleen), Great Grandson Padraig. Small Private Family Service will be held at a later date in May.

The Family extends immeasurable thanks & gratitude to Bethany Lodge for their compassionate care. Those wishing to make a Memorial Donation in Bruce’s name can be made at www.bethanylodge.org/donate.

MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCE / DONATIONS

Victoria University - May 31, 2022

On behalf of Victoria University, we send our deepest sympathies on your recent loss. Sincerely, the staff of Alumni Affairs & Advancement.

Joanne Bourque - May 29, 2022 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Bethany Lodge

Joanne Bourque - May 29, 2022

I am deeply saddened to hear of the tremendous loss of Bruce, your wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather, and our Scarborough Board much beloved Chief Psychologist and Friend. Bruce had a quiet, but highly effective, kind and gentle way of encouraging and sensitively mentoring us to become ever better psychologists and people. I can still hear Bruce's timeless wisdom in my ear when situations become challenging... and, despite some of the laws of physics which he also taught me, the everlasting ripples of Bruce's influence, mentorship, kindness and deep compassion remain in my head and my heart, always. My heartfelt condolences to Ruby, Robert, Cheryl, and to all of Bruce's Family and Friends who keenly feel the immense loss of this wonderful man. Joanne

Solveig Lalla - May 17, 2022

Fifty years ago Bruce took a chance and hired this young mom of a toddler into the psychology department of the SBE, which gave me a long and wonderful career working with children. As a boss, Bruce was always supportive, willing to listen and to patiently share his vast knowledge. I also have wonderful memories of the parties and adventures that we shared over many years. I will always value Bruce´s personal support through difficult times. Krishna and I are thinking of Ruby, Robert and Cheryl at this time and send our heartfelt condolences. Thank you for sharing Bruce with us. Solveig

Joan and Michael Beck - May 16, 2022

We were sorry to learn of Bruce's death. We remember Bruce fondly. My earliest memory of Bruce is of being at Aunt Gadlys' home when I was quite little with my sister Barbara. We were watching Aunt Gladys make mincemeat and then Bruce appeared from his bedroom where he was studying. I remember him at that time as tall, dark haired, handsome, and very kind to two little girls. I hope happy memories of Bruce as a loving husband and father will always keep him close to you. Affectionately, Joan & Michael

Howard Marcovitch - May 16, 2022

I worked for Bruce for many years and he was supportive, attentive and caring. Bruce seldom thought of himself and was generous with others. Professional discussions inevitably turned to talking about Ruby and his children, all of whom he clearly adored. Bruce was a gentleman and a man off his word. He impacted many people over the years and will be fondly remembered.

Margot & Larry Baker - May 16, 2022 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Bethany Lodge

Judy Jackson - May 15, 2022

Bruce hired me right out of school, and I have never forgotten him. A more kind, supportive, ethical and wise boss could not be imagined. I remain, almost 45 years later, so very grateful and fortunate to have had Bruce as a teacher and guide. My sincere condolences to family and loved ones for your loss of this special man. Judy

Cori Arthur - May 15, 2022

Bruce and I were in the musical 42nd Street together in Mississauga in the 80s(?). I so enjoyed being on stage with him and still have the lovely note he gave me at dress rehearsal. I can still hear his voice! My deepest sympathies.

Margot & Larry Baker - May 14, 2022

I am saddened to hear of your loss. Bruce was an amazing man and it was an honour and privilege to work under his guidance for some many years at the Scarborough Board of Education. He taught me so very much about how to effectively work at my schools. He will always be fondly remembered. My very deepest sympathy to his family, who he loved very much.

Natalina Borghese-McPherson - May 14, 2022

Bruce hired me back in 1991, the last person he hired before he retired. He gave me the career of my dreams and for that I will be forever grateful. Bruce was a wonderful boss and mentor and loved by his staff. I was so lucky to have discovered that my neighbour Cheryl was his daughter and I was able to find out what he had been up to after he left the school board. It was great to know he continued to lead such a full and enriched life. I send my most sincere condolences to Cheryl and the rest of the family.

larry snyder - May 14, 2022

Have known Bruce for 60 years as my boss, and friend. Will remember Bruce for his leadership, warmth, and support all those years. at the Scarborough Board of Education,. I echo the comments of other colleagues who worked under Bruce's leadership over those years. A life well lived. My condolences to Ruby and their family.

Suzan and Marvin - May 14, 2022

Cheryl and Family…our sincerest heartfelt condolences….RIP Bruce!

Steve Mackay - May 14, 2022

Along with Monica and Ian (and many others), I also had the fun and the privilege to work under Bruce in the Scarborough Board of Education Psychology Department. Monica has expressed so beautifully what I think we all felt under Bruce's leadership. I won't try to add to her words other than to say that we were all so lucky to have had his friendly example and guidance and leadership. My best wishes for Ruby and Robert and Cheryl and all the family. Steve

Monica Wolkowski - May 14, 2022

My deepest condolence to dear Ruby, Robert, Cheryl and all the family. What a privilege to have known Bruce as a respected boss and friend. So many memories, both professional and fun, working in the psychology department of the Scarborough Board of Education (now TDSB). It certainly felt that he had built a "family " of professionals in which members were inspired through his humanity and respectful leadership, trusted to grow and help each other deliver the BEST services to children possible, at the same time maintaining a healthy work/life balance. It was a joy to have maintained contact with Ruby and Bruce in retirement years.

Monica Wolkowski - May 14, 2022

My deepest condolence to dear Ruby, Robert, Cheryl and all the family. What a privilege to have known Bruce as a respected boss and friend. So many memories, both professional and fun, working in the psychology department of the Scarborough Board of Education (now TDSB). It certainly felt that he had built a "family " of professionals in which members were inspired through his humanity and respectful leadership, trusted to grow and help each other deliver the BEST services to children possible, at the same time maintaining a healthy work/life balance. It was a joy to have maintained contact with Ruby and Bruce in retirement years.

Dr. Ian Brown - May 14, 2022

Bruce was a wonderful mentor as my boss in the psychology department at the Scarborough Board of Education. He was always a great listener, very patient and a font of good advice, particularly with difficult cases or when I messed something up. He generously entertained his staff at parties in his Scarborough home, which I remember fondly.

Anne T. Bell - May 14, 2022

Dear Ruby, Cheryl, Robert and Family. My heart goes out to all of you on the loss of a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather. Bruce was a wonderful friend to Graham and I. Both Graham, when he was still alive and myself cherished the friendship we were fortunate to have with Bruce and Ruby. We had some wonderful times together and lots of great memories were made over the past fifty plus years. Memories that will last forever. So as I say goodbye Bruce, I hope you and Graham have met up and are having a good old chin wag and are busy reminiscing about all the good times we had and the memories we were fortunate to make. Bruce, R.I.P Your good friend Anne 💕