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Tottenham, Ontario

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Bruce Haire

In Memorial

HaireHaire: Bruce Robertson,
Called home to the Lord after an heroic 18-year battle with Scleroderma, on Sunday, February 28, 2016, at Southlake Regional Healthcare Centre. Bruce Haire, in his 69th year, beloved husband of Mary Haire (nee Claridge), loving father of Julie Sondergaard (Anson), Kristen Haire (Stuart Butcher), and Heather Haire (Derek Bartello). Remembered with love by his grandchildren: William, Anna, Nathan, Simeon, and Charlotte. Dear brother of Nina Haire (Lloyd Coles), and brother-in law of Fred Claridge (Unni), and Tom Claridge (Pam). Forever in the hearts of his extended family and friends. Bruce is the former co-owner and editor of the Beeton Record Sentinel and Tottenham Times (and affiliated papers) for 37 years. He also served as Councillor for Ward 7 of New Tecumseth for four years. He will be forever remembered for his boldness of faith, courage of conviction, generosity of heart, and constancy in prayer.
Memorial visitation will be held at Rod Abrams Funeral Home 1666 Tottenham Rd. Tottenham 905-936-3477 on Wednesday March 2, 2016 from 6-9pm. Visitation will continue on Thursday March 3, 2016 at 10am until the Memorial Service at 11am. For those who wish, donations can be made in Bruce’s memory to the Jehovah Jireh Christian Ministries or the Scleroderma Society of Ontario.
www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com

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Condolence Messages

  1. Carol Fraser says

    April 7, 2018 at 5:06 pm

    Mary, I was so sorry to read today April 7 2018 that Bruce had passed away last year. He was such a joy and caring man who was a valued member of Christ Church when I lived there. What a great loss to all of you. I know the battle he put up and the little victories he won. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Our love we send to you and the girls. Carol and Pete Fraser

    Reply
  2. sharon bonikowsky says

    March 12, 2016 at 3:11 pm

    Thinking of you Mary. In my prayers.

    Reply
  3. Don and Susan Smith says

    March 11, 2016 at 10:36 pm

    It was with great sadness we learned of Bruce’s passing. While it has been some years since our days together at newspaper meetings and conferences, we have great memories of the time we shared together, watching our families as they grew up. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Reply
  4. Margaret Black says

    March 5, 2016 at 11:29 am

    Bruce was a lovely person with a kind heart and a great sense of humour. He gave a great deal to life and his community.
    My sympathy to Mary and family.
    Margaret

    Reply
  5. Marie Moyes says

    March 4, 2016 at 11:31 am

    Dear Mary and family – my sympathy for your great loss. Bruce was a wonderful man. Philip and I enjoyed meeting you two so many years ago and so many times since. Wish I could give you a big hug.
    Marie

    Reply
  6. Donna Ortolan says

    March 3, 2016 at 10:10 pm

    Dear Mary, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family at this time. Being a younger cousin I never got to spend much time with Bruce, but the memories I do have I will cherish. I tried to follow his activities as a Councillor whenever I could and am very proud of all his accomplishments, including a wife and family that were so dear to him. He was gentle and kind and always had a smile on his face and that is how I will always remember him. He will be missed by so many.
    Sincerely, Donna Ortolan

    Reply
  7. Mary Doldersum says

    March 3, 2016 at 5:52 pm

    Dear Mary and Family.
    Our deepest sympathies are with you all.

    Bruce always had a smile on his face, and a kind word. Such a gentleman.

    Ralph and Mary Doldersum

    Reply
  8. Greg and France Young says

    March 3, 2016 at 5:47 pm

    Our sincere condolences to you , Julie and to your family. May you be surrounded by Gods peace at this time knowing how much you are all loved and being supported in prayer at this time. May this be a time of wonderful memories as you all journey forward together.
    Greg and France Young

    Reply
  9. Mouse Schinner says

    March 3, 2016 at 3:43 pm

    I am sorry I never had the pleasure of meeting Bruce, but I have had the pleasure of your friendship Mary and meeting your beautiful daughter Heather. You are a remarkable woman and your daughter is so sweet, I image Bruce was nothing less than perfect.
    All those we love last forever in our hearts. My wish for you all is that warm memories will ease your sadness and comfort your heart. xo Mouse

    Reply
  10. Lynne Madaleno says

    March 3, 2016 at 2:28 pm

    Our condolences to the family. Bruce fought a long battle with grace and dignity. He was always kind to me when I worked with him and after whenever I saw or met him. Our thoughts are with the family at this time of sorrow. Lynne and Mike Madaleno

    Reply
  11. Shauneen & Iain Mackay says

    March 3, 2016 at 9:42 am

    Mary and Family,
    All we can say is rest in peace Bruce. It has been a long journey. Our hearts are with your family. Iain and Shauneen Mackay

    Reply
  12. Jacquie McBride says

    March 3, 2016 at 9:19 am

    Kristen, Julie and Family:
    I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I send my most heartfelt condolences to your family. You are all in my thoughts and in my prayers during this difficult time. xo

    Reply
  13. Sheri Sallows says

    March 3, 2016 at 8:35 am

    Our sincere condolences to the Haire family! Bruce was one of the loveliest gentlemen one could hope to meet. Always a smile and a hello for everyone! He left his mark, which will be remembered by so many!

