Bruce Derrick Newman, P. Eng.
April 5, 1928-July 30, 2023

Bruce left us peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of July 30th at his home in Etobicoke with family by his side just as he wished. His resilience in the face of myriad health challenges left us in awe.

Beloved husband of 74 years of Frances June Newman (nee Layton). Cherished father to Brian (Cici), Christine, Kathryn, Diane (Bob) and Robert. Treasured and lovingly remembered by his 9 grandchildren, his 8 great grandchildren, his many nieces and nephews, their families and other loved ‘family’ members around the world.

Bruce was the son of the late Ernest Newman and Hylda (nee Coke) Newman and was predeceased by his siblings Hazel, John and Peter. Bruce’s middle name Derrick reflected his father’s affinity for an industry he later chose to follow himself.

Bruce and June were married in 1949 and raised their family of five children in both Montreal and Toronto, as Bruce navigated his career in the heavy equipment industry. He graduated from McGill University as a Professional Engineer and after working in various companies, he was appointed Chief Engineer with Mussens Canada (Wajax).

He was a brilliant Professional Engineer whose work spanned decades of achievements in the industry. Bruce was known for his expertise in assisting many companies to become profitable. In addition to his busy career, he was a respected senior member of many Engineering Associations in Canada including SAE, Canadian Association of Equipment Dealers (Chairman), Ontario Sewer and Watermain Contractors (President), Ontario Road Builders (Director), Association of Pipeline Contractors and others. He sat at the Engineering Head Table for Expo 67 and made the list of Engineers of Distinction 3 years running. Bruce completed his career as General Manager of Case Power and Equipment, retiring in 1989.

Bruce and June were founding Governers of the Portage Project, a drug recovery program which has now spread internationally as well as active supporters of Camphill Communities Ontario.

The Newman family spent happy summers with June’s parents and sisters at their cottage in St Anicet, Quebec. They loved it so much they bought their own cottage on the next point! Winters often found them in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida with brother John and his family. In the earlier years, Grandpop Newman’s pool at his home in Laval was a summer destination for favourite family gatherings.

Bruce and June travelled the world with his business dealings and after retirement in 1989 their travels increased. They visited Kenya, Egypt, China, Europe, Australia, the Caribbean, most of Canada and enjoyed cruises with close family and friends. Visits to Brian and Cici at home in Costa Rica were an often annual highlight.

For over 30 years, Bruce and June spent winters at their second home in Fort Myers, Florida which was a happy gathering place for family and their many friends.

Bruce was an avid golfer and a member of both The Board of Trade Golf and Country Club (Toronto) and Cross Creek Golf Club ( Ft Myers). His legendary hole-in-one resulted in a prized car that was enjoyed by many family members through the years!

Right into his 95th year Bruce was known for his wise counsel, unconditional support and ongoing dedication to both immediate family and to all of those within his orbit. He was caring and generous and liked nothing more than receiving updates from his kids on their lives. He always ensured all were apprised of the weather or potential risks wherever his loved ones lived or travelled! He was truly the patriarch of our Newman clan. He touched so many lives and will be dearly missed.

At Bruce’s request cremation has taken place and there will be a family service at Meadowvale Cemetery at a later date.