BRUCE FRANKLIN STRONGMAN
November 27, 1920 - October 28, 2015
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bruce F. Strongman on October 28, 2015. Surrounded by his loving family, Bruce, in his 95th year passed away peacefully at Joseph Brant Hospital. Predeceased by his first wife Isabel (Belle), his mother Ida, father William Arthur, brothers Delbert and Morley, sister Rhoda (Bill Kenwright) and nephew Bob Kenwright. Bruce was a loving, devoted husband and best friend to Catherine. Adoring father to Cheryl (Ben) Carruthers, Nancy (Chris) Chernecki, Devery (George) Mills and Reid (Laurel) Strongman. Proud grandfather to Jason (Melisa) Carruthers, Bryce (Tara) Carruthers, Todd Chernecki, Mark (Anisa) Chernecki, Brooke (Jay) Lyall, Bryan (Kerry) Mills, Whitney (Chad) Kennedy and Keaton Strongman. Great-grandfather to Brett, Dylan, Ryan, Braden, Owen, Peyton, JT, Landon, Tenley and Teigan. Step-father to Margaret (Gerry) McConnell, Sarah Jackman, Katie (Leo) Mitzel, Peter (Kim) Jackman and Jonathan (Carly) Jackman. Stepgrandfather to Grayson, Isabella, Nathaniel, Kai and Emma. Extended family and friends will sadly miss Bruce. Bruce was an extremely talented hockey player, businessman and entrepreneur. Although he was destined for pro hockey, he chose to support his family, so began his life’s passion in business joining his older brothers Delbert and Morley at their fathers decorating and paint store, W.A. Strongman and Sons in Toronto. With a determination to build on the contracting side of the business they expanded their skills to include more services and a small paint making facility at the back of the store. The three brothers eventually bought out their father and established Tonecraft Paint and Varnish Limited in 1948. He took great pride in the fact that every major decision was agreed upon by Bruce and his brothers with a handshake. With a knack for growth and continued prosperity the company eventually evolved into the retail chain, Color Your World Inc., by 1970. Even after the success of Color Your World, Bruce continued to have energy for new business endeavours including commercial real estate holdings and Rockway Vineyards, a golf course and estate winery. These challenges kept him keenly sharp for a man who was often heard saying that he was never going to retire! Bruce would never back down from an endeavor and was always clear that in order to run a thriving business you had to be able to count on family, have a capacity for cooperation and the ability to recognize others’ expertise and to use this knowledge wisely. Bruce was a diamond in the rough. Bruce believed it was important to work hard, but also to play hard. He was an accomplished hockey player, tennis and squash enthusiast and a golfer that inspired others to change the rules of the game ("everyone over age 75 can now drive from the front tees - except Strongman, he has to hit from the back tees!"). He was a lifetime member of Rockway Vineyards, Mississaugua Golf and Country Club, member at Burlington Golf and Country Club and University Park Country Club in Sarasota, Florida. He was a gracious mentor, never hesitating to express his experience and knowledge with others and sports - like business - were an important part of family life. He shared his love of golf with his wife, children, step-children and grandchildren, a tradition that continued throughout his life. Bruce won many tournaments throughout his life, his proudest moments being the tournaments he won with a family member as his teammate. He played his last round of golf in September. We will all miss you! Thank you for being in our lives and for being the man we loved. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bruce’s life at Burlington Golf and Country Club on Sunday, November 1, 2015 from 5 - 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please play a round of golf in his honour. Arrangements entrusted to Smith’s Funeral Service (Burlington) Limited, Burlington, 905-632-3333.
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