William Bruce Burrell

BURRELL, W BRUCE October 21, 1958 - March 11, 2024 It is with profound sadness that we share with you the death, at age 65, of an extraordinary man and well-respected leader in the fire service and emergency management. Bruce was above all, a much-loved father to Shaun (Kristen Tapson) Dartmouth; Jessica (Jorden Price) Bedford; and, a truly adored Papa to Addison and Charlotte. For the past twenty years, Bruce shared his journey, complete with significant challenges and incredible accomplishments, with his loving wife, Jennifer, by his side. Their strong partnership, founded in love, friendship and deep mutual respect, was evident to all. Bruce always said they made each other better and they were stronger together. That was never more evident than in 2017, when Bruce was given a terminal diagnosis of Pulmonary Fibrosis. There is no cure for this disease but Bruce immediately went into fight mode, did everything the doctors asked of him, and made a determined decision to fight to become transplant-ready. That meant sick enough to be placed near the top of the transplant list, yet strong enough to endure and survive the 10 to 12 hour bilateral lung transplant surgery. Bruce’s energy was directed where it was needed most, managing his medications, his symptoms, getting in his daily walk, and lots of rest. Jennifer became his advocate, keeping records, managing the multiple medical tests and appointments, and making the team aware if Bruce’s symptoms worsened or new ones presented. The transplant surgery happened in 2021 but did not go as predicted. From that moment until Bruce’s final breath, he continued to fight, not ready to say goodbye to his family and friends. Jen went into full advocate and caregiver mode and continued through Bruce’s final two weeks, spent at Hospice Halifax. Bruce grew up in Rockingham with his loving parents and siblings. He was predeceased by both parents, James (Jim) Burrell and Margaret (Patterson); as well as his grandparents, Hugh Patterson and Doris (Smith). Bruce will be missed by his siblings Debbie and Allan Davis, New Glasgow, NS; Kevin and Donna (MacLeod), Airdrie, AB; Patti Burrell, Bedford; and, Gary and Mariko (Yamamoto), Ho Ho Kus, New Jersey. Remembering Bruce with love are special aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins throughout Canada and the United States. Also remembered by his first wife, Lynne Burrell, Bedford, proud mother of Shaun and Jessica. Left to treasure their special memories are Jennifer’s NL family including her Mom, Sheila Comeau, Bedford/St. John’s; and sister, Bernadette Doyle-Follett (Wayne Follett); Erin Follett; and, nephew/godson Eric Duffett, StFX, Uncle Bruce’s self-proclaimed #1 fan. Bruce was very proud to have quickly risen through the ranks at Halifax Regional Fire to move from firefighter to Training Manager to Safety Manager to Deputy Chief. In 2005, he was asked to enter the competition for Chief, Calgary Fire Department. His true legacy was his remarkably successful management of the 2013 Calgary Floods. His approach to simultaneously focus on re-opening Calgary and getting the City back to business, won him awards and has become the gold standard in emergency response. While the recognition meant a great deal, what really mattered to Bruce were the true friendships and special relationships he had formed throughout his life, many going back decades. Bruce had two very close friends in particular, who have been incredibly supportive and important to him. Larry Williams, Herring Cove and Bill Holbrow, Calgary, your friendships, including the many laughs over the years, meant everything to Bruce. Bruce was a great listener, a loyal confidante and a mentor to many. He was a tough but fair leader. To his executive leadership team and countless others he would encourage them to work effectively, but put family first. Bruce was a man of great intelligence, who was widely trusted and valued for his integrity. Jennifer, Shaun and Jessica wish to send their sincerest appreciation and thanks to the entire staff of Hospice Halifax. You supported and sustained us as a family over Bruce’s final two weeks. We appreciate you so much. Cremation has already occurred under the care of Harbourside Regional Crematorium. Funeral service will take place 1 PM Tuesday April 2. Cathedral Church of All Saints 1340 Cathedral Lane, Halifax, NS. Private committal ceremony to take place at a later date . In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation, in Bruce’s memory, to Hospice Halifax www.hospicehalifax.ca; CPFF, Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation www.cpff.ca; or a charitable organization of your choosing. Please send condolences to the family to www.harboursidecremation.ca