Bruce George Tew was born in Aldershot, England to Ruby Iris Benham. Adopted by his father, Earl (Chipper) Tew, he came to Canada at age two and a half.
He was active in high school, excelling in sports, serving as student council president, and teaching Sunday School. He worked summers at the Dryden Paper Mill to fund his university education.
Bruce studied engineering at Queen’s before transferring to the U. of Manitoba to major in mathematics. There he met the love of his life, Margaret Thode. They married and raised two sons, Dennis and Michael, later welcoming daughters-in-law Paula and Amber, and five cherished grandchildren: Liam, Kieran, and Callum; and Landon and Jocelyn.
He taught math and science and coached sports at Sioux Lookout high school. After taking on a few odd jobs, he worked at the Zone Hospital until retirement at age 50.
This allowed him to fully enjoy the activities he loved cross-country skiing, curling, baseball, bocce, skidooing and wind surfing. He especially cherished the camaraderie of the Oldtimer’s hockey team.
In later years, they moved to Nanaimo, BC and embraced island life. Bruce remained active with hiking and Probus groups, though his heart remained in NW Ontario.
He will be remembered for his wit, generosity, unwavering loyalty to the Toronto Maple Leafs, and love for music. He often joked about missing his calling as a DJ.
Celebrations of life will be held in Nanaimo and Sioux Lookout at later dates. May he rest in peace.
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