Bruce Alfred Haigh

Bruce Haigh ‘flashed his taillights’ for the last time, on September 25th, 2024, with Lois and the girls by his side. Bruce was the dear husband and best friend of Lois (MacKay) of Loring. He will be missed by his daughters, Jennifer Whitehead of Loring, and Rhonda (John) Hyatt of Nipissing, and son-in-law Jody Whitehead. He was the proud and caring grandfather of Denver, Carson, Joey, Wyatt, Mark, and Raina. Bruce was the dear brother of the late Reid (Connie), Margaret Montgomery (Doug), Larry (Colleen; late Elly), and Patsy Holmes, and brother-in-law to Don MacKay (Lucie). Bruce will be fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews, and many relatives who he proudly stayed in touch with over the years. He will be missed by his life-long friend, Peter Clapperton, the coffee crew, and many other good friends. Bruce was predeceased by his parents, Alf and Marie (Hanselman), and by aunts, uncles, and cousins who helped raise him.

Bruce was born in Port Loring on November 8th, 1940. At a young age, his mother could no longer care for him and his siblings. The children were cared for by the Hanselman and Haigh relatives, ensuring that they grew up with their family. Bruce was raised in Port Loring, primarily by his Uncle Albert and Aunt Ethel, along with time spent with other family members.

As a teenager, Bruce worked for Elmer Steele…his dad thought it would be a good idea to keep him off the streets. He often recalled stories from these years, along with time spent at the Culin home. After high school, Bruce worked for the Bank of Nova Scotia for ten years. For a short period of time, he partnered with Jake Weller in the grocery store business. Bruce then settled into trucking - a long time love of road construction, truckers, small towns, and lunch box lunches.

Although Bruce and Lois had known each other for many years, their romance was a late-blooming one. They were married on Easter weekend of 1976, and had two girls soon after, Jennifer and Rhonda. Bruce and Lois worked hard to build a home to raise their family on the West Road, where they still live. Bruce’s garage became a place where his grandchildren tinkered with him, and learned from him. The garage was a place for him to grease and wash his dump truck on the weekends, and store all the stuff that he couldn’t get rid of! It became the spot for the grandkids to work on their four-wheelers and Ski-Doos, and where their friends were always welcome.

Bruce joined the Masons when he was a young man; he was a member of the Powassan Masonic Lodge. Good friendships continued with fellow members throughout his life. In the community, Bruce was involved with St. Andrew’s United Church for many years. He volunteered with the Argyle Riders Snowmobile Club alongside old friends and supportive community members. Aside from his work behind the scenes, he cheerfully greeted folks at the hot dog stand for several Annual Poker Runs. He sure was proud of our little town.

Bruce’s love of his family was evident in the time he spent with them - family meals, attending school events, watching his grandchildren’s games and plays, talking on the phone, going for boat rides, giving advice (sometimes welcome, sometimes not), and being there in all kinds of ways. Bruce knew that he had his shortcomings. He worked to do the best for his family.

Bruce and Lois enjoyed yearly anniversary weekends away, trips to the West and East coasts, and other little getaways. Bruce certainly enjoyed the little things, that weren’t little, after all - plowing driveways, working in the garden, meeting friends for coffee, a cold beer, and a hug.

Bruce will be remembered for his quick wit, his easy way with old friends, the time he spent with his family, singing and whistling, and the twinkle in his eye.

Thank you to the doctors, nurses, and support staff who worked with and cared for Dad over the years, and most recently at the North Bay Regional Health Centre.

The Haigh family will welcome visitors at the Argyle Community Centre on Saturday, October 19, 2024 to celebrate Bruce’s life.

Visitation 11:00 to 2:00 pm. Ceremony will begin at 2:00 pm, including a Masonic service. Refreshments and visiting to follow.

If desired, donations to the KENNY youth group, St. Andrew’s United Church, or Nipissing Serenity Hospice are suggested.

To leave a message of condolence or share a memory, please visit paulfuneralhome.ca or phone Paul Funeral Home, Powassan 705-724-2024.