Bruce Albert Sibley

It is with saddened hearts, that after a long and courageous battle with cancer, our father Bruce Albert Sibley, born on May 16, 1956, in Nova Scotia to Pearl and Frank Sibley has passed away peacefully at Pilgrims Hospice on October 15, 2024, at the age of 68 with his son Andrew, Daughter Alisha, and Susan (ex-wife) by his side.

Bruce was a character if you had the pleasure of meeting him, he was a man of few words but had a heart of gold. He truly did care about those he loved, he was always willing to help others and was truly dedicated to his work. He was a brilliant carpenter; he might not have been able to build Ikea furniture, but he could build a whole house and more from scratch! He worked for 30 years with AMAN builders, he went above and beyond for his job. We are forever grateful to those who came and visited him in his final days. Your stories and words meant the world to him. Your dedication and support to our father during his illness will not be forgotten.

Bruce fought courageously for the last 2.5 years, there were moments during his illness in which he was so sick and unable to get out of bed, but he continued to fight. There were many laughs and tears shed, memories shared and sometimes a bit of anger; but throughout it all he continued to hold onto hope. He was never one to ask for help, or even say how bad it really was, he always downplayed everything. He was fortunate to be able to remain at home up until the last 5 weeks of his life. He needed medical care around the clock, we were fortunate that a bed opened at Pilgrims Hospice after a whirlwind of being in the Misericordia for 10 days. The staff at Pilgrims were wonderful and very caring, I remember when he was brought there from the hospital and it felt like a relief for myself however he was calmer once he arrived, he asked if this was his final place, and it would be. Once there he was able to have ice cream for breakfast or even at midnight for a snack, the staff knew If he wanted ice cream it was always mint chocolate chip, and he was able to have his first ever beer shower. He was well taken care of, and we are forever grateful for the care he received while being there even if it was a short time.

Ultimately, Bruce knew this was not how he wanted to live, he could barely eat, he was unable to walk on his own now and needed help with everything, he was uncomfortable and in a lot of pain.

He made the difficult decision to go forward with medical assistance in dying. He knew this was what he wanted, he never once hesitated on this decision. He was ready and as painful as it was to watch him make this choice it was more painful to watch him slowly deteriorate and lose himself. We were there by his side till the end, as I lay with my father holding him and him hugging me, I felt him slowly let go and take his last breath. He is no longer suffering; he is at peace and is free from it all.

Bruce leaves behind his son Andrew, who will continue to honour his legacy and share his numerous secrets of the trade. His daughter Alisha (Greg) and his three grandchildren, Oliver, Ellie and Michael, his brother Murray and sister Betty. Bruce was predeceased by his father (Frank) brother (Cecil) and his mother (Pearl) and lastly, he leaves behind numerous work colleagues who he considers friends, and neighbours who became family.

In honouring Bruces last wishes, there will be no funeral. If you would like to donate in his name, please do so at Pilgrims Hospice, we could not have asked for a better place for him to live out his last two weeks.

You are forever in our hearts.