It is with heavy hearts we mourn the passing of Bruce Stephen Mitchell on June 1, 2020. Bruce will be deeply missed by his parents, Doug and Sandy, his sister Mary (Lars), his brother Peter (Emma), as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins across the country.
Bruce was an active member of the downtown Edmonton community. He had a great sense of humour that was reflected in his cartoons and his quirky political paintings. To know Bruce was to know how much he loved a good long talk about philosophy and politics over a pot of coffee. Bruce was an active volunteer in the art program of the Mustard Seed where he shared his enthusiasm with fellow members. In addition, he was an involved member of the Salvation Army Church where he came to peace with God within his last years. He struggled with addiction for the better part of his life, but just could not win this battle. Bruce has found peace at last.
A public memorial will be announced at a later date when family and friends can once again gather to celebrate Bruce’s life.
Donations can be made in Bruce’s memory to the Edmonton Mustard Seed and if you so wish, directed to the Edmonton Mustard Seed Art Program, the Salvation Army, or the Alberta Street News, a free newspaper, solely supported by donations and so vital in helping and supporting Edmonton’s inner-city community by keeping them informed.
Condolences can be shared with the family at: https://www.capitalcitycremation.ca/obituaries/bruce-mitchell/
Cremation has taken place at Capital City Cremation in Edmonton.
Linda Dumont says
Bruce shall be missed. He was an important member of the art group and a gifted artist. I am doing a story in his memory that will be in the next issue of Alberta Street NEWS.
Christine Lapierre says
Bruce my friend…
So touched by your humbleness and kind heart. Enjoyed your artistic talent, so so talented, I think more than you knew or would admit. I am ever so glad u took me up on my offers to drive you home from art night. It was then that I got to know you. Wish you were still here.
Love you
Louanne Diprose says
My heart is heavy with the loss of Bruce and for your family. Bruce was someone who had such a good heart and I enjoyed our deep discusions during the art program at Mustard Seed. Bruce had overcome so many obstacles in his life and it was such joy watching him grow. We all struggle with things in life and even stumble when trying to walk forward. There were times that we talked about his faith in God. It was like watching a child discover something new and exciting as Bruce realized that God was there giving him strength to free him from his past choices. I pray that you know how hard he worked to free himself from his struggles in life. That he realized it was his choices and nobody elses that took him on his path. He loved the Lord and I believe he now with Him. His artwork was inspiring and so unique. I looked forward to seeing what he was painting next. The stories within them I believe is what brought so much attention and interest. My prayers will be for your family as you grieve your loss of a loving son and brother. I will truly miss him as he was an amazing man and inspiration to many.
Rachel de Leon, on behalf of the Mustard Seed Art Group says
To Sandy and family – it is with great sadness that the art group of the Mustard Seed has learned of Bruce’s death. Bruce was a joy to all of us and we will greatly miss him. He had a wonderful sense of humor and wit and his artistic style and ability was so very unique to him, it often spoke of his thoughts, ideas and perspectives on life, and people were drawn to his artwork and drawn to him when he would talk about his art. He became a volunteer with the art program and through his volunteering, he truly welcomed other people who dropped in to the program, listened to their stories and shared his own. He became an art mentor to others just by painting and as people stopped by the art table, he would talk about his art and what was inspiring him. Please accept our condolences – from the Mustard Seed Art Group.
Ian Simpson says
Sincere condolences to Doug and Sandy, and your family.
Tamara Stanners says
Dear Mrs. and Mr. Mitchell, and Mary and Peter,
I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Bruce, or Brucie, as he will always be known to my heart.
Your family was so important to me in my youth. I loved every moment I got to spend with Brucie. He was such a joy. So funny. So cute. I adored him. The entire Stanners Family did.
I think of the magical times we spent together often.
