Calvert, Gerald "Bruce"
Retired Educator
Peacefully surrounded by the love of his family, Gerald “Bruce” Calvert, 83, of Meaford, Ontario, passed away on December 21, 2019 at the Meaford Long Term Care Facility.
Bruce was born in Midland, Ontario to Joseph Calvert and Edith (Watts) Calvert on August 17, 1936. He went to elementary school in Port McNicoll, secondary school in Midland, and post-secondary education at Queen’s University. He married Ruth Eva (Moreau) on April 4, 1959 in Port McNicoll. Bruce worked as an educator for 35 years with the Toronto District, Grey County, and Edmonton Public School Boards. He was actively involved in the Bruce Trail, the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, and the Meaford United Church choir. Some of his favourite pastimes were listening to classical and jazz music, and occasionally playing the piano. Bruce was a skilled athlete in a variety of sports such as hockey, fastball, curling, triathlons, and Nordic skiing. His enjoyment of working with youth included running sports camps in Toronto, and coaching ball and hockey teams. Both he and Ruth enjoyed many years of camping, canoeing, hiking, and cross-country skiing at many venues in Ontario and around the world. Bruce was a member of the Midland Red Wing Provincial Junior C champions in 53/54. He spearheaded the Bruce Calvert Earth Day Hike beginning in 2008, to raise money for the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority and local schools.
Bruce is preceded in death by parents Joseph and Edith, and siblings Joseph “Albert” (Jean), Mary (Stan), Nancy, and Billy.
He is survived by his beloved wife Ruth of 60 years. He will be remembered as a cherished dad to his children Mark (Brenda), Wendy (Jim), and Jill (Bill). Loving Papa to grandchildren Brandon (Donna), Taylor, Jaden, Aaron “Lee” (Amy), Adriane, Riali, Madison, and Noah, and great-grandchildren Andy and Adrian.
Bruce will be remembered by sisters-in-law Jean (Belcher) and Karen (Moreau) Graham, and his cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Cremation has taken place and family will receive friends at the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford on Thursday December 26 from 6 until 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at Meaford United Church at 11:00 a.m. on Friday December 27 with the Reverend SallyAnn Longfellow officiating with a reception to follow.
If so desired, the family would appreciate donations to the Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation (www.greysauble.on.ca) or the Bruce Trail Conservancy (www.brucetrail.org) – note: Beaver Valley Club
Bruce’s family extends sincere thanks to staff and volunteers at the Meaford Long Term Care Facility for their exceptional care while Bruce was a resident, and especially for their compassion and support during this difficult time.
Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca.
Details
Visitation: Ferguson Funeral Home from 6 until 8 o'clock
Friday, December 27, 2019 11:00 AM
Service: Meaford United Church
Make a donation in memory of Gerald "Bruce" Calvert
Donations: As per obituaryDonate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home
Monday, December 23, 2019
I will be forever grateful for the positive influence Bruce had on my life, always encouraging me to do what he knew I could manage [even if I doubted it myself]. May you be surrounded by good friends and comforted with happy memories as you say your goodbyes to a fine man.
Monday, December 23, 2019
Dear Mark & Brenda
Thinking of you at this difficult time. Cherish the wonderful memories you have of a great man. He raised a great family, educated many and accomplished so many other things.
To all of your siblings I extend my thoughts as well. I worked with Jill and Wendy at SVE in the 90’s.
Sandra Pyatt
Monday, December 23, 2019
On behalf of Mae and Reg Lanktree of Thornbury, and the Poulter family in Colorado we extend our deepest sympathies to Ruth and the entire extended family. Many prayers of comfort and love will be expressed here in Colorado for your beloved Bruce.
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Wendy and Jill, I am so sorry to hear of the death of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. May God give you comfort at this time. Hugs and more hugs to you both!
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Ruth & family – I was so sorry to hear about Bruce. He was a wonderful man who helped so many children & adults in so many ways. He will be missed by many. Remember all the good times – laugh & yes, cry too as they are both part of the healing! Take Care & God Bless! Bonnie Hammond
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers to the family. Bruce was a wonderful teacher and principal with much patience and kindness. Over the years, even thru his own battles he has always remembered our names and asked about our growing family. Truly a wonderful man and will be missed.
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
My deepest sympathy to you and your family Ruth. You were wonderful friends and neighbours to my Mom and Dad. I know Bruce will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Dear Ruth, Mark & Brenda, Wendy & Jim, Jill & Bill and Families:
We are thinking of all of you at this very sad time. Bruce truly left his mark upon this world and accomplished so much to improve the lives of the people around him. My memories of Bruce include working at MCS while he was Principal, seeing him in the Choir at Meaford United, having him organize many Earth Day Hikes and encouraging the kids as they ran and being such an important support to many people. He will be missed but has left his children , grandchildren and great grandchildren as his wonderful legacy. Thinking of all of you.
