DEVITT, William John Bruce Devitt

Born in Burnaby BC, Bruce grew up in Bridge River near Lillooet. The eldest of seven, Bruce graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry in 1957. Following graduation, he practiced as a professional forester with the BC Forest Service in reforestation; becoming Forester i/c Seed & Nurseries for the Province. He joined Pacific Logging Ltd. in 1972 as Forestry Manager. After 18 years of industrial forest management, Bruce retired in 1991 as Chief Forester for Canadian Pacific Forest Products Limited to become executive vice-president of the BC Professional Foresters Association. He retired from that position in 1995 to join private practice. Bruce served as a director of Pacific Regeneration Technologies Management Inc. for 15 years (retiring in 2002). Bruce also worked for the Provincial Forest Appeals Board and the Environmental Appeals Board.

In the fall of 1957, Bruce met Celia – the love of his life- in Victoria. Celia just arrived with her sister and parents from Paignton, England and Bruce just arrived from working in the woods. They married at St Mary’s Church Oak Bay on October 11, 1958. The family resided in Duncan at High Hopes Farm until they moved to Saanich. In 1985 Bruce and Celia moved to West Vancouver. After retirement, they moved to live in Esquimalt. Love and laughter filled their homes everywhere they went.

Bruce was active in his profession and community affairs: Director of the BC Forest Museum, Cowichan school board, chair of a Regional District, a member of a hospital board as well as many National and Provincial professional committees: President of the Canadian Institute of Forestry 1982, He received recognition from his fellow foresters in 1983 when he received the Distinguished Foresters Award. Bruce holds the Western Forestry Lifetime Achievement Award (1991) and the Canadian Forestry Achievement Award (1995). Bruce is a life member of Association of BC Forest Professionals after 47 years of practice.

Bruce was an Esquimalt Parks and Recreation commissioner and vice-chair, where he chaired committees charged with the revitalization of Esquimalt’s Recreation Centre where he received “The 2005 Canadian Parks and Recreation Association Award of Merit.” Bruce received the Mel Cooper Citizen of the year award 2014 for outstanding citizenship and public service in the Township of Esquimalt.

Bruce was active at St Paul’s Church,at Saanich Curling, Esquimalt Senior Men’s Curling, Victoria Block Watch, coached his son’s soccer team in Lakehill Soccer Assoc.,lawn bowling at Vic West Lawn Bowling Club, gardening, curling, watercolour painting and fishing. Bruce was also a voracious reader and loved a good conversation and sharing of stories..

Bruce was predeceased by his brother Dean, sister Cathie and grandson Matthew.

He survived by his loving & dedicated wife of 67 years Celia, daughters: Susannah (Russ), Brenda (Albert), son John (Jennifer). Grandchildren Krista, Nick, Rhiannon, Colton, Alanna, Nathaniel, Great Grandchildren Quinn, Theo. Sisters Ann, Lynn, Brothers: Phil, Dave and families. A private immediate family celebration of life will be held in the future. The family is collecting memories, stories and photos.