    Reply
  14. Ans Sondergaard says

    March 3, 2016 at 7:59 am

    Our heartfelt condolences go out to Mary,Jule, Christen and Heather and extended fam. May you all treasure the memories of your loving Dad.He filled his life with love for others. Rest in peace Bruce.Jorgen and Ans

    Reply
  15. Jack & Marilyn MacMurchy says

    March 2, 2016 at 9:41 pm

    Because we care, our heartfelt thoughts go out to you today, with more concern and sympathy than we could ever say. We hope the special love this brings will help to see you through, and that time will bring you brighter days,because we care for you.
    We have so many memories of Bruce when he was editor of the record times… Jack always enjoyed and respected his editorials….read then weekly. Fond memories of the C.C.N.A. convention in Winnipeg the year our daughters all met and had a grand time away from all their parents enjoying the planned events.Bruce was truly a community oriented participant and backer of events and celebrations he believed in . We will all miss him. Sincere Sympathy from the MacMurchy Clan…Jack, Marilyn, Maggie and Helen.

    Reply
  16. Peggy (Middleton) Poulsen says

    March 2, 2016 at 7:41 pm

    Mary, Julie, Kristen, Heather and your extended families, may you be comforted at this time with the grace of God and all the love of friends and family.

    Bruce will be missed!

    Rest in Peace Bruce.

    Reply
  17. MOIRA WONG says

    March 2, 2016 at 5:00 pm

    Always generous with his time, experiences, and expertise, the community will miss his honesty. Deepest condolences to the Haire family.

    Reply
  18. Mike and Rita Cregar says

    March 2, 2016 at 2:34 pm

    So sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. We will miss him. Thinking of you and your family. Hope to see you soon.

    Reply
  19. Jason Ballantyne says

    March 2, 2016 at 1:57 pm

    I was saddened to hear about Bruce death. We sat next to each other at the New Tecusmeth council media table for many years in the late ’90s and early ‘00s when I was a reporter at The Herald. Even though we worked at competing papers, Bruce was always gracious in providing me with the history behind many of the issues that came up at council. As a very green reporter, I greatly appreciated that.
    My condolences to his family and friends.

    Reply
  20. Don & Kathy Mitchell says

    March 2, 2016 at 12:01 pm

    Mary, Julie, Kristen, Heather and extended family, we are praying that you will all sense the peace and comfort of Our Father’s arms around you at this time.
    Bruce is an example to us all of the love he had for Jesus despite hardship, This love spurred him on, to…love,live life and serve others. Bruce will be missed in the many hearts and lives of the people he has touched throughout his life. What a great legacy he has left to his children and grandchildren and the generations to come. It was an honor to know him!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  21. Joanne Proper -Thorley says

    March 2, 2016 at 10:19 am

    Dear Mary and Family

    David and I were saddened to hear of your loss? We have very fond memories of Bruce and the whole family
    Thinking of you at this time of sorrow.

    Ann and David Thorley

    Reply
  22. Jane & Hazen Golder says

    March 2, 2016 at 9:22 am

    Mary
    We would like to express our sorrow and condolences to you and your family. The loss of someone dear is never easy. Stay strong and know that you are in our thoughts.

    Reply
  23. Loretta and Bob Candy says

    March 2, 2016 at 8:17 am

    So very sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. Our prayers are with all of the family.

    Reply
  24. Harvey & Lori (Lisk) Cook says

    March 2, 2016 at 6:15 am

    Our sincere condolences to you and your family, Julie.
    Do you remember the hawk your dad had? It arrived at my grandparents home back in the 80’s and your dad came and rescued it. Was unaware of the family connection. A man of the community will be missed.

    Reply
  25. Al burroughs and Liz Harding says

    March 1, 2016 at 11:46 pm

    Al and I are thinking of you during this difficult time and sending you our sincerest sympathy on Bruce’s passing. Bruce struggled for many years but he always kept his faith when the medical community lost theirs. May he RIP now and be with God.

