Leslie Bruce

I received awful news on Saturday. Leslie Bruce - a fellow Allisonian and a person of the finest character - was killed in an accident on Thursday. I cannot imagine the depth of loss experienced by her family and close friends. Her obituary follows in full. It does not capture the depth of the imprint she's left on the earth, but it awes nonetheless.

BRUCE, LESLIE ELIZABETH - The family of Leslie Elizabeth Bruce is saddened by her accidental death in Fredericton on Thursday, December 7, 2006. Leslie was born on December 26, 1979 in Saint John, graduating from St. Malachy's High School (1997) with high honors and receiving her Bachelor of Science degree from Mount Allison University in 2001, with a major in Biology and a minor in Women's Studies. Leslie also received the "Flying A" award from Mount Allison, which represents leadership in both the Community and the University. Leslie was currently attending the University of New Brunswick (Fredericton) and was to graduate this spring with her Bachelor of Education degree, specializing in elementary studies. Leslie was a leader in so many of her endeavours whether it was student councils, Camp Glenburn as "Fee", or pursuing her passion for the care of the environment. Working at Lake O'Hara, British Columbia held a special place in her heart where she hiked many mountain trails. Leslie loved the outdoors and, in particular, her travels across Canada by bicycle with the Climate Change Caravan which she was instrumental in organizing. Her travels also took her to Australia, China, Britain, the Carribean, and most recently, Boston and Florida. While at Mount Allison University, Leslie was Chairperson of the Blue Green Society, a member of the press for a group of World Trade Organization protesters in Seattle, Washington, and a participant in an exchange program in Britain, learning to build straw bale homes. In addition to pursuing her scholastic endeavours, Leslie was often busy sailing, canoeing and camping along the Saint John River, predominantly at her family cottage in Glenwood. She loved Birkenstocks, music, dancing and playing the guitar. Everyone who knew Leslie admired her compassionate and adventurous spirit. Always a true friend, Leslie made a special impact on all those she knew. Devoted to her family and friends, Leslie will be deeply missed by her mother, Marilyn (Marr) Bruce; father, Michael Bruce and Anne Musgrave; brother, Andrew Bruce; maternal grandmother, Constance (Mooney) Marr; aunt, Ann Devereaux (Andy); uncle, Dr. David Marr (Judy); cousins: Alex and Martinique Devereaux and Colin, Sara, Jeffrey and Brian Marr; several great aunts, cousins and extended family. Leslie was predeceased by her maternal grandfather, Ralph B. Marr and her paternal grandparents, Andrew E and Jean (Thompson) Bruce. Resting at Brenan's Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (506) 634-7424 with visiting on Sunday from 7-9 pm and Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from Our Lady of the Assumption, 360 Dufferin Row, Saint John West on Tuesday, December 12, 2006 at 12 noon. A private family interment will be held on a later date. Remembrances may be made to Mindcare N.B. Foundation, Nancy Clark Teed Charitable Foundation or a charity of the donor's choice. www.brenansfh.com