POLAND, Bruce Ellis Poland

In his 75th year and a lifelong resident of Paris, Ontario, passed away June 15, 2026, at the Stedman Community Hospice in Brantford, Ontario. Throughout his journey with cancer, Bruce was surrounded by his many loved family and friends where Bruce invited all to “ride the wave” with him in positivity and happiness.

Bruce Ellis Poland is survived by his beloved wife Denise. He is the beloved father of Deana Poland, Jennifer (Tyler) Brooks and Butch (Whitney) Poland. Dear brother to Anne Poland and Carol (Duane) Poland. Special grandfather to; Michael, Sarah, Emma (Shea), Margaret (Blake), Jason, Bryce, and Ellie; and great-grandson Kohen aka “Frank”.  Denise’s children lovingly remember him: Kara (Cody), Briana (Nick) and Braden (Katie) and grandson Miles. Bruce is a Special Uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Bruce was predeceased by his parents Dr and Mrs. Melvin and Marie Poland of Paris, ON.

Bruce lived life to the fullest. The motto “Work Hard, Play Harder” applied to him. He was a “wheels man” whether it be transport trucks, farm equipment, Sea Ray boats, Harley-Davidson motorcycles or the other countless vehicles he drove or admired over the years.

Bruce showed his passion for work and people through the time he dedicated to H.S. Knill Transport. Eventually owning and passing on the business to his son was of great pride to him. Bruce thoroughly enjoyed all the relationships he made along this journey from fellow drivers, to employees, purebred livestock customers and more. He truly felt he had built a community like family through those connections.

Bruce was involved in serving his community in various ways including the Brant County Power Board, Ayr Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, and the Paris Agricultural Society. Spending precious time with his family and his countless rural friends was extremely important to him.

Bruce’s dedication, generosity, perseverance, and the countless lives he touched are what he will be remembered for. His legacy lives on in his family, his community, and the values he carried throughout his life.

Many thanks to the staff and volunteers at the Stedman Community Hospice who treated Bruce with special care and became like family, making his final weeks a continuation of the life he loved so much.

A Celebration of Life at the Paris Agricultural Society will be held at a later time as per Bruce’s wishes. A date and time for the celebration will be announced once the details have been confirmed. A Private Family Graveside service will take place at the Paris Plains Church Cemetery. In lieu of Flowers, Bruce would like donations in his memory to the Paris Agricultural Society.