Obituary of Donald Bruce Niven

DONALD BRUCE NIVEN

Passed away at Markham Stouffville Hospital on November 17, 2019 at the age of 87 after a brave battle. Bruce is survived by his wife of 57 years, Wendy (Turner), sister Barbara (late Alfred), sister in law June (late Clifford). Loved father of Peter (wife Sylvia), Stuart, Ian (Miranda), Alison (Desmond). Loved grandfather of Jocelyn (husband Arman), Shaughnessy (Nash), Geoffrey (Tayler), Hunter (Mark), and great grandfather of Zane. Adored grandpa to Pepe the Chihuahua. Dear uncle and great uncle to many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Born in Montreal, Bruce proudly graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Commerce and worked for Bell Canada for 33 years. A member of the Montreal Board of Trade, Bruce was involved in many philanthropic events. The most important areas of Bruces life were his family, especially his wife Wendy and his country home. Many summers and holidays were spent planning and executing one of his “projects”. There was nothing that he couldn’t fix! His most recent project was his kitchen renovation that he was able to complete despite his battle with Leukemia.

With Wendy, Bruce was an active member of both the Lemonville and Morin Heights United Churches. Bruce was actively involved in planning the Accessibility Project at the Lemonville United Church which made it possible for many of the members to continue to attend services. Ever the “collector”, most recently of antique oil lamps which Bruce researched and refurbished. Many trips to the Lachute Flea Market resulted in a “find” to complete a lamp project. An avid storyteller, Bruce could entertain friends with his tales of times gone by for hours. Often giving a laugh and some advice. Bruce will be missed by his many friends and family members.

Friends will be received at Dixon Garland Funeral Home 166 Main Street N. Markham on Monday December 2^nd from 1:00pm until time of celebration of life at 2:00pm.  Donations may be made to the Canadian Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Lemonville United Church.  A second service will be held in Morin Heights Quebec in spring 2020.