Bruce Andrew Funston was born on July 23, 1951, to Gilchrist and Bernice Funston. He grew up just outside of Tara on Grey Road 5, raised on a mixed farm where hard work, responsibility, and helping hands were simply part of everyday life. Bruce was the youngest boy, following his older brothers John, Don, and Allan. From an early age, he learned the value of dedication and perseverance. Although he willingly helped on the farm, farming itself was never his true passion—it was simply the place that helped shape his character.

Bruce attended Tara Public School and later Chesley High School. During his high school years, he met the love of his life, Sherry Catto. Their relationship began young and grew steadily, grounded in friendship, loyalty, and genuine love. After dating for five years, they built a bond that would last a lifetime.

After high school, Bruce followed his interest in mechanics and enrolled at Conestoga College, completing a two-year program as a Class A Mechanic while living with family in Guelph. This education laid the foundation for a career defined by skill, reliability, and a strong work ethic.

Bruce and Sherry were married on September 8, 1973. They began their married life in an apartment in Owen Sound, where Sherry worked as a Nurse at the Owen Sound hospital. After a year, they returned to Tara and settled on Main Street, where they created a loving home and raised their family. Their daughter Shawna was born in 1976, followed by their son Kevin in 1978. Family was always at the center of Bruce’s world.

Bruce devoted 28 years of his working life to Trelford Automobile in Tara. He started as a mechanic and through dedication and knowledge, advanced to managing the parts department, then the service department, and eventually finished his career there in sales. His experience and people skills earned him the trust and respect of coworkers and customers alike. After leaving Trelford’s, Bruce purchased Barclay Wholesale, with Debbie Barclay working closely alongside him as his trusted right hand. He retired and sold the business in 2012, however, as a man who could never sit still, he found it hard to slow down so he started  his own landscaping and snow removal business, to keep himself busy, continuing to work hard and independently.

As a family, the Funston’s always cherished time spent together. Camping became an early treasured tradition, beginning with a tent trailer, and eventually a permanent site with a travel trailer to accommodate the entire family as they grew.  Later, boating became one of Bruce’s greatest joys. Exploring Colpoy’s Bay and Georgian Bay brought him a sense of peace and freedom. The boat was the one place where Bruce could truly kick back and relax. He loved spending long summer days on the water, tying up boats with friends, drifting, and enjoying social time, while the kids jumped and swam in the bay. Over the years, the family enjoyed several different boats and always called the Wiarton Marina their home base. Through boating, they formed lifelong friendships, spending many weekends with other families who boated together with their children. They also took longer boating trips, for weeks at a time, creating unforgettable memories.

Bruce never felt the need to leave Bruce and Grey County as he loved them so dearly.  Often the family did day trips close to home, enjoying the simple pleasures of the Bruce Peninsula, Sauble Beach and the shorelines of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. However, when Sherry had other international destinations in mind, he was “usually”/always agreeable and would happily join in the adventure.  Bruce found joy in simply being together.

Bruce was deeply committed to the Tara community. He was an active and proud member of the Tara Curling Club, where he served as President, volunteered on every committee, and coached beginners to advanced curlers of all ages.  He rarely missed watching the Brier, travelling from Newfoundland to Winnipeg with lifelong friends to enjoy both the curling, and socializing in the Briar patch.  Bruce was a huge advocate for curling.  He also served a term as a town councilor, was a founding member of the Tara Kinsmen Club, and a member of the Tara Legion. Bruce was the kind of person everyone could count on—always willing to help, offer advice, or lend a hand. He was the definition of a kind neighbour and a devoted community member.

Beyond his love of boating, and curling Bruce enjoyed golfing and treasured time fishing with Kevin, his friends and grandkids. Though he never collected cars, Bruce had an impressive knowledge of automobiles and a deep appreciation for them. He often remembered periods of his life by the General Motors products he was driving at the time—he owned only GMs and took pride in that loyalty. He loved listening to the music of the times, but had a soft spot for the sounds of the 60’s to early 80’s. Bruce always enjoyed watching Seinfeld, and cheered for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Bruce also appreciated life’s simple pleasures: plain Lay’s regular chips, butterscotch ice cream, Macintosh apples, Turtles, a glass of Glenfiddich scotch, and a cold beer.

When his grandchildren came into his life, Bruce’s heart grew even fuller. He loved sharing his world with them and spent every weekend enjoying time with either Shawna or Kevin’s families. Some of  his favourite grandchildren ‘time included camping, wagon rides and cutting grass in the tractor, fishing, bowling, and taking them for ice cream.  One unforgettable moment came while setting up a trampoline with his granddaughter—Bruce let a bad word slip, and, like most young children, she immediately repeated it, much to everyone’s amusement. It was a moment that perfectly captured his humour and authenticity. Bruce and Sherry made their grandchildren their top priority, traveling every weekend to attend sports games, graduations, and every event that mattered to them. They were always there—present, proud, and supportive.

About ten years ago, Bruce began his journey with dementia, marking a challenging chapter in our lives. Three months ago, he moved into Gateway Haven in Wiarton. From his room, he could look out over the water where he had spent so much time enjoying his life with family and friends.  We hoped this familiar view would bring him comfort and a sense of connection to a place where he had always felt at peace. The staff at Gateway Haven cared for Bruce with compassion and kindness, treating him like family, and for that his family is deeply grateful.

Bruce Andrew Funston lived a life defined by dedication, kindness, and community. He was known for being fun-loving, determined, stubborn in his own way, ambitious, hardworking, energetic, deeply social, and, above all, a gentle and loving soul. He instilled a strong work ethic in his children by example and showed what it meant to show up for family and others without hesitation. His legacy lives on through his family, his grandchildren, and the countless people whose lives he touched. He will be remembered for his steady presence, his generous heart, and the many quiet ways he made the world a better place.

Bruce passed away at Gateway Haven, Wiarton, on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in his 75th year.

Beloved husband of Sherry (Catto) for 52 years. Loving father of Shawna Funston (Craig Hamilton) of Toronto, and Kevin (Shauna) Funston of Komoka. Cherished Grampa of Jake, Leah, Braeden, Kayleigh, and Ben. Dear brother of John (Brenda) of Tara and Don (Carmen) of Mississauga, and brother-in-law of Catherine Funston of Stratford, Irene (Gunther) Bombis of Owen Sound, and Judy Catto of Cambridge. Bruce will be missed by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Allan and his parents Gilchrist and Bernice Funston.

A celebration of Bruce’s life will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 12 – 3 p.m., with words of remembrance being held at 1 p.m. Reception to follow at the Tara Legion, beginning at 4 p.m. Private inurnment in Hillcrest Cemetery, Tara.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Alzheimer Society or Friends of Gateway would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.