Sending you so much love at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Tamara ( Tammy ) Stanners
Sending you so much love during
Christine Robinson says
While I only had the pleasure of spending time with Bruce a few times, I recall him being a kind, gentle and soulful man. He was patient with our two young boys at the time, and they both remember him fondly. He had a reverent way of holding his surroundings and the people in them that I admired. Despite his struggles, he carried a lightness of being with him and we had some thoughtful conversations. Our hearts are heavy and go out to you Sandy, Peter and Mary as you process the loss of a beloved son and brother. Our hope is that you will be able to find peace knowing that Bruce has also found peace.
Elizabeth Gordon says
Sincere condolences to the Mitchell family. My longtime friendship with Marnie has afforded me the opportunity to know some of you fortunately in person, and others vicariously. I admire your strength, love and unity as a family.
Rest In Peace Bruce
Liz Gordon,
Halifax
Maureen says
So sorry Sandy for your loss. He is at peace now and may God grant you peace. God bless. Maureen and George
Melanie Pinco says
I’m so sorry for your loss Peter. I always loved seeing the huge
smile Bruce had on his face.
Carla says
Sandy and Doug, Mary and peter. I am so saddened by your loss. I can’t even imagine the heartbreak. I’m sending blessings and love. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time ! Loved Bruce’s sense of humour. RIP buddy😘😘😘
Marika babboe says
Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Our hearts go out to you and your family at this time of grief .
Dear Sandy
Kind regards
Marika and Fred Babbie
Linda Henderson says
So sorry for the loss of your son, brother, friend. May you find comfort in hearing the unknown stories of his life and in the good times and laughter you’ve shared.
Laura says
To Bruce’s family, please accept my heartfelt prayers and condolences. I got to know Bruce in the Mustard Seed Art program and I’m deeply saddened to learn he passed away. He was a gifted artist, and a genuinely kind person. I am glad to have known him.
Jim and Susan Lightfoot says
Sandy and Doug, we were so sorry to read of Bruce’s death. It is a parent’s worst sorrow. Our memories of Bruce are of the cutest, happy little guy, running around and playing in the Burnham circle. From the obituary, we see that despite his own personal demons, he nevertheless made wonderful contributions to his community. They too will miss his giving nature .Again, our deepest sympathies.
Jim and Susan Lightfoot
marlene henderson says
So saddened to hear of Bruce’s passing…..difficult times for the family. I never met Bruce but his contributions to the programs he was involved in will surely be missed by those he shared time with. His artistic ability was a gift from you as was the support you always gave him…..He will be ever missed by all who knew him.
Ariana Tao says
I’d known Bruce since around March of 2014. He was the one that told me about the Mustard Seed Art group & when I started volunteering there, I would see Bruce almost every time I came by.
Though I saw Bruce for only a couple of hours every month or so, I truly feel that we became good friends. Like his paintings and drawings, each memory & conversation I had with him was intentional, vulnerable & moving.
I praise God for Bruce’s friendship.
David Janzen says
I knew Bruce as an outwardly ‘up’ artist who made insightful pictures: urban scenes imbued with an infectious happiness. His colour-drenched depictions of streets, buildings and parks were scenes of joy. This positive view of his surroundings had an wonderful effect on anyone who was lucky enough to view his creative output! I am sad about Bruce Mitchell’s departure. He was good. And left too early.
David Janzen
Shauna Shore says
My deepest condolences go out to Sandy and her family. My heart is so saddened by her son Bruce’s passing. Sending peace to all that knew and loved him.
Susan petrushka says
Dearest Sandy. No parent should morn the loss of a child. With biggest Hugg ever. Susan. Petrushka. Queen Elizabeth high school. I S P …
Donna Read says
Sandy and Doug— I was so sorry to read of Bruce’s death. It is a terrible tragedy that he was unable to beat his demons but I know it was not for lack of trying. His many contributions to the community will always be remembered. I remember him best as a funny, sweet little boy in a Batman (Superman?) cape running about the neighbourhood with more energy that 10 superheroes. Losing a child is the worst thing a parent can face and my heart goes out to you and your family.