Bruce Erwin Appleyard

Passed away peacefully at his home on July 12, 2026 in his 86th year. Bruce was born on September 1, 1940 in Novar and raised on a farm in Emsdale. He is predeceased by his parents, Henry Edward Appleyard (1904-1969) and Henrietta Mary nee Culyer (1915-1986), united in marriage in 1932.

On October 20,1962 Bruce married Eileen Alice nee Broadbent and worked hard to raise their 6 children. Bruce was so loved by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family and friends.

After graduating grade 8, Bruce started working and was known as a very hard worker. He started his career working for Thompson in the logging business and then went on and pursued his career working at Stuart’s Construction for 30+ years as a loader operator. Most people would say he was the best loader operator around. Bruce took his children to uncle Jack’s (John Appleyard) bush in Novar throughout their childhood and it was here where they learned how to cut and split wood to get them through the long cold winters. As word got out, people would stop by asking if his wood was for sale, this is how Bruce came about selling camp-wood during the summers, into his 80’s. Bruce also delivered firewood to the local community and always offered a helping hand where ever needed and by helping cut down trees and hauling it away. Bruce also ploughed his neighbours driveways or working on their vehicles, as long as it didn’t includes heights - he enjoyed every minute of it. He truly would give the shirt off his back even if that was all he had to give.

After Bruce retired from Stuart’s Construction, he took on hobbies and part-time jobs working with the Toronto star for 10 years delivering newspapers into Algonquin Park and local stores. He did the paper run with his son Raymond, James and daughter Joyce and his grandson Matt. Business owners would later recognize Matt declaring "your Bruce's grandson! Bruce was respected and loved by his community throughout his life. Bruce also enjoyed working at a restaurant in Port Sydney along side his best friend Joyce Wlad and helped her deliver mail.

Bruce loved and respected nature. He loved being outside with his children and grandchildren. His family knew there was nothing that their dad/grandpa would not do for them. He was always a constant in their lives.

Forever loved and missed dearly by his children Rick (Bev), Jim, Joyce (Marvin), Ray, grandchildren Matthew (Kayla) MacKay, Taylor (Cody) Whale, Norman MacKay, Kayden Appleyard, Michelle, Tina, Rennie, Illana, Gabby, Dylan, Ryan, Bruce, Kyle, Savannah, Quinton and great-grandchildren Rayna, Jackson , Denim, Easton, Hank and Jaxson  Bruce is survived by his brothers Ross, Calvin, Joe, and Bill (Karen) Appleyard, brother-in-law Dave Schnare. Predeceased by his children Douglas and Gerald Appleyard, siblings Patricia Schnare, Romona Gilpin, John "Jack" Appleyard, Ernie Gilbert, brother-in-law Arnold Gilpin, daughter-in-law Amanda (Malloy) Appleyard.

Bruce experienced many challenges in his lifetime battling many health scares. He was strong throughout it all, up until the end. He will be remembered for his strength, willingness to survive, the kindness and the love he shared. Bruce was an amazing one-of-a-kind man and will never be forgotten.

May you always know how much you were loved, your job is done. May you rest in peace knowing that you will always be in the hearts, thoughts and prayers of your family.

God bless you and until we meet again - xoxoxoxox - your family.

The family will be celebrating Bruce's life at 983 Muskoka Rd. 3 N., Huntsville on Saturday, August 29, 2026 beginning at 2:00 p.m., rain or shine. See you there!