Tribute

Bruce Jacob Hildebrand arrived on Jake and Phyllis’ 9th wedding anniversary…February 5th, 1963 in New Westminster, BC. Such a busy and interested child, he was always into SOMETHING…. Occasionally it wasn’t a good something [eating poison berries, drinking gasoline under the lawn mower].  He definitely kept us all hopping. That grin and the impish sparkle in those beautiful blue eyes kept you from ever being able to be mad at him for long!  Like his Dad, hockey was a big part of Bruce’s life and his number one sports Love.  He started playing hockey around 5 years old and that’s how he ended up with his famous “silver” front tooth…  I believe he ended up face first on the ice and the tooth broke off.  That tooth is still there with him today.  After the car accident in 1981 that rendered Bruce quadraplegic and severely brain injured, Bruce amazed everyone by following simple commands while “IN A COMA”…. We knew he was still with us in a big way.  So we never gave up on him. He continued to progress in many ways for many years.  Although his life was hampered by certain physical disabilities and he was unable to speak… He communicated LOUD AND CLEAR when he had an opinion on discussions or politics or if we just made him mad!  That left arm would come up and his mouth would open wide with a silent yell to communicate that you had better be listening, or else.  So many of us remember our arm wrestling with him, one of the things that he loved to do to show off how strong he still was.  He beat pretty much everyone with that strong left arm.  Camping became a family event with Bruce.  We started at Monk Park in Merritt one year.  He slept in a tent in his “Cadillac” a converted bicycle and lounge chair created by his Dad, Great Uncle and Brother in Law.  It was perfect… even had a brake! His baths were in a blow up dinghy!  Once the family acquired the “lake” places, Bruce spent many weeks at Missezula Lake and Shuswap Lake each year.  He even went for a speed boat ride and swim once (although he hated the swim… brrrrr).  The campfire and singing were a big part of Bruce’s loves while at the lakes and something we will always continue to do.  We will think of him every time.  He also was taken to many events through his group home, Larkin House, that contributed to his daily enjoyment in life.  His Larkin Family have lovingly cared for him for 25 years and we cannot express enough gratitude to all of them for their support of Bruce and the family.  Our sincere thanks and gratitude to Eagle Ridge Hospital C2B and W2B for their care and compassion over the past two months.  You, *Dr. Nasseri* and all the wonderful nurses made the transition easier for us.  Bruce was the most courageous and inspiring person we have ever known.  He is our Hero!  It was our privilege and honour to share in his life.   We were so blessed to have him with us for so long!  We know many of his friends and family have great memories and thoughts to share, so please do so here in his website.  We will enjoy reading them so much.  Thank You from all of Bruce’s Family.