Friends remember ‘one-of -a-kind’ Essex man
Those who loved Essex resident Bruce Elliott are already missing his signature wit and personality — just two days after he became the region’s latest motorcycle fatality.
“Bruce was one of a kind. His sense of humour was equal to Jim Carrey,” said Karin Desmedt, the mother of two of Elliott’s children.
“It didn’t matter what mood you were in. If you were with Bruce, you were laughing. He was a happy-go-lucky guy. He lived for each day. He was a compassionate, caring, always loving father and companion.”
Elliott, 54, died Sunday night from injuries suffered when he crashed his motorcycle on Belle River Road, just north of Highway 401.
Lakeshore OPP have described the incident as a single-vehicle crash.
Elliott leaves behind his wife, five children (including two sets of twins), four siblings, and many extended family members.
“They’re devastated. Everybody’s devastated,” said Ted Paquette, a friend, colleague and union representative of Elliott.
Born in Windsor, Elliott was a Chrysler employee for more than 30 years. Paquette said Elliott was well liked throughout the Windsor Assembly Plant.
“One-liners like you wouldn’t believe .... Everybody knew Bruce. He was just one of those guys.”
And behind Elliott’s wisecracking demeanour was a generous nature. Paquette said Elliott would regularly end his work day with a visit to the house of a friend who requires a wheelchair — just to see how he was doing.
When another friend was starting a small business in Leamington, Elliott devoted his free time to helping out — for two years, with no pay.
“Bruce was always looking to take care of somebody,” Paquette said. “Bruce stepped up to the plate. He’d take it upon himself to make sure you were all right.”
Desmedt said she can’t describe Elliott in one word.
“Hilarious. Always joking. Charming. Hard-working. Loving. Adventurous. And handsome.”
“He loved Led Zeppelin, and he enjoyed having a cold one .... Taken way to early. He is truly going to be missed by many.”
According to Paquette, motorcycling was a relatively new interest for Elliott.
Paquette said Elliott purchased a Harley-Davidson bike only about three months ago — although Elliott had friends who were experienced riders, including his wife, Debbie.
“Maybe they wanted to ride together. I mean, everybody wants a bike, right? He lived out in the country.”
A funeral service will take place at the end of the week, but Paquette said Elliott’s close friends will also be doing informal things to remember him.
For example: Cracking the beer that Elliott had left at a buddy’s place after a motorcycle trip to Grand Bend.
“We’re all going to get together, and have a drink on Bruce.”
Arrangements have been made at the South Windsor location of Windsor Chapel funeral home (3048 Dougall Ave.). Visitation will be held Thursday from 2-5 p.m. and from 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will take place Friday at a time to be determined. Call 519253-7234.
Interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.
Visit www.windsorchapel.com to share condolences online.