WELLS
Robert Bruce
Robert Bruce Wells passed away on August 30, 2014 of complications following lung cancer surgery. Born in Red Deer on September 20 1950, Bruce attended Lindsay Thurber High School and played minor hockey throughout his youth and later for the Red Deer College Kings. He moved to Whitehorse as a young man and went to work in the airline industry for many years. He moved to Rocky Mountain House in 1992 and worked for a time in the family farm supply business. When his father became ill he lived with his parents and maintained their rural home and property, enabling them to continue living in a place they loved in spite of his father's declining health. Following his father's death, he assisted his mother in a successful transition to independent living back in Red Deer. When she suffered a stroke in 2003, Bruce again assumed a supportive role along with his sister Kerin. Together they were unyielding in their efforts to enable their mother to derive simple but important pleasures by visiting her on a daily basis and arranging outings and family dinners throughout the following years. During this period he pursued his lifelong love of music and became a proficient harmonica player and drummer. He also became certified to operate large oilfield service vehicles and later started a lawn care business when the oilfield proved to be an unsuitable environment for his gentle demeanor. At the same time, however, his personal struggles intensified. Thankfully fortune smiled on him in the form of the friendship and understanding of the McInnis family, and in particular his long-time friend Lynda McInnis (Campbell). When Lynda became terminally ill in 2012, Bruce provided trademark compassion and support as her health tragically declined. As those of us who loved Bruce reflect on his life, we are profoundly moved by his generous spirit, exemplified on countless occasions by his kindness to animals, children, the elderly and the disenfranchised. We also recall his deep intelligence, insatiable curiosity, and penetrating insight. Like many of history's great poets and visionaries, he was frequently haunted by what he saw, read and reluctantly believed to be true. A fiercely independent thinker, he eschewed stylistic conformity and pop culture, preferring to seek deeper meaning and truth in all his thoughts and endeavors. And like the poets, he was frequently given to frustration and anger, but never for a moment was he mean-spirited or vengeful. Conversely, it was the joy he often expressed at the good fortune of others that perhaps best illustrated his innate benevolent character. His legacy is a reminder to us all that the missteps of those who ultimately mean well should always be forgiven. Special thanks to the McInnis family, to friends Brian and Pauline Morrison, and to the new friends Bruce encountered in recent months who saw the goodness in his heart and supported him in his desire to be healthy. Extra special thanks to Bruce's loving sister Kerin for providing him with wisdom, compassion and safe harbor when he was most in need. Bruce is predeceased by his father Bud Wells. He is survived by his mother Helen Wells, sister Kerin Carr (Doug); brother Don Wells (Kimberley); daughter Jennifer Wells, several nieces, great nephews and cousins. We remain inspired by his kindness, and we will miss and love him always. Cremation has taken place. At Bruce's request, there will be no memorial service.