    Reply
  26. Erica Clark says

    March 1, 2016 at 7:57 pm

    Mary and Family
    I will forever remember Bruce for his infectious smile, inspiring spirituality and his always interesting conversations.
    So sorry for your loss.
    Erica and Family

    Reply
  27. David Francis - President says

    March 1, 2016 at 7:54 pm

    Tecumseth Pines Homeowners Association remembers and thanks Bruce for his ongoing commitment and work helping our community with its campaign to find out what is being dumped at Volk Airport. His work will not be forgotten.

    Reply
  28. Harry and Doris Lehman says

    March 1, 2016 at 7:50 pm

    So sorry to hear about Bruce. He will certainly be missed. We have had many good times around the bridge table. He was a great bridge player. Bruce was well respected in the community. We regret that we cannot make his memorial as we are in Florida for the winter.

    Reply
  29. Chris Ross says

    March 1, 2016 at 5:13 pm

    I extend my sincere condolences to Mary and Family. I was saddened to learn of Bruce’s passing. He was a role model and Community leader. I will always remember moving to Tottenham in 1997 and looking forward to reading his weekly Editorial Column in the Tottenham Times. He will be missed.

    Reply
  30. Richard and Joyce Furness says

    March 1, 2016 at 3:42 pm

    Mary, you and your family are in our hearts and minds. We have so many good and lasting memories of you and Bruce over the years. People who have been part of your life are always with you, even when they have gone. Bless you Bruce.

    Reply
  31. Marie & David Simms says

    March 1, 2016 at 1:07 pm

    We are saddened to hear of Bruce’s passing. He always offered words of wisdom and was filled with so much compassion. He will be greatly missed in our community, but never forgotten.

    Reply
  32. Les and Sue Smith says

    March 1, 2016 at 8:52 am

    Bruce was a man who lived his faith. He shone with God’s Presence. How happy he must be now! Praying peace and comfort for you Mary as you rest in God’s arms and the support of your many friends.

    Reply
  33. Bonnie and Ken Pratt says

    March 1, 2016 at 8:40 am

    Mary and family, we are saddened to learn of Bruce’s passing. He gave himself 100% in everything he did. His steadfast faith in God, his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his role of husband and father, his devotion to writing the events and his service to community, even the way he faced the disease were all him living out his life, his way. A just reward of him being whole again can be a comfort for you now. He will certainly be missed and always remembered.

    Reply
  34. Pat Rose says

    March 1, 2016 at 5:09 am

    My condolences Mary, to you and your family. Bruce’s struggles are finally over . He fought a long battle .

    Reply
  35. Monique and the girls says

    March 1, 2016 at 1:41 am

    Mary, Julie, Kristen & Heather
    May you find peace and love in the memories you cherish
    Monique and the girls ❤️

    Reply
  36. Robert and Gail Matthews says

    February 29, 2016 at 10:06 pm

    Mary and Family
    We are so sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. He fought a very long and courageous battle. His community was very important to him and he worked very hard to make it a better place to live for all it residents. He will be missed greatly. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. RIP Bruce.

    Bob and Gail

    Reply
  37. Barbara and Ian MacIntosh says

    February 29, 2016 at 9:23 pm

    Bruce’s obituary very accurately describes who he was. His faith was unwavering. We are so sorry to miss his celebration of life. Our sincere sympathy to Mary and all his family.

    Ian and Barb MacIntosh

    Reply
  38. Barbara and Ian MacIntosh says

    February 29, 2016 at 9:21 pm

    Bruce’s obituary very accurately describes who he was. His faith was unwavering. We’re so sorry to miss his celebration of life. Our deepest sympathy to Mary and all his family.

    Ian and Barb MacIntosh

    Reply
  39. Peter and Sandy Lovell says

    February 29, 2016 at 9:01 pm

    So sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. He was a kind and gentle man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mary and her family.
    Sorry to miss his celebration.
    Sent from Phoenix, Arizona

    Reply
  40. W. Boyd Collins says

    February 29, 2016 at 8:00 pm

    Bruce attended every meeting when I served on Tecumseth council, being very fair and balanced in his reporting. He was a giant in the local and church communities as while as a good family man. Most important to Bruce was his intense faith and being a great ambassador to Jesus Christ. My thoughts and prayers to Mary and family.

    Reply
  41. Michelle (Minnoch) Clarke says

    February 29, 2016 at 7:56 pm

    My journalism career would not have been so fun and vibrant without the mentorship of Bruce. A kind, caring and outstanding guy, it was such a joy to share an office with him.

    Reply
  42. Pat boland says

    February 29, 2016 at 7:52 pm

    Sorry for your loss,Bruce was a good man .

    Reply
  43. Beeton Fair Board says

    February 29, 2016 at 6:58 pm

    The Beeton Fair wishes to extend condolences to Julie and the family at this time of loss. Bruce was a friendly visitor to the fair and helped out as much as he could. He will be missed.

