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With profound sadness, the family of Bruce Alan Wynne announces his passing, on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Bluewater Health, at the age of 67.
Beloved brother of Sandy Wynne (Paul Behncke) and brother-in-law to Cathy Wynne. Loving (and fun-loving) uncle to Vanessa (Ray) and Sean (Emmett) Behncke; and Jennifer (Clay) and Fraser (Danielle) Wynne. Best ‘cuz’ to Linda Morrell. Predeceased by brother - Jim Wynne, father - Gord Wynne, and mother (and grand companion) - Barbara Wynne.
In Sarnia, Bruce grew up swimming competitively, lifeguarding and instructing young swimmers, often at his favourite Riding Club. As a teen, he was a member of the Canadian Modern Pentathlon team competing in swimming, running, fencing, shooting and horseback riding. When he attended Simon Fraser University, he played water polo on the BC provincial team.
He thrived and graduated in Radio and Television Arts at Ryerson Polytechnical University in Toronto and worked as a producer and graphic designer for The Journal, Newshour, The National, and Midday at the CBC.
Bruce returned to study Fine Arts at Western University and studied Education at Althouse College. For 26 years, he taught Vocational Arts, Media Literacy, Dramatic Arts, Visual Arts and English at Lambton County schools LCCVI, St. Clair, and Northern, to students, some who have described him as their ‘favourite’, the ‘funniest’, the ‘smartest’, and the ‘inspiration’ for their choice of careers.
Bruce coached the school swim teams, and had a special love for coaching Lambton County’s Special Olympics swim team and sitting on its Board.
In a unique initiative, Bruce produced, co-directed and designed sets for plays put on cooperatively between Northern and St. Clair.
Sarnia audiences were delighted by Bruce’s performances in his company OMAS (O Most Auspicious Star) Productions’ dinner theatre evenings. Favourites included his Henry VIII in the Elizabethan feasts, and roles in the murder mysteries and Monty Python revues.
Ever inquisitive and intelligent, Bruce was a master of the trivia contests held at the 55+ Wellings accommodation where he made good friends and lived happily for several years.
Bruce touched the lives of many with his boundless sense of humor, warmth, and creativity. He was a generous friend and possessed an uncanny ability to make genuine connections with just about anyone. An empathetic heart always underpinned his crackerjack mind and disarming wit.
Thanks go to the many doctors, health care workers, personal support workers, family members and generous friends who, over many years supported Bruce in meeting (often with perseverance, resilience and quiet optimism) the many challenges Type I Diabetes threw his way.
Cremation has taken place. An open house celebration of Bruce’s life will be held at Smith Family Centre, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All are welcome to share stories and sentiments.
If so inclined, sympathy may be expressed through donations to Special Olympics Sarnia https://soocommunity.crowdchange.ca/2164/donate.