Bruce Allan Hettinger
Mr. Bruce Allan Hettinger b. November 4, 1952 d. December 2, 2019
Bruce passed away suddenly after a short but hard-fought battle with cancer. Bruce was predeceased by his loving wife Jane, brother Dennis, mother Dorothy and father Vernon. Bruce is survived by his daughter Vanessa (James) and son Dennis (Sheena), many close friends, in-laws, curling opponents, co-workers and adoring nieces and nephews.
Bruce worked as the Piano and Keyboard Technician at the University of Alberta Music Department for over 45 years. He was proud of his work and of his connection to the University. Bruce will be forever remembered at the U of A for both his technical ability and his genuine connection to people.
Throughout his life, Bruce demonstrated true charity. He gave without expectation and gave more than he could afford. What many did not know about Bruce was that he was committed to doing one random act of kindness per day – one that would not be recognized, or sometimes even noticed.
Bruce truly tried to be the change that he wanted to see in the world.
A funeral service is scheduled for 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 14 at Convocation Hall at the University of Alberta. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bruce’s life.
The family would like to thank the nurses in the Pulmonary Unit at the University of Alberta, Dr. Lau, Dr. Churchill and Dr. Fletcher for their professionalism and empathy.
In lieu of flowers, please consider an act of kindness in Bruce’s memory.
Dennis & family, Cathie & I are very sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. Bruce was a good man.
I used to look forward to and enjoyed the conversations Bruce and I would have, when we got together at one of your hockey games. We expressed strong opinions on a variety of topics, many of which we new little about.
I am very sorry to miss the service for Bruce next Saturday. Cathie & I will be in Calgary.
Bruce was such a light every day that I went to work at the Deparmtent of Music. He called me Smiley and would come over for a daily chat. We would talk politics and hockey and he would talk about his wife and children. You could tell by the way he talked about them that he was the most proud husband and father. He would roll his eyes about the chores Jane insisted he accomplished prior to an event, but it was said with a twinkle in his eye as if he truly didn’t mind. He was a wonderful man and it feels wrong that we knew so much about eachothers lives but I never had a chance to thank him for his friendship. I’ll miss his passing by, the photos of his family and of course his witty humor that always made me laugh.
Cheers, Bruce! You are one of the good ones! You were so loved.