Bruce William Bawkowy, resident of Rycroft, AB, passed away suddenly on Friday, July 7, 2023, due to a tragic motorcycle accident on Highway 2 near Emerson Trail, at the age of 63 years.

He was born on December 6, 1959, at the Holy Cross Hospital in Spirit River, AB, to Ruby (nee Wherrell) and Matt Bawkowy. He grew up on a farm North East of Rycroft. He farmed and lived there until his passing.

Bruce graduated in 1978, in Spirit River and went on to attend Fairview College where he received his Auto Mechanic Training Certificate. He was then hired by Haliburton and was able to graduate from NAIT with his Heavy Duty Mechanic papers. Bruce also drove truck and farmed for many years throughout his career.

He married Suzzane Shmyr on December 19, 1981. They were blessed with three children: Natasha, Tanya, and Bruce Jr.

Bruce loved hockey, fishing, camping, and riding his bike. He was an active father and grandfather, and he will be missed beyond words.

Bruce will be sadly missed by his daughter Natasha (Colin) Creighton and their children: Nash and Waylan Peno, and Archer Creighton; daughter Tanya Sweeney and her children: Dreyden and Ryder Sweeney; son Bruce Jr. (Kim) and their children: Knox and Sawyer Bawkowy; as well as his mother Ruby Wherrell (Ken Mitchell).

Bruce was predeceased by his father Matt Bawkowy; brother Ricky Bawkowy; as well as both sets of his grandparents.

Rest In Peace Bruce, we will forever love and miss you.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 1:00pm, at the Ag Centre in Rycroft.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bruce’s name may be made to the Spirit River Minor Hockey Association (Box 533, Spirit River, AB, T0H 3G0).