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Thoughts from Bruce: |
Milan's retirement April 2006 . . . . Past High Voltage Gang Nov 2007
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Bruce's Biography from the Memorial Celebration Sept 22, 2008
Bruce was born June 16, in Oakham, England, where his parents were stationed with the Canadian Air Force, in 1953. Before his second birthday, they moved to Germany, and by the time they left, he spoke more German than English. His military childhood took him all over Canada once they returned from Europe, including Moosejaw, where two of his sisters were born. In 1965, the family moved to Australia, where they celebrated their first poolside Christmas.
In 1967 they settled in Vancouver, where Bruce graduated from Point Grey High School in 1971. He studied physics at UBC, and did a Master's at McMaster (he was never one to miss a pun).
Bruce and Christine were married at St. Mary's Kerrisdale in 1976. During his PhD at UBC, Bruce and Christine spent a year in Russia, where he studied at Leningrad State University. His favourite story from Russia is that he traded a Russian boy his red toque with a maple leaf printed on it for his beautiful real fur cap--both were very excited about the trade. He returned to Canada, where he finished his PhD and became a father to Jennifer on the very same day in 1981. Later that year he began working at Powertech Labs, where he would stay for the next 27 years, Heather was born in 1983, and in 1985 Christine and Bruce moved from their first little house at 20th and Dunbar out to North Delta. As the children grew, Bruce and Christine continued to race sailing dinghies and took the girls on lots of camping trips, even in the back country.
Bruce coached soccer year after year, taught the girls to ski and read lots and lots of bedtime stories. Bruce and Christine played softball with the Powertech LabRats, and enjoyed ballroom dancing and playing bridge on ther evenings out.
Bruce invented Science World's Zucchini Zapper--always a hit with the kids. He participated in the Canadian Standards Association, where he helped to establish the standards that electronics manufacturers must meet in Canada. The "Bruceworks" software that he developed for all kinds of applicaions will be used for years to come.
In 1993 it was time for another adventure, so the Neilsons packed up and drove cross-country to spend a year in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, where Bruce worked for Hydro Quebec.
Back in Vancouver Bruce began building water rockets, and marshmallow, Brussels sprout and squirrel cannons, among many other projects (as always).
He also took up writing more seriously, participating in a weekly writer's group, which he valued and enjoyed. This enabled him to finish two novels, "Katya" and "The Way", which will be edited, and perhaps one day published.
Bruce passed away peacefully at 2:30am on Sept 3rd, 2008 after a 4 year challenge with colon cancer. Please read his "Collected Thoughts" (above) to see how he dealt with life.
Thank you all your messages of support and caring.
Donations in Bruce's memory may be made to:
Engineers Without Borders [info]
online at http://www.ewb.ca/memory/bruceneilson
by mail at 366 Adelaide St. W, Suite 601, Toronto ON, M5V 1R9
or by phone at 416-481-3696
Science World Community Engagement
[info]
online at http://www.scienceworld.ca/make-a-difference.html Please indicate that your donation is in Bruce's memory,
and provide at least your name when asked about your privacy preferences if you would like them to notify us of your donation.
by mail at Science World Community Engagements Donation Attn: Karlo 1455 Quebec St., Vancouver BC, V6A 3Z7
by calling Karlo at 604-443-7483
