Bruce Kelman

Bruce Kelman of Fort Macleod, Alberta, beloved husband of Evelyn (Pookkaakii) Kelman, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 25, 2021, at the age of 83 years, at home with family by his side.  Dad said, “I want to go like my Granny Waplington having a cup of tea and then going to sleep.”

Bruce was born on October 27, 1937, to Lydia Waplington (Gordon Kelman) and Donald Stewart. Dad met mom at Old Sun Residential school in 1958 and they were married by following year on November 28, 1959 “Grey Cup Sunday”, while they were working at St. Michaels Residential School in Alert Bay, B.C., and have been together for sixty years.

Dad attended a welding course in Burnaby, B.C., he went on to work for Westcoast Electric as a Welder.  He organized and was instrumental in starting the Union for the Welders of Westcoast Electric.  Afterwards he was assigned to work on the Grand Duke Mine in Stewart, B.C., and he also worked on the W.A.C. Bennet Dam in Hudson, Hope, B.C. Dad saw the effects of the destruction to the environment as a result of this line of work.

As a welder he worked in Kitamat, Keemano and Prince Rupert, B.C. Dad pursued a meat cutting course in Vancouver.  He worked for a meat shop in Kelowna, then pursued a heavy-duty mechanics course in Brandon, Manitoba. He worked in the Pas and Dauphin, Manitoba as a heavy-duty mechanic.

Dad volunteered with the West Region Tribal council, Dauphin Friendship Centre, Napi Friendship Centre, Moberly Lake, B.C., and Brandon, Manitoba, as a caterer and Santa at the community functions.

Many friends and family valued his expertise as a great cook and a skilled meat cutter.  Dad was always willing to share and teach these skills and abilities. Many local hunters relied on and appreciated Dad and Mom during hunting season.

Dad enjoyed taking his family across Canada on the Pow Wow trail.  Dad loved to laugh and tell jokes and stories and having a “good session.’ Favorite radio stations were CBC and CKUA.  Dad really liked his crossword puzzles, pick-up sticks, and cribbage games.  He was very grateful that he lived to see the “Legalization of Marijuana!!”

Besides his loving wife Evelyn “Pookkaakii”, Dad is survived by their children: Deborah, Gordon, Gloria (Dale), David (Rosalie), Maia, Brenna (Ron); his sister Lois and brother Garry; his twenty grandchildren: Cody, Jerry, Jason, Bonnie, Aideen, Armond, Monte, Lawrence, Keegan, Raven, Lily, Levi, Thorn, Janine, Jacob, Lucas, Shelby, Jasmine, DJ and Caje; his thirty great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Bruce was predeceased by his brothers Brent and Ken, his mom Lydia Kelman, his granddaughter Amada Mayer, his son-in-law Barry Morrison and his grandson Drayton Cardinal.

A private family Memorial Service was held on June 3, 2021. For those who could not attend, you are invited to view the video recording of the Service below.

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