    Reply
  44. Ingrid McNeill says

    February 29, 2016 at 6:56 pm

    My sincere condolences to the entire family. Bruce was a true gentleman and a pillar in the community. He faced his challenges with amazing grace and was an inspiration to all.

    Reply
  45. Ann Zimmerman says

    February 29, 2016 at 6:51 pm

    I met Bruce back in 1976 when I moved to the area but I really came to know him, Mary, the girls, the grandkids and Trooper – even the horses – as I shared time with them as a Matthews House volunteer.

    Bruce and I have a connection with the UofT. He loved Canada and his opportunity to spend time in the north. He was politically astute, a great story teller and a font of local gossip. I will miss him and our visits.

    Reply
  46. Karin & Alfred T says

    February 29, 2016 at 6:03 pm

    We send our sincere condolences to you Mary, and to all your family. We were saddened to hear of Bruce’s passing this week.

    Reply
  47. Cam Lindsey says

    February 29, 2016 at 5:40 pm

    So sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. He was a wonderful gentleman. We enjoyed many visits and discussions. I’m proud to have known him and he will be missed by many. Condolences to his fine family.

    Reply
  48. Margo & John Cooney says

    February 29, 2016 at 5:37 pm

    Our sincere condolences to the family on Bruce’s passing. Bruce was a fierce community supporter who knew and shared a wealth of local history to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing or working with him. His passing is, indeed, a great loss of knowledge and strength in community spirit. He will be missed by all who knew him.

    Reply
  49. Yvonne and Calvin Butcher says

    February 29, 2016 at 5:28 pm

    We wish to extend our deepest condolences to Kristen and all of her family at this time.

    We know Bruce continued to fight his fight for many years.

    Now he can rest in peace in gods eternal light and love.

    Yvonne and Calvin Butcher

    Reply
  50. Bob and Margaret Milligan says

    February 29, 2016 at 5:25 pm

    We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. Bruce always greeted everyone with a friendly smile and will be fondly remembered in the community.

    Reply
  51. J.J. Paul & Margaret Whiteside says

    February 29, 2016 at 5:03 pm

    Mary & Family:
    We extend to you our deepest sympathy on the passing of Bruce. It was a pleasure to have known Bruce for many years both as the editor of the newspaper and most recently as a fellow member of Town Council. Bruce was always very interested in his community and I always enjoyed on telephone chats. I will always remember our recent chat only a few weeks ago when he called me from Florida and we discussed the 2016 Town Budget and other civic matters. RIP Bruce.

    Reply
  52. Bob & Pat Jackson says

    February 29, 2016 at 3:42 pm

    Mary & Family
    We are very sorry for your loss.
    Bruce has earned his rest after a courageous battle. He has been an inspiration to many. We are sorry to miss his celebration.
    (From Florida)

    Reply
  53. Alice and Bill Geis says

    February 29, 2016 at 2:35 pm

    So sorry Mary and family. We will miss seeing and dining with Bruce on your winter vacations here.

    Reply
  54. Jennifer shenouda says

    February 29, 2016 at 1:11 pm

    Our heartfelt sympathies for your whole family. I grew up as child playing with the girls and spending many a Sunday dinner with the families. I can’t express how much he will be missed

    Reply
  55. Tony & Bobbi Douglas says

    February 29, 2016 at 12:27 pm

    Our condolences to the Haire Family. Bruce will be missed by the community he served so well.

    Reply
  56. Harry & Rona Rempel says

    February 29, 2016 at 11:35 am

    Our sincere condolences to you, Mary and family. Bruce was always a good supporter of local business and was in our corner when we were doing battle with council. Another good man gone to soon. So very sorry…..

    Reply
  57. Michael Beattie says

    February 29, 2016 at 11:32 am

    My heartfelt thanks to Councillor Haire for his service to our Town, and my sincere condolences to Bruce’s family and friends. He will be sorely missed.

    Reply
  58. Katherine Skilton (nee Middleton) says

    February 29, 2016 at 11:25 am

    I think my first job was cutting the grass at Mr and Mrs Haires home on the 4th line – and then a bit of babysitting the following year. I remember that Bruce always carried a smile. I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for your comfort during this difficult time.

    Reply
  59. Adelaide campbell says

    February 29, 2016 at 11:10 am

    Mary, I’m so very sorry. Bruce was a lovely, lovely man. I feel lucky to have known him. My thoughts are with you and your family.
    With love,
    Adelaide.

    Reply
  60. Suzanne Stieglmayr says

    February 29, 2016 at 10:56 am

    Sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing, Mary. My condolences to you and your family.
    Suzanne Stieglmayr (2nd Line)

    Reply

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