Arnold “Bruce” Tooth
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father and poppa, Bruce Tooth and we celebrate a life well lived. He will leave a large hole in our hearts.
He will be deeply missed by his wife Jan, children Ryan (Kim) and Glenda (Dean Melnic), grandchildren Ashley Tooth, Chad Melnic, Connor Melnic and Sophie Melnic, his sister Florence (Will Klatt), and sisters-in-law Gerri Tooth and Josie Whittleton along with his extended family.
He was predeceased by his parents Sara and Stuart Tooth, in-laws Al and Mildred Whittleton, grandson Ethan Melnic, brother Bill and brother-in-law Brant.
Bruce was born the second son to Sara and Stuart Tooth in Brandon, MB on August 28th, 1940. He and his family moved to Oakville from the Elie area when he was 10 and has lived in same house since then. Bruce was a farmer at heart. He loved the land, farming, raising cattle and hay production. He spent many years hauling his hay to the U.S. where he made many friends. His life was dedicated to his faith, doing good deeds when he could, his family and the relationship with his friends. He taught his children the dignity of hard work and the foundation to become good adults, great parents and strong partners. He loved card games - crib, canasta and mah jong, as well as cooking. He had an amazing brain for numbers. He could get an answer before the person using a calculator. He was a real people person. He talked to people everywhere. As he and Jan travelled for many years as snowbirds, he made friends wherever he went. If they were in an R.V. park he would know most of the people in the park before he left. To Bruce, a stranger was only a friend he hadn’t met yet. He loved his family and followed his grandchildren around cheering them on whether it was baseball, soccer, volleyball or ringette. His children were his source of pride and his grandchildren were his source of joy.
Today we are saying the end of the long goodbye. He had many medical problems through his years, defied the odds and beat them all. This last attack was a fight he could not win – dementia.
A memorial service will be held at Newton Community Fellowship Church on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 1:30 pm. Private family interment will take place at Oakville Cemetery.
In memory of Bruce, please tell your family and friends how much they mean to you.
A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. http://www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com