Jennifer Dorgelo
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Remember some great times with Bruce playing hockey,baseball and curling.A few adventures after O.P.S.M.T.F. meetings.Our deepest condolences to Ruth and the family.Chris and Sharon Graham.
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Ruth and Family,
I remember Bruce as a truly caring principal. After a cooking failure with my class he recounted a story about making noodles for Kindergarten students. On one hike he talked passionately about the TransCanada trail. Imprinted in my memory are Earth day hikes both during and after he was principal. He had a very wry sense of humour.
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Wendy, Jill, Mark & families:
We were so sorry to hear about your father’s death. Bruce was an outstanding man and will be remembered by many for years to come. We know this is a very sad time for you and your family and you will be in our thoughts and prayers. You have our deepest sympathy.
Wednesday, December 25, 2019
Ruth, Mark, Wendy, Jill and families: My sincere sympathy to all of you as you mourn the passing of your loved husband, and father. I always remember how supportive he was to his family, especially his grandchildren, attending recitals and other events in which they were involved. Remember and celebrate his wonderful life.
Wednesday, December 25, 2019
Dear Ruth
My sincere sympathy to you and all your family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Sincerely
Louise Cross
Wednesday, December 25, 2019
Peace at last for Bruce.
I remember the morning he stopped at my classroom and announced he was going to retire. When his family performed, their version of ‘I (we) heard it through the grapevine ‘at his retirement party, I thought I might be right in my assumption he got up that morning and made the decision.
I remember his stories: Mark offering to be in his elective group when no one else signed up, Bob K’s outhouse burning down, his revelations after teaching kindergarten for a year, and of course his dedication to leaving this earth better than he found it.
May your own special memories bring you peace and comfort, as you grieve and reflect together.
Helen Meneray
Wednesday, December 25, 2019
When we moved to the Beaver Valley Bruce was one of the first person that we met through Ten Days for World Development which we worked on together. Then we crossed paths in educational and Bruce Trail pursuits and got to know you Ruth and then Jaden came into our circle. Bruce was a wonderful man who gave so much to Meaford. Peace to you all. We are not able to attend the gathering or the visitation – we are with our daughters over the next few days.
Thursday, December 26, 2019
Dear Ruth and family, Linda and I were saddened to hear of Bruce’s death. He was an exemplary educator and a knowledgeable, principled and supportive colleague. As a Bruce Trail volunteer and leader he was inspiring. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Jack and Linda Morgan
Thursday, December 26, 2019
Wendy and Jim and family
Condolences The loss of a parent is always more difficult than one expects. We hope that you can take comfort in the good memories as you grieve.
Friday, December 27, 2019
Dear Ruth and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You will have many good times to remember.
Friday, December 27, 2019
Larry and Sharon Fennell
Dear Ruth, and family
Our heartfelt thoughts are with you today. We have many special memories of trips enjoying nature with you and Bruce to hold in our hearts. Many of our adventures would not have happened without Bruce’s planning. Bruce was a true leader for the Bruce Trail Conservancy, who had a vision for the trail to be there for many generations to enjoy, his many hours of volunteer efforts has made this happen. It is with great sadness that we cannot be with you and your family today and our many Beaver Valley friends to reflect, laugh and cry over many special times with Bruce remembering his wit and passion for life.
Larry and Sharon
Friday, December 27, 2019
Dear Ruth and Family:
I was saddened to hear of the passing of an old childhood friend.
The Calvert family were dear friends of our family growing up in Port McNicoll.
Bruce, John Arpin, Elaine Kvasnak and I were the only students in Grades 11 and 12 one year.
We played badminton every lunch hour and were all in The Bishop’s Candlesticks where Bruce
played the Bishop, John was Jean Val Jean, Elaine was the maid and I was the Bishop’s mother.
Such fun memories of that year.
Three of the 4 of us chose the teacher route while John became a renowned pianist.
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers and Bruce will always hold a special spot in my heart.
Sincerely, Betty Coyne-DuBeau (nee Saundercook)
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Ruth & Family..
I have many fond memories of Bruce at Bayview Public School where I was Office Manager… we worked well together and he and Rick Galbraith, Ruth Cunningham and I had many fun times… I remember he & Ruth and Gord & I drove together in one of our many Bayview school staff party activities which was a Car rally type of thing… we won of course !
I have thought of him many times over these past few years as his health deteriorated and how he soldiered on in spite of it… God Bless !
Ruth Byers
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
We are very sadden by the news of Bruce’s/Mr. Calvert’s passing. He was the Principal when we were choosing the (lead class in Meaford) French Immerssion Programme for our daughter, and gave us savy advice. We admired his enthusiasm for the outdoors and his choice to teach a kindergarten class in Owen Sound. I remeber we shared a chuckle when he told how a young student had asked him if he was always going to choose a healthy snack (as he was eating an apple) after their unit on healthy choices! We are very sorry for your loss and we know his spirit and teachings will live on. The Sled Family